Source: IAMA
Achieving a fundamental goal, IAMA, the Independent Aircraft Modifier Alliance, is partnering with Quali-audit to implement a much-anticipated auditing program. Starting in the first quarter of 2022, current Full and Basic members who are Design Approval Holders (DAH) will be audited.
“Since day one, we’ve been working to make our Audit Program a reality,” said Marc Pinault , IAMA’s board chairman. “Engaging with our members, airlines, aircraft and avionics manufacturers, design organizations and lessors has brought us to this landmark moment. This is a critical initiative for continuing to build trust in Supplemental Type Certificate projects, and we are optimistic about the results this program will bring.”
Since its founding, the alliance’s primary goal has been to ensure that members modifying aircraft through STC projects maintain the highest operational standard possible. The IAMA Rulebook, first released in March 2020, defines this standard and is an indispensable resource for aircraft modifiers, airlines and lessors. IAMA and its members recognize that independent validation of compliance is the key to implementing the standard and an essential means of achieving market transparency. The IAMA approach includes initial, corrective, renewal and delta audits. These measures help assess a member’s compliance with the IAMA Rulebook standard and their ability to operate in a controlled and stable manner throughout their STC project lifecycle. The approach is designed to protect the integrity of the IAMA endorsement and develop consistency across alliance modifier members.
“We are thrilled to launch our audit program,” said Nicole Noack , managing director of IAMA. “With our standard defined, this program is now the flagship initiative in our mission to strengthen STC and aircraft modification quality, and we are confident it will offer added value to the aviation sector. Our partnership with Quali-audit is a major milestone, and the IAMA team looks forward to collaborating with an organization of such renown.”
Founded in 2006, Quali-audit is an independent, wholly-owned subsidiary of Air France Group. The company specializes in safety and quality auditing services, providing a full range of audit, training and consulting services within the aviation industry. The company is an IATA accredited Auditing Organization aiming to help airlines achieve a higher level of safety through implementing the IOSA Program and conducting Operational Safety Audits and Quality Training Programs.
“IAMA‘s vision for an open, independent and transparent aircraft retrofit market is a welcome addition to the aviation ecosystem,” said Michel Gorog , Quali-audit CEO. “Having established a benchmark with the IAMA Rulebook, the audit process will help to ensure trustworthy, superior quality STCs; all the better for airlines and the aviation industry as a whole. We are extremely pleased to have this opportunity to partner with IAMA, and we look forward to collaborating with them.”
Members who pass the audit earn the right to use an IAMA endorsement label on their modifications. Audits are mandatory as defined in the alliance’s bylaws and follow widely-accepted methodologies.
More about the IAMA Audit Program and the IAMA Rulebook is available to members and, through a free subscription , to airlines and lessors. To join the alliance, visit our website. To learn more about Quali-audit visit their website.