Sofema Aviation invites you to join the EASA Ground Handling Compliance & Safety Seminar & Workshop in Sofia, Bulgaria, on March 9-10, 2027, bringing together industry leaders to prepare for the shift to a legally binding EU safety framework. Explore the programme and secure your spot today for two days of practical guidance on the Declaration of Compliance and Safety Management Systems. Register here
Introduction
Welcome to the EASA Compliant Ground Handling Safety Management & Root Cause Analysis for Managers training course. The European civil aviation sector is undergoing a historic structural shift, transitioning from voluntary industry self-regulation to a formalized, legally binding European Union safety framework. Driven by the implementation of Regulations (EU) 2025/23 and 2025/20, this new framework integrates established global standards from EASA, ICAO, and IATA to standardize safety management systems (SMS), training, and operational procedures across all European aerodromes.
This comprehensive course is designed to equip aviation managers, safety officers, and ground handling professionals with the critical knowledge required to successfully navigate this regulatory landscape. Throughout the training, you will learn how to develop and oversee a scalable Safety Management System (SMS) that is perfectly tailored to your organization’s operational footprint, ensuring direct accountability for the safety of ground operations. We will explore the pivotal role of the Accountable Manager, the intricacies of hazard identification, safety risk assessment, and the vital importance of fatigue risk management.
Furthermore, the course delves deep into the human element of aviation safety. We will address the Dirty Dozen of human error and highlight the necessity of fostering a non-punitive Just Culture to encourage open mandatory and voluntary reporting. A major focus of this training is moving beyond superficial problem-solving to uncover systemic organizational failures. You will gain practical expertise in applying advanced Root Cause Analysis (RCA) techniques, including the 5 Whys, Ishikawa (Fishbone) diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Bowtie Risk Assessments. By understanding how to identify active failures and latent conditions, you will be empowered to develop robust Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) that resolve underlying organizational deficiencies rather than merely treating isolated symptoms.
Who is the course for?
The course is for aviation professionals involved in ground operations, including Accountable Managers, Turnaround Coordinators, Safety Managers, Compliance Managers, Compliance Auditors, Ramp Supervisors, and personnel from Ground Handling Organizations (GHOs), National Aviation Authorities (NAAs), and airlines.
What is the Benefit of this Training – What will I learn?
Navigate Regulatory Frameworks: Understand the shift from industry self-regulation to EU safety compliance, seamlessly integrating EASA, ICAO, and IATA standards into daily operations.
Implement Scalable SMS: Develop and oversee a scalable Safety Management System (SMS) in accordance with ORGH.MGM.200, tailored to organizational size and complexity.
Manage Operational Risks: Execute effective hazard identification, safety risk assessments, and fatigue risk management in ground operations.
Coordinate Safe Turnarounds: Manage complex turnaround coordination roles (GH.OPS.400) and multi-operator interfaces, ensuring safe passenger and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) routing.
Enforce ERA Discipline: Execute rigorous 360-degree walkarounds and maintain strict Equipment Restraint Area (ERA) boundary discipline to prevent aircraft ground damage.
Execute Advanced RCA: Apply advanced Root Cause Analysis (RCA) techniques, including the 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Bowtie Risk Assessments.
Analyze Human Factors: Identify active failures and latent conditions within organizational structures utilizing the Swiss-Cheese model and the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS).
Develop Effective Corrective Actions: Develop Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) that address underlying systemic organizational deficiencies rather than focusing on isolated symptoms or immediate human errors.
Detailed Content / Topics – The following Subjects will be addressed
Day 1
Module 1 EASA Regulatory Framework & Ground Handling Safety Management. Shift from industry self-regulation to EU safety compliance, integrating EASA, ICAO, and IATA standards. Define roles of GHOs, NAAs, and airlines under Regulations (EU) 2025/23 and 2025/20.
Module 2 Scalable SMS implementation (ORGH.MGM.200) and the Accountable Manager’s role in defining safety objectives. Hazard identification, safety risk assessment, and fatigue risk management in ground operations.
Module 3 Mandatory and voluntary safety reporting under Regulation (EU) 376/2014. Overcoming reporting barriers by fostering a non-punitive “Just Culture”.
Module 4 Managing turnaround coordination roles (GH.OPS.400) and multi-operator interfaces. Executing walkarounds and maintaining Equipment Restraint Area (ERA) boundary discipline during operations.
Module 5 Fundamentals of Root Cause Analysis & Human Factors. Differentiate between addressing problem symptoms versus uncovering foundational root causes. Review international requirements from ICAO, EASA, FAA, and IATA regarding root cause determination. Distinguish between hazards and perceived risks. Utilizing RCA to uncover physical, human interface, and organizational causes within ground operations.
Day 2
Module 6 Explore the “Dirty Dozen” of human error, including fatigue, stress, and complacency. Understand why human error alone is not an acceptable terminal root cause.
Module 7 Apply the Swiss-cheese model and Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS). Identify active failures and latent conditions within organizational structures.
Module 8 Practical application of the 5 Whys technique. Utilize Cause-and-Effect (Fishbone/Ishikawa) diagrams to logically organize and brainstorm potential causes.
Module 9 Advanced RCA Techniques, Investigation & Action Planning. Map the risk-based path to a root cause using Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) Boolean logic. Analyze threats, consequences, and recovery mitigations via Bowtie Risk Assessment.
Module 10 Apply Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) to identify risks across human, process, and equipment sources. Prioritize significant problems using Pareto Analysis (80/20 rule).
Module 11 Determine sufficient evidence thresholds to ensure trustworthiness and objectivity. Validate evidence without investigator bias during internal compliance monitoring and risk assessments.
Module 12 Develop corrective action plans for findings that address systemic root causes rather than isolated incidents. Effective Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) requires shifting the focus from immediate symptoms to underlying organizational deficiencies.
Target Groups This training will be of significant benefit to personnel directly involved in ground handling services, aviation compliance, turnaround coordination, and safety management, as well as authority inspectors overseeing these activities.
Pre-requisites
A foundational understanding of aviation operations and current ground handling practices is required.
Learning Objectives
To provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the new EASA ground handling regulations, equipping them with the knowledge to scale internal SMS frameworks, conduct advanced root cause analysis, and ensure operational compliance and safe turnaround coordination across all ground handling functions.
What do People Say about Sofema Aviation Services Training?
“The instructor used the right words to explain the material.”
“The discussions among the group were very beneficial.”
“The instructor showed very resourceful background and experience.”
“All sections of the course were related to my field.”
“Adequate answers were given to specific questions.”
Duration
2 Days – To commence at 09.00 and finish at 17.00, with appropriate refreshment breaks.
Next Steps
Prepare your team for the upcoming shift to EU regulatory oversight by joining the EASA Ground Handling Compliance & Safety Seminar & Workshop in Sofia on March 9–10, 2027. Visit the event page today to explore the programme and reserve your place for two days of practical workshops and expert guidance.
Tags:
Human Factors, Aviation Safety Management System (SMS), Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Aviation Compliance, Sofema Aviation (SA), EASA Ground Handling
