January 17, 2025

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Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com Considers the key elements of the MAG Change 9 effective from October 8, 2024, between the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency)

Introduction

The MAG outlines the collaboration and mutual recognition of maintenance organizations between the U.S. and EU aviation regulatory bodies.

The following is a summary of the main sections and their purposes based on the table of contents and document excerpts:

Section A: Authority Interaction

  • Purpose: Defines the roles, responsibilities, and interaction between FAA, EASA, and Aviation Authorities (AAs) under the bilateral agreement for civil aviation safety regulation. It focuses on mutual recognition and oversight of repair stations and maintenance organizations between the U.S. and the EU.
  • Key Elements:
    • Building mutual confidence between agencies
    • Procedures for adding, suspending, or transferring the acceptance of findings
    • Special conditions and surveillance processes for repair stations
  • Appendices: Includes forms and reports for visits, audits, and class and rating comparison guidance between FAA and EASA.

Section B: Certification for U.S.-Based Repair Stations

  • Purpose: Outlines the process for U.S.-based repair stations seeking EASA Part-145 approval.
  • Key Elements:
    • Initial certification, renewal, and amendment processes for U.S. repair stations
    • Compliance with EU regulations for EASA ratings
    • Procedures for revocation, suspension, and appeals
  • Appendices: Guidance for the EASA Supplement, repair station audit programs, and application forms.

Section C: Certification Process for EU-Based Approved Maintenance Organizations (AMOs)

  • Purpose: Details the steps for EU-based AMOs to obtain 14 CFR Part 145 approval from the FAA.
  • Key Elements:
    • Initial certification, renewal, and amendments
    • Revocation, suspension, and appeals processes for EU-based AMOs holding FAA certificates
  • Key Steps:
    • Application: AMOs must submit an application form to the FAA through their National Aviation Authority (AA) or EASA.
    • FAA Supplement: The organization must submit a supplement to its Maintenance Organization Exposition (MOE) to demonstrate compliance with FAA regulations. This supplement should include detailed procedures for areas where FAA and EASA regulations differ.
    • Review: The FAA or its designated office will review the application and the supplement to ensure compliance with 14 CFR Part 145 requirements.
    • Audit: An initial audit will be conducted by FAA representatives (with possible EASA or AA involvement) to ensure compliance before certification is granted.
  • Appendices: Guidance for the FAA Supplement and vital information for FAA’s Safety Assurance System (SAS).

Notes – This section is essential for EU-based AMOs seeking FAA certification or maintaining it. It harmonizes the dual regulatory environment between EASA and FAA by providing clear procedures for certification, renewal, and compliance.

  • The FAA Supplement plays a crucial role in bridging regulatory gaps between the two systems.
  • The section also outlines how conflicts are resolved and ensures that safety and airworthiness standards are consistently maintained across both jurisdictions.

Section D: Entry Into Force and Termination

  • Purpose: Provides the procedural framework for the entry into force and termination of the bilateral safety agreement between the FAA and EASA.
  • Key Elements:
    • Conditions for the implementation of the agreement
    • Termination procedures

Section E: Authority

  • Purpose: Contains the official authority section, likely including signatures or references to the authoritative bodies involved in enforcing the agreement.

Each section aims to harmonize and streamline the certification, oversight, and mutual acceptance processes of aviation maintenance organizations in both the U.S. and EU under their respective regulations (FAA Part 145 and EASA Part-145). The appendices provide additional documentation and guidance for implementing the various processes described in each section.

Next Steps

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Sofema Aviation Services (SAS)  and Sofema Online (SOL) provide regulatory training related to Bilateral relationships between EASA – FAA – TCAA and UK CAA. Sofema Online is also pleased to announce the update of two key courses: EU-USA & Canada Bilateral Agreements and EASA – FAA Bilateral Agreements related to Aircraft Certification and Maintenance Acceptance. These courses have been fully updated with the current Change 9 in the U.S.-EU Maintenance Agreement (MAG). Please see the websites or email team@sassofia.com.

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EU, SAS blogs, EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), EASA Part 145 Approval, MAG Change 9, EASA Maintenance Annex, Authority Interaction, U.S.-Based Repair Stations, Approved Maintenance Organizations (AMOs), Authority, U.S.