Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers best practices related to key negotiating Tactics.

Negotiation – Process or Event?

In fact, the negotiation should be considered as a process rather than an event, in turn, this highlights the importance of building relationships as a key driver to successful negotiations.

» Poor Negotiators will try to control the conversation attempting to sell their position to the other side.
» Good Negotiators will listen intently to understand red flags and develop appropriate responses.

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the different strategies to be considered as part of developing our negotiating skills.

Introduction

Always start with a strong understanding concerning the type of negotiation you are facing. In reality, every negotiation is about finding & distributing value. Every effort should be made to keep negotiations friendly and constructive.  

Having a good understanding regarding the value expectations of each side together with an awareness of what is available – both from a tangible and intangible point of view. (It is seldom that negotiation is limited to the visible options, there is always the possibility for creative strategies)

Steve Bentley CEO of Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com explains the role of the training material presented by SAS & SOL (Sofema Online) and considers the obligations of the receiving organisation 

Introduction

Sofema Aviation Services was founded back in 2008 – currently, we provide over 550 Classroom & Webinar Courses and over 220 Online courses through our sister site www.sofemaonline.com

Since the beginning of Jan 2020, we have had over 17500 enrollments in our regulatory training.

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers best practices related to the Technical Library OPS.

Access Control

The Main Library Operates as a secure and controlled business area – Satellite Libraries are controlled by the business area appropriate to Library Location.

Persons authorized to access the main library are

» All Library Staff
» Quality Assurance Personnel

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key processes for the management of the Aviation Technical Library.

Introduction – Aircraft Technical Library      

The Aircraft Technical Library provides for an established managed facility to control and deliver technical information throughout the business.

The Technical Librarian ensures that all publications and libraries required for the operation of the airline or Aircraft Maintenance Facility are and remain current.

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers best practice related to the provision of an effective Maintenance Repair Organisation (MRO) / Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) Aircraft Technical Library.

Introduction

Strong Management of Technical documentation is an imperative for a well-run organisation. The effective administration of technical documentation and management of related aviation publications should never be overlooked and can adversely affect smooth-running and operational effectiveness if not managed to a high level.

The management of technical manuals and documents which are related to the establishment & maintenance of the aircraft, as well as to support the continued demonstration of organisation compliance with regulatory requirements is of critical importance to the success of the organisation.

SofemaOnline Considers ICAW in relationship to Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) and Continuing Airworthiness Maintenance Organisation (CAMO) Technical Libraries

Introduction - Instructions for continuing airworthiness (ICAW)

For an aircraft or aeronautical product, means

» Written instructions, as in force from time to time that specifies requirements, procedures and standards for the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft or aeronautical product;

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the importance and role of the Aircraft Technical Library Manager.

The Manager / Head of Library Services typically reports to the Base Maintenance (BM) or Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO Manager), with the task of managing the day-to-day operations of all functional areas of the Technical Library Department as well as providing oversight and direction to those activities concerned with obligations of the library including issuing monthly reports and updated publications.

» Assigns work, provides instructions, procedures and guidance for employees assigned to Technical Publications.
» Is responsible for managing local recruitment within the business area and performing direct and indirect

Review by Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com

General Introduction

The Maintenance Control Center (MCC) acts as an integrator of multiple elements bringing together key mission-critical oversight activities

The MCC may be co-located with the Operations Control Centre (OCC) or developed as a separate unit

It is usually expected that the operation control centre (OCC) is supported by the Maintenance Control Center (MCC) which not only controls aircraft maintenance activities, also provides interface & guidance for the outstations.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key features required for a Maintenance Software to support the functionality of an effective MCC

Introduction – Considering Key Features of Maintenance Management Software?

The MRO software should be seen as a resource that is demonstrably providing a competitive advantage.

» Scheduling Maintenance. One of the most basic and most important maintenance management features is the maintenance schedule. ...
» Monitor & Manage Work Order. ...
» Maintenance Logs. ...
» Maintenance Work Checklist. ...
» Proactive Maintenance. ...
» Inventory Tracking. ...
» Reports & Analytics.

