1.2 SAFA Inspection Process - COL

7/21/2019 1.2 SAFA Inspection Process - COL

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Presentation Slides SAFA Workshop

Colombo, Feb, 6th 10th 2012

Colombo February 6th - 10th 2012

Civil AviationCivil Aviation CooperationCooperation

FranceFrance COSCAP SACOSCAP SA Sri LankaSri Lanka

SAFA WorkshopSAFA WorkshopModule 2Module 2 -- SAFA InspectionSAFA Inspection ProcessProcess

ColomboColomboFebruary 6February 6thth -- 1010thth 20122012

SAFA InspectionSAFA Inspection ProcessProcess


Back to the basics

Ramp InspectionRamp Inspection

Identification of FindingsIdentification of Findings

Categorization of FindingsCategorization of Findings

Preparation of the ramp inspectionPreparation of the ramp inspection

Follow-up actionsFollow-up actions

Corrective and preventiveactions requested


Qualification of Ramp InspectorsQualification of Ramp Inspectors



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3. Ramp Inspection procedures

Agenda : SAFA Inspection Process

1. Qualification of Ramp Inspectors

2. Ramp Inspection preparation

4. Identification of Findings

5. Follow-up actions


EASA - GM

Qualification of

SAFA Inspectors

EASA - GM

SAFA Ramp

Inspections










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1. Qualifications of Ramp Inspectors


Main Principles

Ensuring that SAFA Ramp inspectors have the :

1. appropriate background knowledge,

2. training, and

3. expertise to perform relevant ramp inspections.

Definition of common :

1. eligibility criteria,

2. training requirements,3. recency and recurrent training requirements.

Harmonize and Increase the quality of the SAFA ramp inspectionsHarmonize and Increase the quality of the SAFA ramp inspections




Main Principles

QualificationTrainingEligibility

Practical TrainingTheoretical Training OJT

Recurrent

Training Chart

SAFA

ramp

inspector

qualification


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Eligibility Criteria

Candidates for qualification as SAFA inspectors shall meet the

following criteria :

1. Possess the necessary aeronautical education and/or practical

knowledge relevant to their areas of inspection,

- Operation of aircraft,

- Personnel licensing,

- Airworthiness of aircraft,

- Dangerous goods.




Eligibility Criteria

Candidates for qualification as SAFA inspectors shall meet the

following criteria :

1. Possess the necessary aeronautical education and/or practicalknowledge relevant to their areas of inspection,

2. Good command of English language,

3. Free of any form of conflict of interest.


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Training Chart



Recurrent




Initial Training Requirements

Initial Theoretical Training

- In classrooms,

- To familiarize inspectors with the general SAFA framework,

- ICAO context and regulatory background,

- SAFA procedures, findings, categorization, reporting and follow-up

process,

- Not less than 3 training days.


Initial Training phase


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Practical Training

- In either a non-operational environment or adequate turn-around of airlines,

- To familiarize inspectors with the inspection techniques,- Not less than 1 training day.







On-the-Job Training

- In the real operational environment,

- Performance of SAFA ramp inspections with a senior ramp inspector,

- Two phases : Observation and Action,

- Covering (among others) inspection preparation, ramp inspection process and

human factors elements,

- Not less than 6 ramp inspections minimum for each phase.




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Assessment of the trainee

- After the initial training phase, the trainee is assessed during a test,

- Under the supervision of a senior ramp inspector,- Demonstration of the professional capacity, knowledge, judgment and ability,



SAFA

ramp

inspector

qualification

Formal issuance of a SAFA ramp inspector qualificationFormal issuance of a SAFA ramp inspector qualification

QualificationInitial Training phase




Training Chart


Recurrent Training

Recency requirements

Recurrent

In order to maintain the validity of QualificationIn order to maintain the validity of Qualification


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Recurrent requirements


- Not less than 12 ramp inspections a year,

- Number can de reduced by SANA ramp inspections,- Re-qualification criteria if the minimum recency requirements is not met.

