EASA and ICAO Regulations for Aircraft Maintenance

Posted on Dec 26, 2024 in Other subjects

Part 145 Maintenance Organizations

Part 145 organizations are the ‘standard’ maintenance providers for TAC and large aircraft. They must adhere to Regulation (EU) 1321/2014, Annex II. This regulation establishes technical and administrative procedures for ensuring aircraft airworthiness.

Facilities Requirements

Organizations must have:

  • Hangars with sufficient dimensions for base maintenance.
  • Component workshops large enough for planned maintenance.
  • Office space for management and certifying staff.
  • A controlled maintenance environment with good temperature, lighting, and minimal dust and noise.

Personnel Requirements

Organizations must:

  • Have an accountable manager to ensure all maintenance is completed.
  • Nominate personnel to ensure compliance with Part 145.
  • Maintain a maintenance man-hour plan showing sufficient staff.
  • Ensure NDT personnel are certified to European or equivalent standards.
  • Have appropriate staff for each category or subcategory of maintenance.
  • Keep records of all certifying and support staff.

Equipment, Tools, and Materials

Organizations must have:

  • All necessary calibrated tools for approved maintenance tasks.
  • Platforms/docking for aircraft access and inspection.
  • Components with EASA Form 1 or equivalent.

Approved Data and Reporting

Organizations must:

  • Issue a certificate of release to service after proper task completion.
  • Report any hazard to the agency, manufacturer, and CAA within 72 hours.
  • Maintain a Maintenance Organisation Exposition (MOE) detailing the scope of work and compliance methods.
  • Record all maintenance work details.
  • Only maintain aircraft or components for which they are approved.

Part M Maintenance Requirements

This section outlines requirements for organizations seeking approval for aircraft maintenance, regulated by Regulation (EU) 1321/2014, Annex I (Part M).

Facilities

Organizations must ensure:

  • Jobs are carried out in a good environment without contamination.
  • Proper offices and storage for tools and equipment.

Personnel

Organizations must have:

  • An accountable manager to ensure all maintenance is completed.
  • Personnel to ensure compliance with Part M.
  • Certifying staff available for approved tasks.

Components, Equipment, and Tools

(Similar to Part 145, but less restrictive)

  • All necessary calibrated tools for approved maintenance tasks.
  • Components with EASA Form 1 or equivalent.

Approved Data and Documentation

Organizations must:

  • Issue a certificate of release to service (CRS) after proper task completion.
  • CAMO, in accordance with Part M Subpart G, must control all maintenance and keep records for 2 years after aircraft withdrawal.
  • Provide a manual with:
    • Accountable manager’s confirmation of compliance with Part M.
    • List of personnel.
    • Facilities provided.
    • Organization’s scope of work.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, created by the Chicago Convention in 1944. It is responsible for administering the principles of the Convention, with headquarters in Montreal and a European office in Paris.

ICAO has 192 signatory states, and its objectives include:

  • Avoiding discrimination between contracting states.
  • Promoting safety in international air navigation.
  • Preventing economic waste from unreasonable competition.

The ICAO Council has adopted 18 technical annexes, including:

  • Annex 1: Personnel Licensing
  • Annex 6: Operation of Aircraft
  • Annex 8: Airworthiness of Aircraft
  • Annex 10: Aeronautical Telecommunications

European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

EASA is the center of aviation safety in the EU, promoting high safety standards and facilitating the free movement of goods and services. It supports regulatory and certification processes and assists member states in meeting their obligations.

EASA’s headquarters are in Cologne, Germany, and it began operations in 2003. It employs over 400 staff from EU countries.

EASA’s responsibilities include:

  • Providing technical expertise for new EU legislation.
  • Implementing and monitoring safety policies, including inspections.
  • Certifying aircraft and equipment.
  • Issuing licenses to organizations involved in design, manufacture, and maintenance.
  • Allowing operators from third countries.
  • Carrying out research and security analysis.

EASA’s competence was extended in 2009 to include safety at airports, air traffic management (ATM), and air navigation services (ANS).