Introduction of ICAO Annex 19 mandated Safety Management Systems within EASA Part 21J Organisations

Introduction by Sofema Online (SOL)?www.sofemaonline.com

Following 21.A.239 Design management system within a Part 21 Subpart J Design Organisation. The regulations require that the design organization shall establish, implement, and maintain a design management system that includes a safety management element and a design assurance element with clearly defined accountability and lines of responsibility throughout the organization.

Extending ICAO Annex 19 to include Type Design Organisations represents a significant step forward in enhancing aviation safety. It recognizes the integral role of design and manufacturing in the safety ecosystem and aims to integrate safety management principles across all stages of the aviation lifecycle. While there are challenges and considerations in implementation, the overall goal is to create a more proactive, performance-based approach to safety management, aligning with the industry's growth and technological advancements.

ICAO Annex 19 Developments

The extension of ICAO Annex 19 Safety Management Systems to include Type Design Organisations reflects a comprehensive approach to aviation safety, recognizing the critical role that design and manufacturing processes play in the overall safety of aviation operations.

• The inclusion is driven by several key reasons and considerations, which can be discussed in terms of proactive safety management, regulatory and infrastructure development support, enhancement of state-level safety management, and the advancement of safety performance across all domains.

Consider the following related to the extension and identification of issues related to this inclusion.

• Proactive Safety Management -?One of the primary reasons for extending Annex 19 to Type Design Organisations is the emphasis on proactive safety management. With the evolution of technology and the increasing complexity of aviation systems, identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing mitigations early in the design phase can significantly reduce incidents and accidents.

>>? This extension ensures that the principles of safety management are integrated into the design and manufacturing processes, allowing for the identification and mitigation of potential safety risks before they manifest in operational contexts.

• Support for Regulatory and Infrastructure Developments?- As the aviation industry continues to grow, with air traffic projected to double in the next few decades, there's an urgent need to manage this expansion carefully to mitigate emerging safety risks.

>>? ?Extending the SMS framework to Type Design Organisations supports strategic regulatory and infrastructure developments by ensuring that new aircraft designs and manufacturing processes align with the latest safety standards and practices.

• Advancement of Overall Safety Performance?- Integrating Type Design Organisations into Annex 19 stresses the importance of overall safety performance across all domains. It acknowledges that safety begins with design and extends through the entire lifecycle of aviation systems.

>>? By incorporating safety management principles into the early stages of design, the industry can achieve higher safety standards and performance, ultimately leading to a reduction in accidents and incidents.

Issues and Considerations

• Implementation Challenges:?Extending SMS requirements to Type Design Organisations poses implementation challenges, particularly for smaller entities that may lack the resources or expertise to develop and maintain an effective SMS.
• Harmonization with Existing Processes:?There is a need to ensure that the SMS requirements are harmonized with existing design processes, avoiding duplication of efforts and ensuring that safety management enhances rather than impedes innovation.
• Data Protection and Sharing:?The extension emphasizes the importance of collecting, sharing, and protecting safety data.

>>? There are concerns about how to balance the open sharing of safety information with the protection of proprietary data and intellectual property.

The inclusion of Type Design Organisations under the umbrella of ICAO Annex 19 and its reflection in EASA Part 21J represents a collaborative effort to elevate aviation safety standards globally. It acknowledges the critical role that design and manufacturing processes play in the safety ecosystem and ensures that safety considerations are embedded from the earliest stages of aircraft development. This approach not only enhances the safety of aviation operations but also supports the industry's growth and technological advancements in a sustainable manner.

Next Steps

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