The Safety Oversight Course (Aviation Authorities) SAFA in Zurich is a professional training course designed to equip aviation professionals with skills to conduct safety oversight and inspections.
From:
09-03-2026
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 (SAFA) for Aviation Authorities in Zurich offers professionals a thorough understanding of the safety oversight framework for aviation operations, with a specific focus on the European Union’s Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) program. This program is designed for aviation regulators, safety inspectors, compliance officers, and aviation authorities who are responsible for overseeing the safety standards of foreign operators and ensuring that they meet international aviation regulations.
Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of the SAFA safety oversight program, which is part of the broader European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations. The course covers the fundamental principles of safety inspections, audit procedures, and the assessment of foreign aircraft’s compliance with safety standards. Attendees will learn to conduct comprehensive safety assessments of foreign operators, review operational practices, and ensure adherence to international aviation safety standards. The program includes practical training on conducting inspections, identifying safety risks, and taking corrective actions to mitigate potential hazards.
These SAFA training courses in Zurich also focus on the regulatory environment surrounding international aviation oversight, including the roles and responsibilities of aviation authorities in ensuring compliance with ICAO, EASA, and national aviation regulations. Participants will learn how to evaluate safety documentation, inspect aircraft maintenance procedures, assess flight crew qualifications, and monitor safety performance across different regions. Furthermore, the course covers the development of safety action plans, collaboration with other aviation authorities, and reporting of safety concerns to ensure global safety harmonization.
Attending these training courses in Zurich provides a unique opportunity to engage with industry experts and peers, allowing professionals to share knowledge and best practices in aviation safety oversight. Zurich’s position as a major aviation hub enhances the learning experience, offering participants exposure to cutting-edge safety oversight practices and regulatory developments. By completing this specialization, participants will be equipped to effectively oversee and ensure safety compliance for foreign aircraft, contributing to the continuous improvement of aviation safety standards globally.