147.B.10 Competent Authority

1.In deciding upon the required organisational structure, the competent authority should review the number of certificates to be issued, the number and size of potential Part-147 approved maintenance training organisations within that Member State, as well as the level of civil aviation activity, number and complexity of aircraft and the size of the Member State’s aviation industry.

2.The competent authority should retain effective control of important surveillance functions and not delegate them in such a way that Part-147 organisations, in effect, regulate themselves in airworthiness matters.

3.The set-up of the organisational structure should ensure that the various tasks and obligations of the competent authority are not relying on individuals. That means that a continuing and undisturbed fulfilment of these tasks and obligations of the competent authority should also be guaranteed in case of illness, accident or leave of individual employees.

1.competent authority surveyors should have:

1.1. practical experience and expertise in the application of aviation safety standards and safe operating practices;

1.2. comprehensive knowledge of:

(a)relevant parts of implementing rules, certification specifications and guidance material;

(b)the competent authority’s procedures;

(c)the rights and obligations of a surveyor;

(d)quality systems;

(e)continuing airworthiness management.

1.3. training on auditing techniques.

2.five years relevant work experience to be allowed to work as a surveyor independently. This may include experience gained during training to obtain the 1.5 qualification.

3.a relevant engineering degree or an aircraft maintenance or training qualification with additional education. ‘relevant engineering degree’ means an engineering degree from aeronautical, mechanical, electrical, electronic, avionic or other studies relevant to the maintenance and continuing airworthiness of aircraft/aircraft components.

3.1. knowledge of a relevant sample of aircraft types

3.2. knowledge of maintenance training standards.

3.3. training methods and technologies.

4.In addition to technical competency, surveyors should have a high degree of integrity, be impartial in carrying out their tasks, be tactful, and have a good understanding of human nature.

5.A programme for continuation training should be developed that ensures that the surveyors remain competent to perform their allocated tasks.

The documented procedures should contain the following information:

(a)The Member State’s designation of the competent authority(ies).

(b)The title(s) and name(s) of the manager(s) of the competent authority and their duties and responsibilities.

(c)Organisation chart(s) showing associated chains of responsibility of the senior persons.

(d)A procedure defining the qualifications for staff together with a list of staff authorised to sign certificates.

(e)A general description of the facilities.

(f)Procedures specifying how the competent authority(ies) ensure(s) compliance with Part-147.