October 14, 2022

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Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com reviews the process related to SAFA & SACA findings & Notification Actions.

Introduction – Finding non-conformities and subsequent actions

  • Non-conformities that can be found in a SAFA inspection are classified according to the deviation from the applicable requirements and their influence on safety.
  • Minor non-conformities (category 1) are reported to the pilot-in-command.
  • If an inspection identifies one or more significant deviations from the safety standards (category 2), they shall also be reported to the air operator and its aeronautical supervisory authority.
  • If non-compliances have a major impact on safety (category 3), it is necessary to correct the non-compliance before take-off or, where appropriate, to impose restrictions on the operation of the aircraft.

The process of following the closure of non-conformities

The factors involved in the SAFA inspection process are: State of inspection, operator, State of operator and State of registration of the aircraft (if different from State of operator).

These organizations have a key role to play in the follow-up to a SAFA inspection, as follows:

  • The SAFA inspector informs the pilot-in-command and hands him the form representing the proof of the inspection;
  • The SAFA inspector requests the pilot-in-command to sign a copy of the form proving the inspection;
  • In case of non-compliances of category 2 and 3, a written communication shall be sent to the operator and his aeronautical supervisory authority;
  • The operator is required to respond to the written communication with a plan of measures to correct the deficiencies;
  • The aeronautical supervisory authority of the operator (or aircraft) may be required to confirm its agreement to the corrective action taken;
  • Non-conformities are considered closed when the deficiencies have been satisfactorily corrected;
  • SAFA inspections to verify the remediation of deficiencies may be subsequently carried out by any State participating in the SAFA program.

Note for CAT 3 – Major the applicable action is Class 3 – Immediate Action

The specific action to be notified to the crew as follows:

  • Consisting of operational restrictions, corrective actions before flight or at maintenance base, grounding and/or entry permit repercussions have to be reported.

General Note – Although not classified as a non‐compliance, any relevant safety issues identified during ramp inspections should be reported as a general remark (category G) under each inspection item.

For example:

  • insufficient number of life jackets/flotation devices, however the flight was/will be over land;
  • during a SAFA inspection: some flashlights not working, but only daytime flight; and
  • minor defects without safety influence, but considered as relevant information.

Next Steps

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