RecurrentRecurrent Training





Recurrent requirements

Recurrent training

- At least once every 3 years or whenever needed (major changes),

- To familiarize SAFA inspectors with new developments in the regulatory

background, new SAFA procedures, standardisation issues

- Not less than 1 training day.

Recurrent

Recurrent Training



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As a conclusion



Recurrent

Harmonised criteria Harmonised criteria

to ensure the harmonized performance of SAFA ramp inspections. to ensure the harmonized performance of SAFA ramp inspections.


Back to the basics











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EASA - GM

SAFA Ramp

Inspections V1


2. Ramp Inspection Preparation


Preparation of a ramp inspection should consider :

Selection of the aircraft /operator

Gathering of informationPreparation of the ramp

inspection itself

Selection Criteria

- Establishment of a schedule for the SAFA ramp inspection performance

taking into account :

- Number of flights performed,

- Type of operations (passengers, cargo commercial, private),

- Type of aircraft operated (small, large),

- Outcome of the critical analysis of the operator (previous ramp checks,

USOAP, IASA, passenger complaints, incidents, accidents, ATC issues ),

- Maximum coverage of the operator population flying to the inspecting

country

Coordination with the Traffic Right issuing ServicesCoordination with the Traffic Right issuing Services

Collection of safety-relevant informationCollection of safety-relevant information


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inspection itself

Selection Criteria

- Establishment of a schedule for the SAFA ramp inspection performance

Definition of objectives (number of inspections / year)Definition of objectives (number of inspections / year)

Long term planningLong term planning

Short term planningShort term planning

- Scheduled airlines

- Charter flights,

- Business flights,

- Spot checks.

Whenever necessary

(information on suspected deficiency)






inspection itself

Selection Criteria for the French DGAC (as an example)

- Distinction between European and non-European Airlines,- Distinction between scheduled and charter air carriers,

- Taking into account the EU prioritization list,

- Higher frequency of inspections on airlines where a high number of

deficiencies was previously identified,

- Higher frequency of inspections on airlines from an authority with audits

reports (USOAP/IASA) where major safety deficiencies were identified.

Basic planning

- Twice a year for all the foreign airlines,

- Four times a year for all scheduled airlines,

- More for airlines matching one of the criteria above.


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inspection itself

Selection Criteria should also consider the following :

Try to work by experience, have your own idea and suspicion (previous

checks, information of the centralized SAFA data base or of the NAA one),

Use information and reports/records obtained, use your own feeling and

intelligence (presence of passengers, ATC slot, ),

Program must be efficient to focus on operators suspected of non compliance,

Charter may indicate no assistance at the airport, so tendency to skip the

technical problems,

Analyze the context as a charter operation, a new airline flying to the state, a

new type of aircraft, a recent/old aircraft,

Use all information, but with caution as per their validity (whistleblowers).






inspection itself

Bear in mind that ramp inspectors are like aviation doctors

SAFA

- Having regular checks of a patient helps having a

good picture of his health,- A sound patient with no symptoms does not need to

be checked by a doctor.

Avoid unnecessary over-inspectionAvoid unnecessary over-inspection

- When a patient has been identified

as sick, regular checks are required

to see the evolution of the disease.

Intensify inspections on these airlinesIntensify inspections on these airlines


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inspection itself

Data collection

- Gathering all necessary information to increase the relevance of the inspection,

- Results of previous ramp inspections,

- Declared status on the actions implemented from the previous communication

(verify the correct rectification),

- Update of the operating schedule.

Coordination with the Air Traffic ServicesCoordination with the Air Traffic Services

- There should be cooperation with security and other officials involved in

airport activities to enable the SAFA team to reach the aircraft to be inspected.






inspection itself

Preparation of the ramp inspection itself

- Distributing the tasks among the ramp inspectors according to the timeavailable and the complexity of the aircraft knowing that :

- The SAFA Ramp Inspection should preferably be performed by at least 2

inspectors.

- Select the items to focus on.

