To ensure that Category A certifying staff are adequately trained, qualified, and competent to perform maintenance tasks and issue Certificates of Release to Service (CRS) in accordance with EASA Part 145.A.35.
This procedure applies to:
• Initial qualification of CAT A certifying staff.
• Recurrent and continuation training.
• On-the-Job Training (OJT) programs.
• Competency assessments and authorizations.
• Accountable Manager: Ensures training resources, compliance with Part-145 requirements, and overall program implementation.
• Technical Manager: Oversees training delivery and staff competence.
• Safety and Compliance Manager: Monitors compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Training Coordinator: Facilitates course delivery, scheduling, and record-keeping.
Theoretical Training
• Based on EASA Part-66 Appendix III modules for CAT A qualifications.
• Covering:
>> General Aviation Maintenance Practices: Basic engineering concepts, manuals, tools.
>> Regulations: Part-145, Part-66, Airworthiness Directives, MOE familiarity.
>> Human Factors: Focus on error prevention, fatigue management, and communication.
>> Safety Management System (SMS): Hazard identification and safety culture.
>> Fuel Tank Safety (FTS) and EWIS Training.
>> Type Training: Specific aircraft systems, structure, and maintenance procedures.
Practical Training
• Conducted through On-the-Job Training (OJT) under supervision:
>> Component removal/installation.
>> Inspections, troubleshooting, and defect rectification.
>> Use of maintenance data (AMM, IPC, SRM).
>> Use of calibrated tools and equipment.
>> Work package documentation.
Continuation Training
• Minimum 24-month interval.
• Topics include:
>> Regulatory updates (e.g., changes to Part-145 or MOE).
>> Lessons learned from incident reports and audits.
>> New technologies and aircraft systems.
Challenges
• Staff Availability: Limited time due to operational demands.
>> Best Practice: Plan training during low workload periods.
• Retention of Knowledge: Theoretical knowledge fades without practice.
>> Best Practice: Incorporate scenario-based exercises and assessments.
• Compliance Monitoring: Ensuring staff meet recent experience criteria.
>> Best Practice: Implement competency assessments and track staff authorisations.
• Human Factors: Overcoming resistance to SMS and error-reporting.
>> Best Practice: Promote a Just Culture and incentivise reporting.
Competence Assessment
• Conducted annually or after training completion.
• Methods:
>> Knowledge Test: Written or oral examinations.
>> Skill Assessment: Direct observation during practical tasks.
>> Behavioural Assessment: Communication, decision-making, and error management.
Mentors and Assessors:
• Must have certification authority and extensive maintenance experience.
Authorization Process
Record Keeping
• Training attendance logs.
• Assessment results.
• Certificates (FTS, EWIS, Human Factors, etc.).
• On-the-Job Training Logbooks.
Monitoring and Review
• Conduct internal audits of the training program annually.
• Collect feedback from certifying staff for continuous improvement.
Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) and Sofema Online (SOL) provide classroom, webinar and regulatory training in support of EASA Part 145, including CAT A critical task inspection – please see the websites or email team@sassofia.com.
