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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers best practices for managing the required records and documents related to EASA Part 147 nominated persons.

Introduction

Records of all instructional and exam invigilation staff may be maintained in digital and/or hard copy.

>> The purpose of the records is to support the scope of their authorization.
>> All records are kept up to date and securely stored under the control of the nominated Training Manager.
>> Access to the records is restricted to the Training Manager, Quality Manager and Administration Staff.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the role of a Functional Hazard Assessment as part of the Aircraft Type Certificate Certification Process.

Introduction

A Functional Hazard Assessment (FHA) is a systematic evaluation conducted to identify and assess potential hazards associated with the functions and behaviours of a system or process. It is common to ensure safety and mitigate risks.

>> The FHA focuses on analyzing the functional aspects of a system to identify potential hazards and their potential consequences.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the typical process to manage the assessment of Practical Assessors

A practical Assessor is a nominated person who will determine the level of practical knowledge/practical skills of the trainees on a particular module, element, or part thereof. The function may include the drafting and/or the selection of practical tasks, as well as the performance of the practical instruction.

General Information concerning Assessment and acceptance of staff

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com reviews a typical process for the performance of EASA Part 147 Type Training Practical Assessments

Introduction

Practical assessments are conducted to evaluate the knowledge and skills level of the trainee required to perform safe maintenance and required in support of aircraft-type practical training.

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Steve Bentley FRAeS CEO of Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) considers in depth a number of issues and challenges which are faced by the Industry

>> Due to various misunderstandings related to the need for regulatory training and

>> Obligations related to the management of competence.

Third Country Approved Organizations are responsible directly for the competence of all staff required to discharge EASA Regulatory obligations.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers managing MCC Defect Processing and Actions

Introduction - Development of a Defect Control Procedure – Example Short Content

A description of the defect rectification and control procedures, including details of:

o The methods used to detect and report recurring defects.
o The procedures for scheduling the rectification of defects whose repair has been deferred..."
o Procedures for recording and rectification of defects, including the identification of recurring defects.
o The complexity of the system used to control defects, including rectification and deferral, as well as identifying and handling recurring defects will vary according to the type of aircraft operated and the size and nature of the operation.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at the typical duties of EASA Part 147 Practical Assessors - Examiners.

Introduction - Examiners are responsible to the Training Manager for:

>> Ensuring that procedures established in this Maintenance Training Organisation Exposition MTOE 1 and Training Procedures are fully complied with.
>> The security of the examination question databank, or examination papers when under his/her control.
>> The selection of the examination questions/papers appropriate to the phase of the training course being examined in accordance with the Training Procedures. Phase examination questions will reflect the course syllabus material, level of instruction and learning objectives.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers typical auditing elements across multiple business areas and elements. The following issues and challenges are considered for each element.

>> Related to the effectiveness of ensuring EASA compliance as per EASA and ICAO requirements, certified aerodromes shall demonstrate and continually monitor compliance with the requirements through audits and inspections.

Ensuring Best Practices related to EASA-compliant Auditing and Oversight of European airports.

EASA-compliant auditing and oversight are multi-faceted processes that require a comprehensive approach. Regular audits, continuous training, and a proactive approach to safety and compliance are essential for ensuring effective and compliant aerodrome operations in Europe.

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Sofema Online (SOL)  www.sofemaonline.com considers the contents of the following online course: SMS for Accountable Managers, Nominated Post Holders and Key Executives

Introduction

This is a high-level SMS course specifically designed for executives and the leadership team who need to demonstrate a broad level of knowledge across the whole SMS Ecosystem.

The course covers a wide range of SMS-related subjects and attempts to answer key questions

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key element related to understanding Safety Management for Flight & Cabin Crew.

Introduction – What is an SMS?

>> A safety management system (SMS) is defined as a systematic approach to managing safety, including the necessary

o Organizational structures,
o Accountabilities,
o Policies and procedures.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com reviews the CS 25 system separation requirements.

Introduction EWIS Certification Requirements

(a) Each EWIS must be designed and installed with adequate physical separation from other EWIS and aeroplane systems so that an EWIS component failure will not create a hazardous condition.