Inspectors ready to perform a relevant ramp inspectionInspectors ready to perform a relevant ramp inspection


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Back to the basics






Corrective and preventiveactions requestedCorrective and preventiveactions requested




3. Ramp Inspection Procedures








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Basic procedures

A ramp inspection can be performed :

- on the inbound flight,

- on the outbound flight (relevant especially for Flight and Cabin preparation,

cargo loading and quality of the pre-flight inspection process),

- on the whole turn around of an aircraft.

The inspection should be as comprehensive as possible in the time allowed

(highest number of items checked and depth of inspection of each item).

However, if not possible (no sufficient time), priority should be given to the most

safety-critical items including :

- Flight Preparation, Pre-flight and Aircraft acceptance (A13, A14, A20 to A24),

- Aircraft Equipments and flight documentation (A3 to A7),

- Crew licenses (A20),

- Aircraft Condition (C items) and cargo loading and securisation (D items)




Basic procedures : Item Inspecting Instructions

Procedures on the inspecting instructions included in the GM

Inspecting instructions (linked with the inspection item)

Inspection Item


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Basic procedures : Item Inspecting Instructions

Example : A04 / Manuals




Basic Principles while performing a SAFA ramp inspection

Inspectors must show tact and diplomacy when performing a SAFA Ramp

Inspection,

Any unnecessary contacts with passengers should be avoided,

However, to be able to inspect certain elements in the cabin this may be

justified, for example:

proper stowage of cabin luggage,

excessive overweight in overhead luggage bins/racks,

baggage near emergency over wing exit,

infants/children over the minimum age should have their own seat.


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A certain amount of inconvenience to flight and cabin crews and otherpersonnel involved in ground handling activities may happen, but inspectorsmust do everything possible to reduce hindrance to the minimum, forexample:

Try to be as precise and complete as possible when asking for A/Cdocuments from flight crew. This should result in a minimum ofdiscussion time allowing the flight crew to deal with their primary task offlight preparation.

Ask the senior cabin crew member to dedicate one crew member to assistyou with the inspection tasks,

Debrief the commander of the aircraft after the inspection task iscompleted,

Inform cargo loading staff of possible hindrance due to inspection task incargo compartment





Departure delay of an aircraft should be avoided. However, when an inspector

discovers an issue which may have a major effect on flight safety or requiresfurther investigation to clarify the issue, a delay may be justified.

For example:

The tyres appear to be worn beyond the limits (central groove no longer

visible) however reference must be made to the applicable AMM to

determine the actual limit,

An oil leakage (e.g. 5 drops/minute) must be checked against the applicable

AMM to determine the actual limit,

A flight crew member cannot produce his/her licence. Clarification must be

sought from the operator to confirm the flight crew member has a valid

licence.


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Have a visible ID and introduce yourself:

Good day, we are from the National Aviation Authority, and we are performinga SAFA ramp inspection

Flight crew (without interrupting them during their work),

Cabin crew (ask them to warn the captain),

Technical staff and/or Airline representative,

Be friendly and polite (inspection = intrusion),

Be properly dressed, look professional,

Minimize the impact on crew tasks (i.e Flight Preparation), Do not enter in controversy,

Get evidence (copy documents, pictures),

Some humor always helps

Salamat Pagi Apa Kabar ? Buenos Dias - Como estais ?

Sabah el kheir Kefel Al ? Dobre Dien Kak diela ?


Back to the basics











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Definition of a SAFA Finding

A finding is a deviation from an applicable SAFA standard :

- Chicago Convention and ICAO safety-related Annexes,

- ICAO Supplementary procedures (doc 7030),

- Other safety-relevant ICAO leaflets,- Manufacturers standards,

- Aircraft Certification standards.MEL/CDL/AMM/SRM MEL/CDL/AMM/SRM


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Example of a hard landingExample of a hard landing

Could this be considered as a SAFA finding ?Could this be considered as a SAFA finding ?

?





