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

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Technical Standard Order (TSO), European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), European Technical Standard Order (ETSO) and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), Canadian Technical Standard Order (CAN-TSO).

Sofema Aviation Service (www.sassofia.com) provides regulatory and vocational compliant training for EASA, FAA, OTAR, GCAA & GACA regulations.

A Bi-Lateral Agreement exists between the EU & Canada and between the EU & FAA concerning mutual recognition, the following document considers the relationship.

Acceptance

Acceptance is when an importing authority acknowledges an exporting authority’s issuance and treats it with the same validity as if they had made the issuance.

In plain language:

Introduction 

Agreement was reached in relation to the extension of 145 certification approval between the European Community (European Aviation Safety Agency - EASA) and the USA (Federal Aviation Administration - FAA) and between EASA and Canada (Transport Canada Civil Aviation - TCAA).

Details of the agreements are issued in the form of two separate guidance materials known as Maintenance Annex Guidance and hereinafter referred to as the MAG. 

Maintenance Annex Guidance 

Is sub-divided into three Sections; 

Official Title

Technical Implementation Procedures for Airworthiness and Environmental Certification under The Agreement on Civil Aviation Safety between The Government of Canada & the European Union (Revision 3 - 18 September 2017).

Purpose

The purpose of these Technical Implementation Procedures is to define the interface requirements and activities between Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the import, export, and continued support of civil aeronautical products.

TCCA and EASA shall conduct their certification and validation activities consistent with the Agreement on Civil Aviation Safety (hereafter referred to as the Agreement) and these Technical Implementation Procedures.

The Role of EASA 

EASA commenced operations on September 28, 2003. Under the regulation, EASA initially has responsibility for: 

a) All design approvals
b) Continued airworthiness
c) Design organization approvals
d) Environmental certification
e) Approving production
f) Maintenance (repair station), and
g) Maintenance training organizations