Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com takes a look at the structure and development of Practical Training.

Introduction

Whilst EASA Does NOT specify the use of the Training Needs Analysis (TNA) Process to Develop and serve as a Control for Practical Training it can be considered as “best practice” as it ensures a framework for effective management.

Training Procedures

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at the process & methodology related to Distance Learning in support of EASA Part 147 objectives.

Introduction

Distance learning training method is introduced by Annex IV of ED decision 2020/002 in AMC 147.A.130(a), which is applicable to both basic and type training organisation.

AMC 147.A.130(a) defines 2 different types of distance learning training methods:

Understand the methodology and challenges to enable the implementation of the most effective process to manage maintenance errors.
To develop best practice techniques for managing an effective Maintenance Error Management System using MEDA.
In addition, delegates will understand how to develop organizational, specific MEDA programs for use within the organization.

Sofema Aviation Services considers the Challenges of Developing an Effective Training Needs Analysis in support of EASA Part 147 type training

All Maintenance Training Organisations are required to generate their own TNA (Training Needs Analysis) and syllabus to develop their type or basic training courses in accordance with regulation 1321/2014.

Whilst the TNA process is proprietorial to the organization which creates the training course it is nevertheless a requirement that the entire process is subject to audit either by the applicable CAA or another auditor.

The essential purpose of the audit is to ensure the validity of the TNA management process. In particular to ensure the correctness of TNA outcomes including the training duration.

If you are asking the question - How Can I become an EASA Part 147 Instructor - You are in the right place! 

SofemaOnline takes a look at how to achieve your goal of becoming an Aviation Instructor! 

What Does EASA Say about becoming an EASA aircraft maintenance instructor?

Part 147-A.105 (f), state that the experience and qualifications of instructors, knowledge examiners, and practical assessors shall be established in accordance with criteria published or in accordance with a procedure and to a standard agreed by the competent authority. 

Let’s first consider a fundamental difference between ISO 9001-2015 and EASA Regulatory Compliance Audits.  In the ISO world one reason to perform internal audits is to support the continual improvement of the organisation system. Conversely when in EASA compliance audit is carried out it is essentially to support the identification of a non-conformance.

Let’s also consider that the criteria by which we audit is called our audit “standard” Such a standard may in fact be a regulatory requirement driven directly from the Implementing Rule IR or the Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC).

It may also be a requirement based on the need for compliance with internal documentation, for example any of the following - OPS Manual Part A, EASA Part 145 Maintenance Organisation Exposition (MOE), EASA Part M Continuous Airworthiness Management Exposition (CAMO) or EASA Part 147 Maintenance Training Organisation Exposition (MTOE).  All of the aforementioned documents contain detailed procedures which need to be complied with by the organisation.

SofemaOnline.com (SOL) is a service provided by Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) offering online video training by qualified technical aviation instructors including UK Nationals as well as Russian speaking trainers in the field of aviation.

Sofema Aviation Services has been in operation now for almost 9 years. SAS commenced trading in March 2008 and today we are operating with 3 unique but complementary brands covering Aviation Jobs, Offline and Online Training and Consultancy and organizational support. We are looking forward to continuing to develop our core brands:

www.sassofia.com, www.youraviationjob.com and www.sofemaonline.com

SofemaOnline.com (SOL) would like to welcome you to the growing numbers of satisfied users. Please visit the website to view the huge range of courses we offer.

The portfolio of available training courses is constantly being expanded and includes all the 145 recurrent training courses, ESDS, SMS, Maintenance Planning and Production Planning. As well as the generic courses which are loaded and available for all users, there are company specific courses which can only be accessed by your nominated delegate.

If any questions occur during the studying process our experienced trainers would be happy to support you.

The Maintenance Training Organisation Exposition (MTOE) defines the organisation and procedures upon which the EASA Part 147 Organisation approval is based. The MTOE must be constructed in such a way that through the document the organisation is able to demonstrate full compliance with all regulatory requirements.
 
Consider that the purpose of the MTOE is actually two fold:
 
a) To demonstrate full compliance with the regulatory environment 
b) To describe the most efficient process to enable the organisation to operate in an effective way.
 
Also to consider that the Accountable Manager is responsible for the overall operation of the Maintenance Training Organisation and considering he has the necessary power to maintain adequate facilities, equipment, materials, technical data and qualified personnel as necessary, pertinent to the operation of the Maintenance Training Organisation. It is important that the contents of the MTOE are fully understood and accepted by the AM.

EASA Regulation Part 66 (Derived from Joint Airworthiness Authorities (JAR) JAR 66 establishes the requirements for issuing an Aircraft Maintenance Engineers License (AMEL) to support the process to manage the competence of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.

Similar to other EASA regulations The Part 66 Regulation is divided into two parts.

Section A which sets out the requirements that must be met by Industry.

Section B deals with the procedures to be followed by the competent authorities.

In order to be entitled to exercise certification privileges on a specific aircraft type, the holder of aircraft maintenance license need to have his/her license endorsed with the relevant aircraft ratings.

How to Ensure the Independence of Audits within an EASA Part 147 Organization

When we talk about the Quality System we are off course considering both the function of QA & QC.
 
The QA audit process must be independent which means the auditor is not involved in the day to deliver delivery of training or management of processes.

It should also be understood that the audits do not replace the need for ongoing Quality Control (QC) activities.

The audits which we will carry out are considered as “compliance audits” and essentially follow a prescriptive checklist ensuring that all elements of the process are delivering in accordance with both the regulatory and organizational requirements.

A Part 66 License belongs to an individual and is valid for 5 years, an organization approval is only valid whilst the holder is employed by the organization and may in fact have expiration's which are limited by other factors. (For example recurrent training validity)
Part-66 licenses facilitate the certification of the release to service of aircraft after maintenance and to work within the Base Maintenance (note the need for company authorization) there is a distinct difference between gaining an Aircraft Maintenance Engineers License (AMEL) and gaining organization approval to certify aircraft.

To become a Licensed Aircraft Engineer, there are basically two routes:

a) The approved course (Taught by a suitable approved EASA Part 147 Training Provider)
Note - In the case of attendance to an approved course, the minimum experience requirement is reduced from 5 years to 2 years for approved course graduates.
b) The self-improver (The Self-Improver Route Requires evidence of 5 years of appropriate experience together with passes in all applicable Part 66 modules. The evidence is then presented to the Competent Authority. (10 years allowed))