A finding is a deviation from an applicable SAFA standard :

- Chicago Convention and ICAO safety-related Annexes,

- ICAO Supplementary procedures (doc 7030),

- Other safety-relevant ICAO leaflets,- Manufacturers standards,

- Aircraft Certification standards.MEL/CDL/AMM/SRM MEL/CDL/AMM/SRM

A finding is a technical issue :

- that has not been detected by the operator,

- or that has not been properly addressed during the turn around (pre-flight).

Clear distinction between a technical problem and a SAFA FindingClear distinction between a technical problem and a SAFA Finding


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Defect within limits

ICAO requirements involving the pre-flight check / aircraft acceptance / defect

notification :

A6-I-4.3.1(a)(c) : A flight shall not be commenced until flight preparation

forms have been completed certifying that the pilot-in-command is satisfied that:

a) the aeroplane is airworthy;

c) a maintenance release as prescribed in 8.8 has been issued in respect of the

aeroplane;

A6-I-4.5.4 : The pilot-in-command shall be responsible for reporting all

known or suspected defects in the aeroplane, to the operator, at the termination of

the flight.

IMPORTANTIMPORTANT





When an aircraft is checked and defects found as :

- seepage/leakage,

- missing screws,

- static dischargers / antennas missing,- windshield delamination,

- inoperative bulbs on the emergency path marking

If these defects have not been properly identified, assessed and reported during

the pre-flight check

A SAFA finding will be identifiedA SAFA finding will be identified

IMPORTANTIMPORTANT


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If the operator did not properly identify/assess/report these defects, the ramp

inspector will ask the crew to perform an evaluation of the defect IAW the

applicable limitations

If the assessed defect appears to be outside the permitted limitations

Cat 3 finding and immediate corrective action requestedCat 3 finding and immediate corrective action requested

MEL/CDL/AMM/SRM MEL/CDL/AMM/SRM

If the assessed defect appears to be within the permitted limitations

Cat 2 findingCat 2 finding

A24 Pre-flight inspection performedwithout noticing obvious defects

A24 Pre-flight inspection performedwithout noticing obvious defects

A23 - Known defect not reported/assessedA23 - Known defect not reported/assessed

IMPORTANTIMPORTANT





As a conclusion : even a defect within limits can be reported as a SAFA finding

when this defect is not

Properly identified by the operator during the pre-flight checkProperly identified by the operator during the preProperly identified by the operator during the pre--flight checkflight check

Properly assessed and reported by the operatorProperly assessed and reported by the operatorProperly assessed and reported by the operator

Does not point out a technical issue but a lack of proper identification or

assessment/reporting in the procedures of the operator.

IMPORTANTIMPORTANT


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Definition of a PDF

Pre-described finding

- system used for the SAFA procedures,

- association of a finding description with its categorisation, Standard and

Standard Reference,

All the most common and legitimate findings are included into this PDF list,

System to increase the harmonization and standardisation in Europe through :

- a common identification of findings,

- a similar reporting process (description and phraseology),

- a common categorization of the same deficiencies.




As indicated in the EASA-SAFA Guidance Material

Pre-described Findings

Regulatory background (ICAO reference)

Finding phraseologyStandard

Categorisation

Definition of a PDF

Detailled Description content

(as a minimum)


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Example : A05 / Checklists

Definition of a PDF


How to report findings ?



By using the appropriate PDF

- Most of the time, there is only one PDF appropriate to cater for one

particular situation,

- Crucial to choose the right one !

By detailing the particular case identified in the Detailed description

information box

- The information provided shall enable any reader to clearly understand the

situation detected !

Are the findings fully understandable by somebody whowas not present during the inspection ?

Are the findings fully understandable by somebody whowas not present during the inspection ?


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How to report findings ?



When inserting findings in the final report detailed description must be clear

enough to answer the following questions :

- What is exactly the finding ?

- Where is it located ?

- (especially for technical issues) Why is it a finding ? What are the applicable

manufacturer limitations ?

- What has been performed during the ramp inspection ?

Unclear findings = Useless findingsUnclear findings = Useless findings

What ?What ? Why ?Why ?

Subsequent action ?Subsequent action ?

Where ?Where ?