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers best practices related to the management of Recurrent Defects within the Maintenance Control Centre

Introduction - How To Ensure That Outcomes Of Repeated Defect Analysis Provide Meaningful Results

Maximization of fleet availability depends in part on having the ability to identify potential repeating defects on either individual or fleet aircraft and to expedite the necessary maintenance action.

» Being able to identify such repeating defects is dependent on a number of  variables

o   Has the defect been correctly recorded into the reliability system?

o   Can we rely on Engineering to ensure that outcomes of repeated defect analysis provide meaningful results?

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com takes a look at the process to ensure effective control of “Aircraft On Ground” (AOG’s) & Unscheduled Maintenance

Introduction

Significant losses are suffered due to AOG’s and unscheduled maintenance, across industry tunning to many millions of Dollars.

» Losses Occur primarily due to the non-availability of aircraft resulting in lost revenue.
» Parts & Materials ordered on an AOG basis are typically charged at a premium rate.

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the best practices needed to ensure effective management of Technical Documentation within the Maintenance Control Centre

Introduction

Strong Management of Technical documentation is imperative for a well-run Maintenance Control Centre. Administration of technical document management should never be overlooked and can adversely affect smooth-running and operational effectiveness if not managed to a high level.

To support efficiency & safety we should ensure that we have the most appropriate systems and processes in place that can help support all associated business areas.

SofemaOnline (SOL) considers the communication relationship between the Maintenance Control Centre (MCC) and the Airline Operations Control Centre (OCC)

Introduction – Considering OCC Functions

The goal of any OCC is to be efficient, effective and promote best practice decision making- To make the best decision for the right reasons (Based on the optimum data set available)

The development of an OCC is a continuous process usually driven by either a shortfall in expected outcome (driven by an ineffective process) or the internal need to improve a process which whilst compliant with the objective no longer meets acceptance.

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers primary aspects of FAA Certification including aircraft & repairs.

Introduction - How Does the FAA Certify Aircraft?

The FAA collaborates with the International Civil Aviation Organization and other civil aviation authorities to maintain and advance the safety of international air transportation.

The Certification Process involves the following:

» A review of any proposed designs and the methods that will be used to show that these designs and the overall airplane complies with FAA regulations;
» Ground tests and flight tests to demonstrate that the airplane operates safely;
» An evaluation of the airplane's required maintenance and operational suitability for introduction of the airplane into service;

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the primary roles and responsibilities of MCC Personnel – Shift Engineer

Shift Manager of Maintenance Control (Aircraft Maintenance Controller)

The MCC Shift Engineer is responsible to the Maintenance Control Centre Manager for the smooth operation of the MCC department with the following key responsibilities.

Will typically have 5 years minimum experience with a relevant technical background. Will be expected to have worked in most areas of maintenance, including base maintenance, line maintenance, & production planning.

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at evaluating the benefits of implementing a Maintenance Control Centre.

Introduction

A major advantage of cost-benefit analysis lies in forcing people to explicitly and systematically consider the various factors which should influence strategic decisions, using the cost-benefit analysis process we are able to drive more critical thinking around all aspects of the project value.

Note Cost-benefit analysis assumes that a monetary value can be placed on all the costs and benefits of a program, including tangible and intangible returns.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the primary roles and responsibilities of MCC Personnel

Manager of Maintenance Control

The MCC Manager is responsible to the Accountable Manager/Technical Director/Continuing Airworthiness Manager (As applicable) for the smooth operation of the MCC department with the following key responsibilities.

Will typically have 10 years minimum experience as well as recent appropriate managerial experience with a relevant technical background. Will be expected to have worked in most areas of maintenance, including base maintenance, line maintenance, and production planning.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the process of developing an Aviation Maintenance Control Centre from an existing EASA compliant Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) operation

Introduction - What’s in a MCC?

     »  All the elements of Maintenance Control are to be found within Part M of the regulations (however the reverse statement is not true)

To consider the contents of Part M, in particular, Part M Subpart C as an appropriate starting point.

A review carried out by Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com

Introduction

As with the majority of organizational elements to be found within the MCC the key is to build on the basic understanding of what functions the MCC will perform.

An early decision relates to the decision whether to co-locate the Maintenance Control Centre (MCC) with the Operations Control Centre (OCC). When both units are co-located the organisations report more effective communications and improved coordination during emergencies and AOG Situations.