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The audit schedule is an essential element of an effective quality audit system.
It is through the effectiveness of the audit program that an organisations health and well being is maintained and developed.
It therefore follows that a more comprehensive audit program is going to deliver more in respect of identifying non conformance, than a simple program.
It should be understood that simply satisfying the regulator in respect of the audit program should not be the primary objective of the business.
The audit schedule is composed of two element.
1/ The mandatory requirements
2/ The Operator selected requirements
Often item 2 is 4 or 5 times greater then item 1 in terms of the depth and number of audits which are delivered.
Note
This is usually an indication of a very effective audit system.
Each element generates a number of audits.
Item 1 audits – the mandatory requirements typically consist predominantly of Compliance audits
Item 2 audits – The operator selected requirements should usually contain a considerable number of Process audits.
When developing the audit schedule start with an understanding of how much resource you are prepared to commit to the audit process.
When Creating an Aviation Audit Schedule, If you wish to simply satisfy the mandatory regulatory requirement, the required resource is somewhat less than a system which operates in a more inclusive and proactive way.
Step 1 is to ensure the audit schedule is fully compliant with all regulatory requirements.
Basically each regulatory requirement must be shown to be compliant each and every year in respect of each obligation.
This is done in two ways.
Part 1 audits the compliance of the organisations documentation in respect of the regulatory requirement.
Part 2 audits the organisations compliance with its own procedures.
So for example an airline with its own Part 145 organization will have an audit schedule which includes EU or Part OPS, Part M and Part 145 together with all the associated compliances.
In addition there is a requirement to perform a number of product audits to test each product line – again 1 each year.
Step 2 Once the basic structure is in place it is possible to start to add additional audits which will provide a strong understanding regarding the effectiveness of the Quality System.
For each business process or area to include a process or system audit.
Step 3 set up an audit program for major suppliers (External Audits).
Step 4 set up a vendor audit management process which could be predominantly postal in nature.
If you require further information regarding aviation quality auditing please email office@sassofia.com or visit the web site www.sassofia.com