Particularity : G category



Apart from the 3 categories, definition of the General Remark (cat G),

Enables the ramp inspectors to report some useful information in terms of safety

that are not based on deviation to the applicable standards, Not a findingNot a finding

These remarks give relevant safety information to the airline and the authority to

be included in their safety oversight system

(eg : tyre worn close to the limits, torch light missing for day flight, life

jackets expired but not required for the flight )


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Sometimes General Remarks (cat G) may give more relevant information on

the safety level of an airline than any major findings.








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This case will be taken up to the airline and authorityfor immediate action and preventive actions

This case will be taken up to the airline and authorityfor immediate action and preventive actions







Other exampleOther example


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A restriction of operations was imposed on this airlinefor all the aircraft non equipped with a 8.33KHz Radio spacing channel

A restriction of operations was imposed on this airlinefor all the aircraft non equipped with a 8.33KHz Radio spacing channel


Particularity : ICAO differences notified by States



Mutual recognition for certificates issued by Contracting States on the basis of the

minimum ICAO requirements


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If issued certificates are not meeting minimum ICAO requirements (sub-ICAO)

First : mandatory notification to ICAOFirst : mandatory notification to ICAO

Sharing the information with the other Contracting StatesSharing the information with the other Contracting States






Second : Endorse the sub-ICAO certificates or licensesSecond : Endorse the sub-ICAO certificates or licenses

Identify the ICAO requirements that are not meton the licence or the certificate itself

Identify the ICAO requirements that are not meton the licence or the certificate itself


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Third : Before using internationallyendorsed licences and certificates,

permission shall be requested to the State of operations

Third : Before using internationallyendorsed licences and certificates,

permission shall be requested to the State of operations

National operations are ok (Article 1 : sovereignty)National operations are ok (Article 1 : sovereignty)

International operations subject to required previouspermission from the State of operations

International operations subject to required previouspermission from the State of operations





Impact on the SAFA procedures ?

On the Spot (by the SAFA ramp inspector)On the Spot (by the SAFA ramp inspector)


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Impact on the SAFA procedures ?

In the communication process / closure of findingsIn the communication process / closure of findings


Back to the basics










&


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Class of actions

Class of actions

- Based on the categorisation of the findings certain follow-up actions have

been defined,

- Requirement to deliver the proof of inspection regardless of the findingsidentified,

- Debriefing with the captain or the airlines representative.

Note : The ramp inspector shall request the proof of inspection to be signed (as

a sign of acknowledgement of receipt)

Note : the indication of the category of the finding (1,2,3,G) is not required to

be reported on the proof of inspection


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Class 1 action Information to the captain

Deliverance of the proof of inspection at the end of each SAFA ramp inspection




Class 2 action Information to the Authority and the Operator

Class 2 action

- When at least one cat 2 or cat 3 finding is revealed,

- Letter to the operator requesting corrective/preventive actions taken andevidence of these actions,

- Letter to the state of oversight requesting, where appropriate, a confirmation

that they are satisfied with the corrective actions proposed or taken.

This is a follow-up action and not an action taken on the rampThis is a follow-up action and not an action taken on the ramp


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Class 3 action Restrictions or Corrective actions

Class 3 action

- When at least one cat 3 finding is revealed : an immediate action/ restriction

shall be taken by the airline and verified by the inspector.

3b) Corrective actions before flight

- Findings that require an immediate action to be taken before the flight can be

operated.

- For example : Repair of defect according to the AMM,

Recalculation of Mass and Balance, performance or fuel calculation,

Getting information from the missing NOTAMS,

Change of the OFP,

Proper restraining of Cargo,

A copy of missing license / document to be sent by fax.





Class 3 action


shall be taken by the airline and verified by the inspector

3a) Restriction on aircraft operation

- Findings that require an immediate restriction to be taken before the flight can

be operated.

- For example :

Lack of quick donning type of oxygen masks : restriction to the FL 250,

Aircraft full of passengers and one seat is found inoperative : pax

disembarked,

Cargo compartment declared as inoperative,

Lack of B-RNAV authorization : restricted to the FL 115,

Return to base as a ferry (non commercial) flight only.


