Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the fundamentals of a Risk-Based Oversight System (RBO)

Introduction

An aviation Risk-Based Oversight System is a system that aims to enhance safety in the aviation industry by identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks.

The goal of RBO is to take a proactive and risk-based approach to aviation safety oversight. By identifying potential safety risks and taking appropriate measures to mitigate those risks, regulatory authorities can help ensure the safety of aviation operations.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the basic elements of business risk and associated change management principles.

Introduction

Organizational change: Aviation businesses must adapt to changing market conditions, technological advancements, and customer preferences. This requires effective change management principles, including communication, training, and leadership support.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the Continuing Airworthiness Requirements to ensure compliance with GM M.A.301(i)  ED Decision 2020/002/R.

Introduction Maintenance Check Flights (MCFs)

The definition of and operational requirements for MCFs are laid down in the Air Operations Regulation and are carried out under the control and responsibility of the aircraft operator.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the Performance-Based Oversight (PBO) approach proscribed by EASA.

Introduction

EASA's risk-based and performance-based oversight approach is designed to ensure that the aviation industry operates safely, efficiently, and sustainably while minimizing risks to passengers, crew, and the environment.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com reviews the EASA recommended process for moving through the risk assessment process.

Introduction

Managing the safety risks related to a change is a standard component of SMS, as specified in multiple EASA regulations for a Management System (AMC1 ORO.GEN.200(a)(1);(2);(3);(5) Management system

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the safety management system elements within an EASA Part 21 Subpart G Production Organisation Approval holder (POAH)

Introduction (GM1 21.A.139(c))

Safety management seeks to proactively identify hazards and mitigate the related safety risks before they result in aviation accidents and incidents.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the regulatory requirements related to the management of Defect Control & Reliability.

Introduction – AMC M.A.301(b) Continuing airworthiness tasks (ED Decision 2020/002/R)

» The operator should have a system to ensure that all defects affecting the safe operation of the aircraft are rectified within the limits prescribed by the approved minimum equipment list (MEL), configuration deviation list (CDL) or maintenance data, as appropriate.
» Also, that such defect rectification cannot be postponed unless agreed by the operator and in accordance with a procedure approved by the competent authority.

Sofema Online (SOL) (www.sofemaonline.com) considers the regulatory responsibilities placed on the operator by EASA.

Introduction - What are the responsibilities of the AOC holder required to implement a management system in accordance with ORO.GEN.200 in regards to continuing airworthiness management and contracted maintenance?

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at the process of delivering assurance within an FAA - EASA Compliant Safety Management System.

Introduction - Considering the Definition of Safety Assurance

» EASA – Safety assurance – all planned and systematic actions necessary to afford adequate confidence that a product, a service, an organisation, or a functional system achieves acceptable or tolerable safety.
» FAA – Safety assurance – Processes within the SMS that function systematically to ensure the performance and effectiveness of safety risk controls and that the organization meets or exceeds its safety objectives through the collection, analysis, and assessment of information.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the changes which will be applicable following the introduction of EU regulation 2021/1963.

Introduction

According to EASA the main change introduced in the regulation is the required implementation of a Safety Management System for maintenance organisations will require the following:

» To implement hazard identification, risk management, and safety assurance processes.
» The designation of a safety manager.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the primary responsibilities of an MCC Defect Control Engineer

Introduction Roles & Responsibilities

The Defect Control Engineer (DCE) is expected to be a subject matter expert with the ability to provide immediate real-time expert advice and guidance to operational pilots on the interpretation of the MEL dispatch and technical troubleshooting. The role is often the primary interface between the maintenance department and the flight crew, with duties including the support for any Aircraft on Ground (AOG) recovery process.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the best practice related to the use of the Aircraft Minimum Equipment List (MEL).

Introduction

The MEL is a commonly used tool allowing for the safe and continuous operation of the aircraft until rectification of certain inoperative equipment or unavailable system functions that are not adversely affecting the airworthiness of the aircraft. Understanding the principles and rules for correctly applying MEL items is crucial for both maintenance personnel and flight crews

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at the various terms related to the codes or other certification specifications governing the design and performance of civil aeronautical products and articles.

“Amended Type Certificate (ATC)” means a design change made by the TC holder that requires an amendment to the TC and the Type Certification Data Sheet (TCDS).

“Appliance” means any instrument, mechanism, equipment, part, apparatus, appurtenance, or accessory, including communications equipment, that is used or intended to be used in operating or controlling an aircraft in flight, is installed in or attached to the aircraft, and is not part of an airframe, aircraft engine, or propeller.

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

Validation of Design Certificates (Typically None Minor)

The Technical Agents have established two paths for validation:

» Streamlined validation; or

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

Introduction – TIPs provide specific procedures related to the following:

»  Airworthiness certificates and monitoring of civil aeronautical products;

» Environmental certificates and testing of civil aeronautical products;

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key aspects of Cabin Crew Operational Suitability Data.

Reference - Certification Specifications for Cabin Crew Data (CS-CCD) - Issue 2 - 10 December 20201 (Annex to ED Decision 2020/015/R).

Introduction

In accordance with the requirements of GM1 CCD.400 It is necessary to identify Cabin aspects of special emphasis.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the specific tasks which require a QC input to ensure the production process integrity.

Introduction

With effect from 7th March 2023 EASA Part 21G - 21.A.139 Quality System is being renamed 21.A.139 Production Management System, however the functional requirements which can be considered as Quality Control Activities essentially remain the same.

Consider the following elements which are required to support the production planning process:

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com reviews features related to OSD.

Introduction

Operational Suitability Data (OSD) refers to a suite of data which is required to be established by aircraft manufacturers under the control and oversight of EASA Part 2. OSD is considered as Data which is important for the safe operation of aircraft type.

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com considers in detail the forthcoming changes to Initial Airworthiness Regulation 748/2012, their applicability, and regulatory obligations.

Introduction - Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/201

This regulation applies to management systems and occurrence-reporting systems to be established by design and production organisations.

Ref also EASA Basic Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 and (EU) No 376/2014

Sofema Online Considers the Technical Records & Documentation Management

Requirements are driven by EASA Part 21 Regulatory requirements

Introduction – New Major Repair

Relevant substantiation data associated with a new major repair design and record keeping should include: