Considering The Primary Role of EASA Part 21 Subpart J

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Review presented by Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com

Introduction

The main role of Subpart J is to ensure that organizations involved in the design of aircraft, engines, and other aeronautical products meet safety, environmental, and airworthiness standards. In essence, a Part 21J organisation serves as the key player in the design, testing, and certification of aircraft and other aeronautical products.

• Their role ensures that all aspects of the product meet EASA's stringent safety and environmental standards before the product is certified and allowed to enter service.

Key responsibilities for a DOA holder include:

• Design Control: Ensuring that all design changes, repairs, and new developments comply with the applicable airworthiness and environmental regulations.

• Compliance Demonstration: Organizations must demonstrate their ability to meet all safety standards, which includes maintaining a robust design management system and coordinating with production organizations.

• Privileges: Once approved, organizations gain certain privileges, such as the ability to certify minor changes and repairs independently, without needing EASA approval for every modification.

• Responsibilities: Maintaining continued airworthiness, compliance with the latest standards, and ensuring all design data is accurate and up to date.

Part 21 Subpart J plays a crucial role in the European civil aviation framework, ensuring that design organizations contribute to overall aviation safety through systematic and regulated processes.

Development of Type Design

• The DOA holder is responsible for developing the type design of an aircraft, engine, propeller, or other product. This includes the detailed design data, materials, and processes to meet the applicable airworthiness and environmental standards.

• The design organisation must ensure that the type design is in compliance with regulatory requirements before submitting it for certification.

Compliance Demonstration

• One of the main roles of a Part 21J organisation is to demonstrate that the product meets all necessary certification requirements. This involves comprehensive testing, analysis, and other validation activities.

• The DOA holder manages the compilation of technical reports, test results, and conformity data to show that the product adheres to the applicable airworthiness codes and environmental protection regulations.

 Liaison with EASA

• The design organisation communicates directly with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) during the certification process.

• They are responsible for submitting all required documentation and design data, coordinating with EASA throughout the certification process, and addressing any issues raised by the agency.

• For major changes or new certifications, the design organisation works closely with EASA to establish the Certification Basis, which includes airworthiness standards, environmental protection requirements, and operational suitability data.

Minor Design Changes

• One of the privileges of a Part 21J organisation is the ability to approve minor design changes independently. These changes can include modifications or repairs that do not significantly affect the type design’s compliance with airworthiness standards.

• The organisation may issue the necessary approvals without further EASA involvement, speeding up the process for minor updates or repairs.

Type-Certification Application Process

• The DOA holder prepares and submits a comprehensive application for a Type Certificate (TC) or Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). The application must include details of the product's design, tests conducted, and compliance with all relevant regulations.

• The design organisation also coordinates the flight tests, inspections, and other evaluations required as part of the certification process.

Continuing Airworthiness

• After the Type Certificate is issued, the DOA holder remains responsible for supporting the continuing airworthiness of the product. This includes providing updates to the type design, managing airworthiness directives, and supporting the operator with instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA).

Operational Suitability Data (OSD)

• In addition to type certification, Part 21J organisations are involved in providing Operational Suitability Data, which covers aspects such as minimum crew requirements, training requirements, and maintenance procedures. This information helps operators and maintenance organisations ensure the continued safe operation of the product.

Next Steps

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com and Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com provide regulatory training related to Bilateral relationships between EASA – FAA – TCAA and UK CAA. Please see the websites or email [email protected]

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