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Class 3 action



3c) Aircraft detained by inspecting NAA

- The aircraft is grounded only when the crew do not accept to take the

appropriate required actions / restrictions before flight to correct a cat 3 finding

(lack of cooperation),- Also possible if an operator refuses the performance of a SAFA ramp

inspection (in direct application of CC Article 16).

Very rare : few occurrences each year





Class 3 action

-When at least one cat 3 finding is revealed : an immediate action/ restriction


3d) Immediate operating ban

- In case of an immediate and obvious safety hazard, an operating ban may be

imposed solely based on one ramp inspection.

Very rare in Europe : since the EC regulation 2111/2005 (Black List regulation)

- For example :

Lack of installation of a required EGPWS, ACAS/TCAS II, ELT 406 MHz

Depend on the national law (enforcements measures)

set forth by the Inspecting NAA regulations


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Inspectors handbookInspectors handbook

During the inspecting and reporting process, one useful tool for ramp

inspectors :

Miscellaneous

Containing :

Airport ICAO codes,

Airlines ICAO codes, SAFA/SANA inspection procedures (inspecting instructions and PDF),

Contacts (headquarters, foreign Civil Aviation Authorities)




Inspections performed on General Aviation flights

Miscellaneous

Not the same referential

not the same procedures, against ICAO, Annex 6, Part II

Not the same referential

not the same procedures, against ICAO, Annex 6, Part II

Definition of :

New set of procedures (inspecting instructions),

New set of findings (PDF).

See dedicatedpresentation (details to come)


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Back to the basics









&




Closure of the deficiencies identified

Further follow-up : Closing the Loop

- Requesting corrective/preventive actions to be taken,

- Request to the operator and, where appropriate, to the authority (oversight,licensing, registry),

Note : where appropriate = important number of findings, repetitive

findings, lack of response from the operator, or when the actions are not under

the responsibility of the operator (A08, A09, A20 )

- Actions shall be supported by evidence (copy TLB, notes or circualrs for

pilots/mechanics for instance ),

- Continuous monitoring of the efficiency of the actions taken is necessary

(CAA may include the SAFA information in their safety oversight activities for

further check).


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Miscellaneous

To be considered while reporting the ramp inspection

- The personnel responsible for dealing with the SAFA ramp inspection report

was not present on the ramp during the inspection,

- The ramp inspection report shall be as precise as possible on the findings

detected so that appropriate corrective/preventive actions can be taken,

- A finding not understood will never be addressed

- If lack of understanding (what, why ), necessity for the inspecting NAA toprovide further details as to what was identified and why it was identified as a

finding.

Transparency and Credibility of the programmeTransparency and Credibility of the programme


To be considered while detecting findings

- Airlines are more and more challenging the findings made, sometimes either

from a lack of understanding (so we need to send them explanations) or



Miscellaneous

Sometimes with thebad faith syndrom

It neverhappened It was not me

You harass ourairline with false

findings

Your inspectorscreated findings

on the ramp

Their request shall be addressed as well

A picture is worth a 10 page-e-mail


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With pictures

- You save a lot oftime in exchanging e-mails,

- You can clarify the mind of the representatives of the airline and the authority

with objective facts (none of them were there during the inspection ),

- You can illustrate the deviations from the applicable standards.



Miscellaneous

To be considered while detecting findings :

- Airlines are more and more challenging the findings made, sometimes either

from a lack of understanding (so we need to send them explanations) or

- As inspectors, we have to systematically (as much as possible) document

the findings made (pictures of the finding, pictures of the reference used

(AMM/SRM), pictures of TLB entries, pictures of the HIL entries)

and the findings can no more be challenged



As a conclusion

SAFA Programme implemented by the EU :

- Final Aim : Increase the overall safety level of airlines operating in Europe

by proper correction and relevant prevention of safety deficiencies identifiedthrough ramp inspections








&

Identification and Action

Safety Loop


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1.2 SAFA Inspection Process - COL

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