GM1
ATM/ANS.OR.B.005(a)(4)
Management system
ED Decision 2017/001/R
IDENTIFICATION OF CHANGES TO FUNCTIONAL SYSTEMS
This process is used by the service provider to correctly identify proposed changes. The changes dealt with in this GM are the proposed changes to the functional system. These can be triggered internally by changing circumstances that are related to the service provider of concern or externally by changing circumstances that are related to others or to the context in which the service operates, i.e. in situations where the service provider does not have managerial control over them. The triggers are called ‘change drivers’.
(a) Identification of internal circumstances
(1) The procedure to identify changes needs to be embedded in all parts of the organisation that can modify the functional system, i.e. the operational system used to support the services provided. Examples of proposed changes to the functional system as a response to changing circumstances under the control of the organisation, therefore, include:
(i) changes to the way the components of the functional system are used;
(ii) changes to equipment, either hardware or software;
(iii) changes to roles and responsibilities of operational personnel;
(iv) changes to operating procedures;
(v) changes to system configuration, excluding changes during maintenance, repair and alternative operations that are already part of the accepted operational envelope;
(vi) changes that are necessary as a result of changing circumstances to the operational context under the managerial control of the provider that can impact the service, e.g. provision of service under new conditions;
(vii) changes that are necessary as a result of changing circumstances to the local physical (operational) environment of the functional system; and
(viii) changes to the working hours and/or shift patterns of key personnel which could impact on the safe delivery of services.
(2) These changes are often identified by the service provider using business processes, which will be used to identify changes planned for the medium and long term. Such processes can include:
(i) annual business plans;
(ii) strategic safety boards;
(iii) equipment replacement projects;
(iv) airspace reorganisation plans;
(v) introduction of new operational concepts, e.g. Free Flight;
(vi) accident and incident investigation reports; and
(vii) safety monitoring and safety surveys.
(b) Identification of external circumstances
The service provider should have processes in place to react appropriately to notifications received from those service providers that supply services to them. In addition, changes to the context that can impact on the service provided and are not under the managerial control of the service provider should be identified and treated as potential triggers. Furthermore, the service provider should negotiate contracts with unregulated service providers in accordance with ATM/ANS.OR.B.015 ‘Contracted activities’ that place a responsibility on such organisations to inform them of planned changes to their services.
EASA aviation regulations require air navigation service providers to manage changes to functional systems. This includes identifying internal changes like equipment or procedure modifications, and external changes from other service providers or the operational context. Robust processes, including business plans and safety monitoring, are needed to identify and manage these changes effectively.
* Summary by Aviation.Bot - Always consult the original document for the most accurate information.
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