October 17, 2024

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key roles and responsibilities of an Aviation Organisation Leadership Team, i.e. EASA Accountable Manager and Post Holders.

Introduction

In an EASA-compliant aviation organization, the roles and responsibilities of the Accountable Manager (AM) and Form 4 nominated persons (Post Holders) are critical to ensuring quality and safety within the organization.

Accountable Manager (AM) Roles and Responsibilities

The EASA Accountable Manager position is a serious and demanding role that requires a strong and effective team of competent and knowledgeable Post Holders. The AM is responsible for the entire Quality System, which includes both Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA).

Key Responsibilities:

  • Ensure Necessary Resources: Ensure all necessary resources are available to accomplish maintenance and support the organization’s approval.
  • Establish and Promote Safety and Quality Policy: Develop and advocate for safety and quality policies within the organization.
  • Understand Regulations: Demonstrate a basic understanding of the regulations governing aviation operations.

Quality System (QS)

  • Quality Control (QC): Delivery of processes and procedures required to demonstrate compliance. This is the responsibility of Post Holders.
  • Quality Assurance (QA): Delivery of the organizational product that complies with all regulatory and company requirements. This is the responsibility of the Quality Manager.
  • Quality System = Quality Control + Quality Assurance

Approved by EASA

  • Flight Operations Post Holder
  • Maintenance System (Part 145/Part M) Post Holder
  • Crew Training Post Holder
  • Ground Operations Post Holder
  • Aviation Security Post Holder
  • Quality Assurance (QA Maintenance/QA Operations) – Not Post Holder
  • Safety Management System (SMS) – Not  Post Holder

Aviation Compliance Manager’s Role and Responsibility

The Aviation Compliance Manager’s role is serious and demanding, requiring full commitment. They are responsible for establishing, documenting, developing, and managing the Quality System to ensure it complies with regulatory requirements and meets business needs.

Responsibilities:

  • Not Responsible for QC Delivery: The responsibility for delivering a quality product (QC) lies with the Post Holders and business area owners and not the Compliance Manager.
  • Quality System Management: Ensure the Quality System is compliant with regulations and effective in meeting organizational needs.

Role of Nominated Persons (Post Holders)

Nominated Persons are essential for the efficient and effective management of an airline. Their role is paramount to the organization’s well-being.

Responsibilities:

  • Experience and Licensing: Possess appropriate experience and meet any licensing requirements. In exceptional cases, comparable experience may be accepted by the Authority.
  • Safety Standards and Practices: Have practical experience and expertise in aviation safety standards and safe operating practices.
  • Knowledge Requirements:
      1. Relevant EASA and Industry Requirements
      2. Relevant parts of the Exposition and Procedures
      3. Requirements of the Quality Systems

Keys to Quality Control Success:

      1. Management of Competencies: Ensure staff are qualified, capable, and motivated to deliver required processes effectively.
      2. Management of Documentation: Ensure procedures are effective, efficient, and understood by the workforce, including necessary training.

Compliance Manager

EASA has adopted the new term “Compliance Manager” to describe the function of the Quality Assurance Manager.

Summary

EASA Accountable Manager and Post Holders in an aviation organization are integral to maintaining high standards of safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. Their collaborative efforts ensure the organization meets all regulatory requirements while fostering a culture of safety and quality.

Next Steps

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Aviation Post Holders, Aviation Quality Assurance, aviation quality control, Aviation Quality Manager, EASA, Quality Control, SAS blogs, Compliance Manager, Aviation Organisation, Quality Systems, EASA Accountable Manager, Aviation Compliance, leadership team