Steven Bentley has been an Aviation Auditor for more than 25 years and this is what he says about acting like an aviation auditor. “An effective auditor will understand that there is no substitute for preparation, moreover we could say that the time to prepare for the audit often equals the time to perform the audit.”
Planning the Audit
Having a plan for the audit, which by the way should be considered a formal pre requisite will mean that we can exercise full control over the audit, unfortunately for some external audits it is simply not possible to be able to always plan to this level of detail.
For internal audits and many others off course it is a different story and we can plan to this level.
The Audit plan may cover all or some of the following aspects and elements. Related to the Company, the business area the process policy or procedure, it may further break down the specific elements which are due to be singled out during the audit.
It may also identify on the time line when we will look at particular elements of a business area including the dates and time when this will occur and include the name of the auditor and the auditee.
It is in no way important, to try to time the audit for a busy period (Such behaviour even would be counterproductive. Mutual convenience is preferable with a willingness to support the stated objectives of the audit. We should also try to avoid rescheduling audits, as such a request from the auditee could be a negative audit indicator. (Probably not in the case of a conflicting booking at the same time.
How often to Audit?
To comply with the regulatory obligations we typically have to deliver a minimum level of audit periodicity, however it is should be understood that this is a minimum level.
We can add audits as necessary based on either the level of findings over a past defined period or the criticality of business area, system or process which is to be audited.
We can also initiate ad hoc audits based on a number of external factors for example an imminent regulatory audit.
It is not only good manners it is actually beneficial to communicate the audit plan to the auditee as this will allow them time to prepare. (Please understand that auditors are not the secret police trying to catch people out)
Sofema Aviation Services offers a range of EASA compliant vocational and regulatory training. For any comments or questions please email office@sassofia.com
