Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com takes a deep dive into the subject to understand the merits of an effective safety survey process and the benefits for the organisation.

Introduction

EASA does not mandate a standard for surveys, this is in fact left to the discretion of the organisation to develop.

Unfortunately this creates a challenge for both the organisation as well as the competent authority

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com takes a look at the potential level of exposure across the Aviation Ecosphere.

Introduction

Cybersecurity risks in the aviation industry are a growing concern, especially as we move forward from 2024 to 2030. These risks encompass various domains within the industry, including air traffic control systems, aircraft avionics, airport operations, and passenger data systems.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com takes a deep dive into Inventory Control Processes

• Aviation Supply Chain Management, strategies, techniques, and tools for efficient inventory control, is a multifaceted topic with various challenges and best practices.
• Consider the following:

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com takes a deep dive into Integrated Inventory Management Systems

Introduction - Integrating Lead Time Management and Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory management.

The primary focus is on reducing the time it takes to receive goods once they are ordered. This includes optimizing supplier lead times, internal processing times, and transportation times. Involves understanding and effectively coordinating the two concepts.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers communication best practice to comply with (ARP) 6257A

Introduction

(ARP) 6257A provides standardized communication phraseology for aircraft ground deicing/anti-icing operations, ensuring clear and concise communication between flightcrew and groundcrew. This practice plays a crucial role in the safety of deicing programs and aims to address historical issues of differing communication scripts at multiple airport locations, which have led to unsafe situations. It is an essential document for ensuring safety and efficiency in these operations, helping to prevent miscommunication and its potentially dangerous consequences.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the best practices related to return to service of components recovered from Incidents / Accidents. Refer to AMC2 145.A.50(d) Certification of maintenance ED Decision 2020/002/R

Introduction

The return to service of aircraft items from accidents or incidents is a highly specialized and regulated process. Ensuring compliance with EASA Part 145 and Part 21 is essential for the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Regular updates in technical knowledge, continuous training, and strict adherence to best practices and regulatory requirements are key to successfully managing this challenging task.

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the regulations driving EWIS compliance within the European EASA jurisdiction.

Introduction

The origins of EASA's focus on EWIS can be traced back to various incidents in the aviation industry that highlighted the risks associated with electrical faults leading to in-flight smoke and fire events. These incidents underscored the need for rigorous maintenance and training practices to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com Considers the Training requirements in support of the Aerodrome Management Regulatory Requirements

Applicable to Operations, Rescue and firefighting, and Maintenance Personnel

• Safety training should address safety responsibilities, including adherence to all operating and safety procedures, and recognizing and reporting hazards;
• The training objectives should include the organisation’s safety policy and safety management system fundamentals, and overview;
• The contents should include:

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the regulatory obligations to comply with EASA regulations related to De-Icing & Anti -Icing requirements.

Reference Documents

>> EASA_SIB_2017-11_1 Global Aircraft De-icing Standards

>> EASA_SIB_2018-12_1 Post De-icing/Anti-icing Checks

>> SAE AS6285 ‘Aircraft Ground Deicing/Anti-Icing Processes’ and ARP6257 ‘Aircraft Ground De/Anti-Icing Communication Phraseology for Flight and Ground Crews’.

>> SAE AS6286 ‘Training and Qualification Program for Deicing/Anti-icing of Aircraft on the Ground’, complemented by subdocuments AS6286/1, AS6286/2, AS6286/3, AS6286/4, AS6286/5 and AS6286/6.

>> SAE AS6332 ‘Aircraft Ground Deicing/Anti-icing Quality Management’.

>> ICAO 9640 ‘Manual of Aircraft Ground

>> Official FAA winter 2023-2024 holdover time guidelines

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key elements of an effective Safety Audit.

Introduction

Performing safety management system (SMS) audits by EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Annex 19 requirements involves a thorough assessment of an organization's safety practices, focusing on risk and performance rather than mere compliance.

