On Sept. 25, Sarah MacLeod showed the aviation maintenance industry how to safely navigate an increasingly-hazardous regulatory environment.

MacLeod, ARSA’s executive director and managing member at the law firm of Obadal, Filler, MacLeod and Klein, shared her regulatory insight at MRO Network’s Airline E&M: North America in Seattle, Wash. She joined Nick Brohm, director of quality for Virgin America, for a panel discussion titled Regulatory Update: Staying Ahead of the Compliance Challenge.

Closing panel discussion at AEM North America on regulatory compliance with @VirginAmerica and @ARSAWorks pic.twitter.com/43SBCdB1B6

— Juliet Trew (@MRONetJuliet) September 25, 2014

The purpose of the panel was to update attendees on recent changes in regulatory requirements and assess their impact while providing operating guidance for airlines and repair stations. To accomplish this, MacLeod reviewed recent regulatory actions – a number of important proposed rules and, of course, the new part 145 – and described the association’s work as a roadmap for both compliance and business success.

MacLeod reminded the audience that MRO providers must develop long-term, engaged relationships with regulators. However, effective commercial systems should always be the centerpiece of ensuring compliance, productivity and profit. “Knowing the difference between a regulatory compliance issue and a ‘good business practice’ is essential, more so than a ‘robust’ government-dictated requirement,” she said.

If you couldn’t make it to Seattle, you can get a sampling of the experience by viewing MacLeod’s presentation slides. Need more? Visit ARSA’s training page to view recorded sessions or develop a private session for your staff and be sure to attend the 2015 Annual Repair Symposium.

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