Sofema Online (SOL) considers best practices for the Management of Change (MoC), Change Management, Documentation, and Control Processes.

The bilateral agreements between the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) of Brazil and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States are designed to streamline certification. However, while the rules are "harmonized," they aren't identical, with a number of differences to discuss.

European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has shifted the goalposts. Cyber security is no longer just an "IT issue"—it is now a core regulatory pillar.

To understand how organizations can navigate this shift, we sat down with Steven Bentley FRAeS, CEO of Sofema Aviation Services and Sofema Online, to discuss the launch of their new Essential Information and Cyber Security course and why this training is vital for the front line.

Sofema Online (SOL) considers key features related to STC & PMA (or equivalent) across the 4 Major Certification Authorities.

Introduction - Definitions & Core Differences

At a high level, the distinction lies in modification versus replacement.

Introduction

Cyber risk in aviation now affects far more than IT systems - it can directly impact operations, maintenance planning, and compliance assurance.

This article reviews real aviation cyber incidents from 2022 to 2026 to show how disruptions spread across operational and MRO interfaces, highlighting common failure modes and the practical controls organisations can apply to strengthen resilience. Guest post by Sofema Instructor - Rustom Sutaria. 

Sofema Online (SOL) considers key aspects of the Aviation Management of Change Process (MoC)

The fundamental purpose of MoC is to ensure that all changes to an organization's structure, facilities, scope of work, personnel, or procedures are managed systematically.

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) considers the key elements of Information & Cyber Oversight of Third Parties.

Introduction

The requirement for TPRM is not just about data security; it is a regulatory mandate under EASA Part-IS. The introduction of Sofema Form IS 5C highlights that organizations must audit the "operational implementation" of controls for all outsourced activities.

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) takes a deep dive to understand the HF Workplace connections that exist today.

Here we explore the critical link between Human Factors (HF), incidents, and accidents within the framework of EASA Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014 (Continuing Airworthiness), specifically focusing on Part-145 (Maintenance Organizations) and Part-CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organizations).

Sofema Online (SOL) considers best practices to monitor and verify change as part of the MoC Process

Introduction

MOC Change Monitoring & Verification is the critical final phase of the Management of Change (MoC) workflow.

Sofema Online (SOL) considers a typical scenario related to outsourced IS Service Provision.

Introduction

To distinguish between IT service providers and general vendors. To discuss essential contract template considerations, detailing regulatory obligations for oversight, incident reporting, and risk management to ensure your organization maintains compliance and operational security.

Summary of Differences

Sofema Online (SOL) considers key elements of the Certificate of Airworthiness process as driven by ICAO annex 8

Issuance and Validity  -A Certificate of Airworthiness (CoA) serves as the primary document attesting that an aircraft conforms to its type design and is in a condition for safe operation.

The foundation of international civil aviation regulation is the Convention on International Civil Aviation, commonly known as the Chicago Convention, which was signed in 1944. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was established to manage the principles and techniques of international air navigation and to foster the planning and development of international air transport.

Sofema Online (SOL) considers the key features and transition from ETOPS to EDTO.

Introduction 

ICAO introduced ETOPS (Extended Range Twin Operations) and EDTO (Extended Diversion Time Operations) to create a unified framework for all turbine-engined aeroplanes, regardless of the number of engines.

Sofema Online (SOL) Considers Specific Roles and Responsibilities related to Design & Production

Introduction - State of Design Responsibilities

The State of Design (the state having jurisdiction over the organization responsible for the type design) holds the primary technical knowledge of the aircraft.

• Their responsibilities focus on ensuring the design remains safe throughout the life of the aircraft type.

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) considers key issues related to the Air Operator Certificate (AOC), Surveillance, Operations Manual, Operating Facilities, Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS):

The Air Operator Certificate (AOC)

The Air Operator Certificate (AOC) is the fundamental authorization required for any operator to engage in commercial air transport operations.

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) considers the certification process the foundation of aviation safety, ensuring that aircraft, engines, and propellers meet rigorous design and performance standards before entering service.

Introduction - Type Certification

Type Certification is the formal recognition by a regulatory authority that a specific design of an aircraft, engine, or propeller meets the applicable airworthiness requirements.

Sofema Online (SOL) considers the primary areas of responsibility within ICAO Annex 6.

Annex 6 provides criteria for safe operating practices and contributes to the efficiency and regularity of international air navigation by encouraging the Member States to facilitate the passage over their territories of commercial aircraft belonging to other countries and operating with these criteria.

Sofema Online Considers ICAO Annex 6 and EASA - Recent Amendments (2022) concerning Runway Overrun Alerting & Autonomous Distress Tracking (ADT)

In 2022, both ICAO and EASA finalised critical updates to Annex 6 and Part-26, respectively. These amendments target two of the most persistent risks in aviation: runway excursions and the inability to locate aircraft following a catastrophic event.

Sofema Online (SOL) Looks at the EASA – ICAO Annex 1 Divergence issues.

Adopted in 1986, Resolution A26-9 was a landmark decision that officially recognized that nearly 75% of aviation accidents are caused by human performance issues rather than mechanical failure.

The Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) is the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Brazil. In the context of the "Big Four" (FAA, EASA, TCCA, ANAC), ANAC holds a critical position as the "State of Design" for Embraer, one of the world's largest commercial aircraft manufacturers.

ANAC is an equal pillar in the global airworthiness system. Its regulations (RBACs) are harmonised with FAA (Part 21/145) and EASA regulations to ensure seamless global interoperability.