The aviation industry, with its complex and highly regulated nature, presents unique challenges for project management. When we consider engaging in aviation-related project management we typically need to consider a multifaceted approach that addresses its unique challenges through.

>> Strategic planning,
>> Rigorous standards,
>> Stakeholder engagement,
>> and a commitment to safety and quality.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the major challenges related to the need to address Cyber Security.

Aviation Cyber Security Strategy Introduction

The civil aviation sector is increasingly reliant on the availability of information and communications technology systems, as well as on the integrity and confidentiality of data.

The threat posed by possible cyber incidents to civil aviation is continuously evolving, with threat actors focusing on malicious intents, disruptions of business continuity and the theft of information for political, financial or other motivations.

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 roles, responsibilities and obligations to ensure compliance with UAE GCAA regulatory requirements.

Introduction CAR 145.35 Certifying staff and support staff

Shall comply with the following:

» Comply with 145.30(g) and 145.30(h)
» Certifying staff and support staff - understanding of the relevant aircraft and/or components to be maintained
» Understanding associated organisation procedures. (Before the issue or re-issue of the certification authorisation.)

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the requirements to ensure compliance with UAE GCAA Regulatory requirements related to the Fabrication of Parts

Introduction

The GCAA acceptance for the fabrication of parts by the approved maintenance organisation should be formalized through the approval of a detailed procedure in the Maintenance Organisation Exposition.

Note: Fabrication, inspection assembly and test should be clearly within the technical and procedural capability of the organisation;

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.

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the role and purpose of online instructional training courses.

Introduction by Steve Bentley CEO of SofemaOnline:

As of 2022 EASA permits all Type Training and up to 50% of practical training to be performed online. The reality is that the post-COVID world will never be the same and the willingness of people to engage with online training has never been more evident.

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

Introduction - CAMO.A.125 Terms of approval and privileges of the organization (EU) 2020/270 

An organization approved in accordance with this Annex may: 

      » Extend an airworthiness review certificate under the conditions of point M.A.901(f) of Annex I (Part-M) or point ML.A.901(c)of Annex Vb (Part-ML), as applicable.
      » Located within a Member State

o   May additionally be approved to carry out airworthiness reviews in accordance with point M.A.901 of Annex I (Part-M) or point ML.A.903 of Annex Vb (Part-ML) as applicable, and:

o   Issue the related airworthiness review certificate and extend it in due time under the conditions of point M.A.901(c)(2) and point M.A.901(e)(2) of Annex I (Part-M) or point ML.A.901(c) of Annex Vb (Part-ML), as applicable;

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the Regulator Oversight of Aircraft Maintenance Programs (AMP)

Introduction

The Agency is, on behalf of the Member States, the competent authority for initial airworthiness as per Article 77(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 (the EASA ‘Basic Regulation’). Following M.A.302(d)(2), ICA shall be the basis to develop an AMP. 

Whilst the Member State’s CA is responsible for approving the AMP, they should not normally impose such as national requirements, in addition to the instructions for continuing airworthiness (ICA) issued by the design approval holder during the certification process with the Agency.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com the worlds leading provider of EASA compliant Regulatory & Vocational Training also offers Dangerous Goods Awareness Training

Which Dangerous Goods Awareness Training do I require?

Which Dangerous Goods Awareness Training Do I Require?

Sofema Aviation Services provides clarification regarding the various terms used to describe the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) rulemaking.

Introduction - Here’s a quick self-check!

Can you explain the difference between a “Decision” and an “Opinion”? (If like many of Sofema delegates you are not so sure, then you are in good company :)

Here we take a look at some of the common terms and explain what are the differences.

Can EASA Interpret EU Law?

EASA is not the competent authority to interpret EU Law. The responsibility to interpret EU Law rests with the judicial system, and ultimately with the European Court of Justice. EASA cannot even provide an 'authentic interpretation' (which is an official interpretation of a statute issued by the statute's legislator). 

The following white paper considers a number of challenges faced by EASA Regulatory Authorities to engage with a Performance-Based Approach in this case with Aircraft continuing airworthiness monitoring (ACAM) (however there is a read across into SMS).

Steve Bentley is MD of Sofema Aviation Services www.sassofia.com

Sofema Aviation Service www.sassofia.com looks at SMS reporting from the EASA perspective

What do we mean by Safety Occurrence Reporting?

We use the term Safety Occurrence to identify as a collective term which is used to embrace all events which have, or could have significance in the context of aviation safety.

Events identified may in fact range from minor events which are deemed to have a potential for an impact on safety through to incidents or events that should be reported to more serious events including serious incidents and accidents.

Building a Reporting Culture

The willingness to report, safety related exposures is a significant measure when we are considering the effectiveness of Safety Management System.

What people say about SofemaOnline?

"Very helpful, because during the course there are included many useful examples from real environment.” – E.Z. for Fuel Tank Safety (Recurrent) with VO /January 2016/

"It will definitely be helpful for the participants as it clears the basic concepts and give innovative ideas to implement the procedure in their own organisation." – R.R. for Part M Maintenance Planning Essentials /January 2016/

"It is very useful to implement its concepts into the work” – S.A. for Root Cause Analysis for Quality Assurance Practitioners /March 2016/

In the context of Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) we usually talk about Safety Culture as being an integral part of the SMS process, but do we have a shared understanding of what we mean when we talk about Safety Culture.

Essentially it is how we feel personally about the risk faced regarding a particular hazard (although we do not view it in these terms) – think about it next time you jump an amber traffic light!

This personal behaviour is impacted by various external influencers for example – our national psyche, family values, work place norms, peer pressure etc.

What do we mean when we talk about Online Training?

Online Training also known as Distance Learning is gaining in popularity as it provides a convenient and effective learning medium. Compressed video, delivered through a Learning Management System LMS is one of the fastest growing learning processes currently being employed.

How to ensure Quality of Instruction?

Quality of instruction is an important consideration to be addressed with on-line learning programs. The content should be continually reviewed and every endeavour made to improve based on user experience and feedback.