>> Adequate physical separation must be achieved by separation distance or by a barrier that provides protection equivalent to that separation distance.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the potential exposure related to HIRF Interference.

Introduction

On April 15, 1990, an Airship Industries Airship-600 traversed the beam of a highly directional RF broadcast from a Voice of America antenna and suffered a complete loss of power in both engines that resulted in a collision with trees and terrain during a forced landing in North Carolina. The National Transportation Safety Board stated in its investigation of the accident that the lack of HIRF certification standards for airships was a factor in the accident.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers specific issues related to the acceptance of aeronautical parts and materials.

Introduction - Here we will consider in depth the importance of FAA and EASA Stores Inspection Function and the steps necessary to ensure the correctness of all documentation

The role of the Aviation Stores Receiving Inspector is vital in ensuring the safety and compliance of aircraft parts and materials. By following the provided guidance, organizations can ensure that their inspectors are competent, effective, and up-to-date with the latest regulations and best practices.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the MMEL Development Process

Introduction

The MMEL is a document issued by the aircraft's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that lists equipment and systems that may be inoperative for certain flight conditions. Each item on the MMEL is associated with a specific operational procedure to ensure safety during the flight. The MMEL is a critical part of an aircraft's operational certification and is a reference for creating an airline's Minimum Equipment List (MEL).

Creating a Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) for a new aircraft is a complex and lengthy process that requires a deep understanding of the aircraft's systems, operation, and safety principles. The aircraft manufacturer designs and tests the aircraft, taking into account various scenarios including situations where certain components or systems might not be operational. These tests will inform the initial draft of the MMEL.

For EASA regulatory environment we must consider Operational Suitability Data (OSD) which is a group of interconnected data elements that are necessary to demonstrate the operational suitability of an aircraft type.

The OSD is part of the aircraft type certification and includes, among other things, the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL).

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the roles and responsibilities related to the performance of Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) & Safety Assessment of Community Aircraft (SACA)

Introduction - How are ramp inspections performed?

The Inspection is performed by Authorised inspectors who are using an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) compliant checklist with 53 inspection items during ramp checks.

Category 2 and Category 3 findings are communicated to the responsible Aviation Authority for information and to the home base of the operator with the request to take appropriate action to prevent reoccurrence.

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Posted by on in Regulatory

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com introduces the role, purpose and applicable regulations related to the Ramp Inspection Programmes Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) and Safety Assessment of Community Aircraft (SACA)

EU Ramp Inspection Program

>> Used by third-country operators (SAFA) or
>> Used by operators under the regulatory oversight of another EU Member State (SACA)

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Sofema Online (SOL) considers the relationship between Technical and Safety Requirements when designing aircraft system modifications.

Introduction

Regulations by their nature are prescriptive conversely when we consider the potential exposure by referencing safety cases as part of the assessment process, we are substantially dealing with what could be considered a subjective approach.

Safety Analysis should add value rather than be simply a “Desktop” exercise.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com takes a deep dive into the Evolution of Flight Deck Ergonomics and considers its Impact on the Aircraft Certification Process.

Introduction

Following World War II, aircraft became more complex, leading to a more crowded and confusing cockpit. The development of jet aircraft in the post-war era brought about faster and more complex machines, requiring further changes in cockpit design.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com Reviewing Manual Workplace Hazards, Considering Challenges and Best Practices.

Introduction – Identifying Workplace Hazards

The workplace presents multiple challenges and hazards which can increase the risk of a personal injury occurring.

A detailed process, including requirements for identifying hazardous manual handling and implementing risk controls, should be documented and available to the stores and stores inspection staff.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at the basic steps to deliver conflict resolution in the workplace.

Introduction

Any conflict in the workplace (regardless of its source will not be without a certain degree of stress).

and whilst conflict will be inevitable from time to time, it is important to maintain a professional approach and to preserve a positive relationship.

It is essential that act at the earliest possible opportunity, swiftly and effectively dealing with the issue in the most appropriate way. Consider the following points:

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