 ICAO Abbreviations and Terms Applicable to Aircraft deicing & anti-icing

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the typical terms and abbreviations compliant with ICAO Document 9640 and SAE AS6285E

Abbreviations and Terms

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the requirements to ensure compliance with  - GM1 ATM/ANS.OR.B.005 Management system (ED Decision 2020/008/R)

Definitions and Concept of a Management System

• ISO 9000 series of standards define a management system as a 'set of interrelated or interacting elements to establish policy and objectives and to achieve those objectives'.
• Another available definition of management system is the following: ‘The structure, processes and resources needed to establish an organisation's policy and objectives and to achieve those objectives.'
• Traditionally, separate management systems were developed to address issues such as safety, quality, environment, health and safety, finance, human resources, information technology and data protection. However, it is foreseen that more and more the services providers will establish integrated management systems following the harmonised set of requirements in this Regulation.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers Aircraft Deicing best practices compliant with Aerospace Standard AS6285 REV.E

Strict adherence to these guidelines is crucial for safe aircraft operations.

>> All personnel involved in deicing and anti-icing must be familiar with these procedures and exercise caution during application and post-treatment inspections.

>> Safety and efficiency in operations are the primary objectives of these practices.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at the role of EASA Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1645. Issues with Managing Cybersecurity in Aviation and Best Practices for Cybersecurity Management.

Introduction

The Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1645, adopted on July 14, 2022, provides specific rules for managing information security risks in the aviation sector. This regulation is a supplement to the broader Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, which sets out common rules in civil aviation and establishes the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the importance of ensuring effective aviation standards are identified and met throughout the organizational Air Navigation System (ANS)

Introduction Setting Standards

We use standards as a reference point or benchmark by which we can measure what we are doing to ensure it fully meets expectations

When discussing air navigation, air traffic control, and ensuring compliance with EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) standards, there are several relevant standards and documents to consider. Here's a breakdown:

>> EASA Regulations: EASA has a set of regulations that cover various aspects of aviation, including air operations, aircrew, air traffic management, and air navigation services. The most relevant regulations include:

>> Regulation (EU) 2018/1139: This is the basic regulation that establishes EASA and defines its responsibilities, tasks, and powers.

>> Regulation (EU) No 373/2017: This pertains to air traffic management and air navigation services.

Sofema Online (SAS) www.sofemaonline.com considers key aspects of EASA Part 147 Practical Training

Practical Considerations TNA

For the purpose of identifying the specific elements constituting the training course, it is acceptable to use a filtering method based on criteria such as:

>> Frequency of the task;

>> Human factor issues associated to the task;

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key aspects of the CCA process

Common Cause Analysis

Common Cause Analysis (CCA) describes the method used to identify the potential for common-cause failures (CCFs) within a system, where multiple components fail simultaneously due to a single event or shared cause.

In the context of certification, a comprehensive CCA is crucial. Regulatory bodies require a systematic approach to identifying and mitigating safety risks, including CCFs. Therefore, demonstrating a rigorous CCA is often a requirement for certification of an aviation flight control system

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the requirements introduced following the release of Annex VI to ED Decision 2023/010/R ‘AMC and GM to Part-145 — Issue 2, Amendment 6’

Background

According to EASA  - The current European aviation safety regulatory framework contains a series of requirements which are aimed at reducing the likelihood of an accident happening.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the terms, definitions, and differences related to Practical Assessment from an EASA perspective.

Introduction

 Appendix III 4.2.

• Practical Assessment is performed by Part-147 within an approved maintenance environment.

>>  (Part-145, with A rating, manufacturer) under the Part-147 approval

>>  Defined maintenance environment as described in the directly approved procedure by the competent authority (66.B.130) - Reference: Appendix III 1(b)

Sofema Online (SOL) considers best practices and procedures related to Aircraft Lavatory Servicing.

Introduction

Aircraft toilet servicing is a vital aspect of aircraft maintenance. Ensuring that the vacuum toilet system operates flawlessly is essential for the well-being and comfort of passengers as well as health and sanitation.

By adhering to these health and safety standards, airlines and maintenance providers can ensure the well-being of their employees, passengers, and the environment