Course Overview
The Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) program was developed by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) and is now managed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). It is designed to ensure that foreign aircraft operating in European airspace comply with international safety standards.
This Safety Oversight Course (SAFA) provides participants with detailed training on the legal basis, methodology, and practical conduct of SAFA ramp inspections. The course covers inspector responsibilities, inspection techniques, reporting procedures, and the use of the European SAFA/SACA database.
Through workshops and practical exercises, participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to perform effective oversight and contribute to the improvement of global aviation safety.
Course Benefits
Understand the legal framework of SAFA inspections.
Learn to conduct ramp inspections effectively.
Strengthen compliance with ICAO and EASA standards.
Gain experience in identifying and categorizing findings.
Improve reporting skills using the SAFA database.
Course Objectives
Review ICAO and EASA oversight frameworks.
Understand the principles of the SAFA program.
Conduct standardized ramp inspections.
Identify and classify safety deficiencies.
Apply proper reporting and data entry procedures.
Evaluate operator corrective action plans.
Strengthen global aviation safety oversight.
Training Methodology
The course uses instructor-led lectures, case study analysis, interactive workshops, and practical ramp inspection simulations.
Target Audience
Civil Aviation Authority inspectors.
National aviation authority safety auditors.
Ramp inspection personnel.
Regulators responsible for oversight of foreign operators.
Target Competencies
SAFA inspection methodology.
Safety oversight and compliance monitoring.
Finding identification and categorization.
Safety reporting and corrective action follow-up.
Course Outline
Unit 1: Introduction to Safety Oversight and SAFA
ICAO and EASA safety oversight frameworks.
History and purpose of SAFA.
Legal and regulatory basis.
The role of aviation authorities.
Unit 2: Ramp Inspection Procedures
Pre-inspection preparation.
Conducting the inspection step by step.
Communication with operators and crew.
Inspector responsibilities and professionalism.
Unit 3: Identifying and Categorizing Findings
Types of findings (Level 1, 2, 3).
Documentation and evidence collection.
Case studies of ramp inspection results.
Common deficiencies in SAFA inspections.
Unit 4: Reporting and Database Entry
SAFA/SACA database overview.
Data entry and report submission.
Ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
Confidentiality and information sharing.
Unit 5: Corrective Actions and Follow-Up
Reviewing operator corrective action plans.
Monitoring compliance and follow-up inspections.
Coordinating with international authorities.
Continuous improvement in oversight.
Ready to strengthen your authority’s oversight capability?
Join the Safety Oversight Course (SAFA) for Aviation Authorities with EuroQuest International Training and gain the expertise to conduct professional and effective ramp inspections.
The Safety Oversight Course (Aviation Authorities) SAFA in Barcelona provides aviation professionals with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to conduct standardized safety oversight inspections on aircraft operating internationally. These programs are designed for civil aviation authority personnel, regulatory compliance inspectors, safety auditors, and aviation organization representatives involved in safety surveillance, regulatory enforcement, and operational monitoring. Focus is placed on the principles and methodology of the Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) program, ensuring participants are fully familiar with inspection processes and reporting protocols.
Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of SAFA inspection procedures, including inspection planning, aircraft and operator document verification, cabin and flight deck evaluation, and assessment of externally visible aircraft conditions. The courses emphasize risk-based decision-making, evidence collection, and objective evaluation criteria to ensure accurate and consistent oversight outcomes. Through real-world case studies, inspection simulations, and scenario-based exercises, attendees learn how to identify non-compliance issues, classify findings, and recommend corrective actions that support safety improvement across aviation operations.
These SAFA oversight training programs in Barcelona also explore the broader safety oversight framework, including coordination with international monitoring bodies, data reporting systems, and follow-up processes that support regulatory harmonization and continuous safety performance enhancement. The curriculum highlights the importance of professional communication, documentation accuracy, and a non-punitive, safety-focused approach to oversight inspections.
Attending these training courses in Barcelona offers participants the opportunity to learn from experienced regulatory professionals in an international and collaborative environment. The city’s strong aviation presence and global connectivity provide an ideal context for understanding current oversight practices and operational challenges. Upon completion, participants will be equipped to perform SAFA inspections confidently, support regulatory compliance, strengthen safety monitoring systems, and contribute to the continued improvement of international aviation safety standards.