Sofema Online Partners with ARTSA to enhance aviation regulatory training standards

Securing ARTSA AccreditationWe are pleased to elaborate on our collaboration with ARTSA (Aviation Regulatory Training Standards Association), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing aviation safety through the accreditation of regulatory training

This partnership allows us to validate the quality and effectiveness of our training programs, providing increased confidence for both clients and regulatory authorities.

ARTSA 's accreditation process follows a rigorous set of criteria, which includes the evaluation of training content, compliance with industry standards, and the overall effectiveness of training delivery. By meeting these stringent requirements, we ensure that our courses continue to support both regulatory compliance and the development of competent aviation professionals.

Challenges in Delivering Regulatory Training

The aviation industry operates under a complex set of international regulations, such as EASA, FAA, and ICAO, which can vary by region and organization. As a result, training providers must continuously update and align their courses with evolving standards. Some of the key challenges faced in regulatory training include:

  • Complex Regulatory Environment: The constantly changing nature of global regulations requires that training materials are regularly updated to reflect the latest industry standards.
  • Industry Misunderstandings: A common misconception within the industry is that EASA or similar authorities issue licenses to external training providers for regulatory training. However, acceptance of training programs is ultimately determined by the receiving organization, such as Part 145, CAMO, or CAO entities.
  • Customizing Training: Organizations have specific operational requirements and regulatory interpretations, which means training must be tailored to meet both regulatory obligations and internal competence management systems.
  • Organizational Obligations: EASA regulations place the responsibility for compliance and competence management squarely on the receiving organizations, which must assess the suitability of external training providers to ensure they align with their operational needs.

Expectations of Accreditation by Receiving Organizations

In the aviation industry, it is crucial for organizations to assess and approve external training providers. Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) and Sofema Online (SOL) meet these expectations by offering transparency and access to the training content:

  • Guest Access: We offer guest access to nominated quality managers and regulatory authorities, enabling them to evaluate course content and delivery.
  • Comprehensive Course Design: Our training courses are designed based on detailed training needs analyses (TNA) to ensure they meet both regulatory and organizational requirements.
  • Ongoing Demonstration of Compliance: SOL courses are continually assessed for compliance with industry standards, ensuring global acceptance and recognition.

This proactive approach has resulted in no record of course rejections by regulatory authorities, solidifying SAS and SOL’s position as trusted partners in the global aviation training community.

About Sofema Aviation Services (SAS)

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) has been a leading provider of regulatory and vocational training since 2008. With over 1,000 classroom and webinar courses and more than 250 online courses available through Sofema Online, SAS has issued over 120,000 certificates across multiple continents.

SAS’s courses cover a wide range of EASA-compliant regulatory training, including Human Factors, Safety Management Systems (SMS), Quality Auditing, and more. This broad offering ensures that aviation professionals are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the demands of a highly regulated industry.

Key Insights on Regulatory Training and EASA Part 147

  • Role of EASA Part 147: EASA Part 147 approval is specifically for providing basic and type training for Part 66 licensed engineers. It does not extend to broader regulatory or competence-based training.
  • EASA-Compliant Regulatory Training: SOL’s courses provide essential regulatory training that helps organizations remain compliant with EASA regulations (e.g., Part CAMO, Part 145, Part 21). These programs enhance competence-building initiatives and fulfill internal training needs.
  • Responsibility of Receiving Organizations: While external providers like SAS and SOL offer training services, the responsibility for compliance and competence management ultimately lies with the receiving organization, which must assess the suitability of the training.

Why Misunderstandings Persist

One of the primary reasons for ongoing misunderstandings in the industry is the lack of widespread clarity regarding the scope of third-party training providers and their relationship with regulatory bodies. A greater understanding of EASA regulations and clearer communication from regulatory bodies like EASA would help resolve these issues.

Conclusion

By partnering with ARTSA, Sofema Aviation Services and Sofema Online further strengthen their credibility in the aviation training sector. This collaboration ensures that SOL continues to offer high-quality, EASA-compliant training programs that meet the needs of both regulatory authorities and organizations. With this commitment to excellence, SAS and SOL remain at the forefront of aviation regulatory training, empowering organizations to assess and approve training that supports safety and operational efficiency.