Dear Readers,
There’s only one topic on everyone’s mind these days. That’s why we’d like to use this newsletter to inform you about the impact of the coronavirus on certifications under the EN 9100 series of standards.
But since life goes on despite everything, we will be reporting on other aviation standards news in the coming weeks. We will also take this opportunity to focus on developments regarding the implementation of the EASA Safety Management System.
Please feel free to contact us if you need assistance with your QM system. But for now, enjoy reading.
Stay healthy,
Yours,
Prof. Martin Hinsch
EN 9100 Audits During the COVID-19 Crisis
Last week, the IAQG issued special guidelines regarding day-to-day certification activities. These guidelines are interpreted broadly enough to ensure that even a 6-month crisis situation can be effectively managed. The measures primarily concern the conduct of remote audits and the rescheduling of audits.
Remote Audits
Audits can currently be conducted up to 100% remotely (without a crisis, a maximum of 30% is permitted).
This special provision applies to surveillance, recertification, and transfer audits, but not to initial audits.
If conducting an audit remotely is not possible for certain parts of the operation (e.g., manufacturing processes), such on-site components may be postponed. However, these must then be made up later in the year, no later than 2021.
Postponement of Audits
It is also currently possible to postpone entire audits.
Recertifications: It is possible to reinstate a certificate up to 12 months after its expiration date by undergoing a recertification audit.
Follow-up audits: Postponements are possible within the calendar year, i.e., in 2020. Exception: For a first follow-up audit after initial certification. This audit must currently take place 18 months after the initial audit, rather than 12.
Initial audits cannot be conducted remotely and are therefore currently being postponed in most cases.
Processing of NCRs
The processing time for NCRs can be extended from 60 to 150 days, but this should be avoided whenever possible.
Administration and Planning of Certification Audits
Contact your certifier for solutions. They will propose a risk analysis and a course of action.
However, this will not make the audit any cheaper. While travel costs are eliminated, there will be increased costs for preparation and follow-up.
We support you with the EN 9100 series through e-learning courses as well as (remote) audits and consulting.
Whether digital, remote, or on-site—AeroImpulse offers you state-of-the-art EN 9100-compliant services
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