UKAS accreditation gains CAA recognition

Citation

(2007), "UKAS accreditation gains CAA recognition", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 79 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2007.12779eab.035

UKAS accreditation gains CAA recognition

UKAS accreditation gains CAA recognition

Aerospace Testing Houses are to receive formal recognition, thanks to a new agreement between the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Although test houses have provided an essential service and support to production and maintenance organisations, there has been no formal recognition by the CAA since 2005. The work that test houses undertake is highly specialised, and the removal of the CAA's approval meant that UK industry has had to oversee such contractors as part of their quality system obligations.

The new working agreement, signed in March 2007, helps to minimise the burden on industry by reducing the level of duplication in auditing. The agreement provides the CAA with all the access and oversight rights that would be expected including; visibility of the UKAS audit schedules, findings, changes of scope, details of suspension, revocation or voluntary withdrawal. In addition, the CAA can attend UKAS audits as an observer.

Jane Beaumont, UKAS Director of Accreditation, said: “UKAS is delighted to be working with the CAA. This relationship will help assure the quality of testing in the aerospace industry without an additional burden of administration being placed on suppliers.”

UKAS and the CAA plan to meet annually to review the agreement and share expertise. The CAA also intend to publish a Civil Aircraft Airworthiness Information Procedure (CAP 562) explaining the new regime.