A review by Sofema Aviation Services www.sassofia.com
Introduction
The basis for an organisation approval according to EASA Part 21 / J is the achievement of the approval requirements specified in 21A.245:
The organisation must implement and maintain a quality system in general and a Design Assurance System in particular, to ensure the control and monitoring of all design activities.
A Design Organisation Approval is a recognition that a Design Organisation complies with the requirements of Part 21 Subpart J.
Supplementary implementation notes are given by the corresponding AMC and Guidance Material (GM). Regulatory monitoring of design organisations is carried out by EASA.
Terms of Approval
The approval includes terms of approval defining:
The scope of approval: The type of design activities including fields of expertise
Categories of products: The applicable products such as Large Aeroplanes, Engines, Small Rotorcraft, Sailplanes, etc.
List of products: The list of products for which the DOA holder is Type Certificate applicant or holder (if applicable)
Privileges & Primary Activities of DOA Holder
The preparation of design documentation for aeronautical products or changes including repairs, in addition, to perform the following functions:
a) Identification & interpretation of Certification Specification (CS) and environmental protection regulations;
b) Verification that the design is safe and meets the airworthiness requirements of the Certification Specification;
c) The preparation of Instruction for Continuing Airworthiness ICAW
d) The preparation and application for official design approvals (Type Certification, Supplemental Type Certification or Repair Approvals).
e) Design organizations provide Approved Production Data as well as Approved Maintenance Data.
NOTE – EASA issues Type Certificate and approvals for repair procedures based on the above activities.
A DOA holder can –
Perform design activities within the scope of approval
Have compliance documents accepted by the Agency without further verification
Perform activities independently from the Agency
Limitations: Any limitations on the above
DOA Obligations
a) In accordance with EASA regulatory requirements product safety must be ensured by a comprehensive quality/design assurance system.
b) The organisation must implement and maintain both a quality system and a Design Assurance System, to ensure the control and monitoring of all design activities.
c) Concerning Manpower – The company must have sufficient personnel in terms of quantity and qualification to carry out the planned design activities.
d) Facilities and equipment must enable the employees to carry out their work. Including admin & design offices, access to test and prototyping facilities required to demonstrate compliance.
e) The organization must enable full and effective collaboration between and within the departments and interface with Production Organisation Approval Holder.
f) To develop a handbook that defines and describes its structure, processes and responsibilities.
Application
A Design Organisation Approval can be applied for by submitting an application form FO.DOA.00080
Form 4 is required for:
Head of Design Organisation
Chief of the Office of Airworthiness
Chief of the Independent System Monitoring
Design Organisation Handbook and Procedures
After acceptance of an application, EASA will assign a DOA Team Leader to conduct the investigation.
Good Practices
EASA Good Practices intend to clarify specific items of implementing rules for design organisation approvals. They highlight a particular subject and, as non-binding material, provide additional technical explanations to current standards.
EASA Good Practices are published for information purposes only and must not be regarded as formally adopted Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) or Guidance Material (GM).
EASA Good Practices do not introduce new or modified rules and do not constitute any legal obligation or right for the Agency or the organisations.
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