Sarah MacLeod speaks with SAQG workshop participants during a session in Singapore on Nov. 9. Photo courtesy SAQC.
On Nov. 9, Executive Director Sarah MacLeod conducted the Singapore Aerospace Quality Group’s (SAQG) fourth workshop, a gathering of more than 50 aviation professionals hosted in the small republic. The workshop’s participants were quality and engineering personnel representing 26 companies, most with strong international business interests.
MacLeod summarized the FAA’s efforts to overhaul its Flight Standards and Aircraft Certification organization; she also provided an overview of the agency’s designee and self-disclosure programs. The sessions closed with Sarah’s insight into the American rulemaking process, which focused participants on proactive engagement.
The SAQG is an initiative of the Association of Aerospace Industries – Singapore (AAIS) and was developed as a tool for AAIS to cultivate technically-focused professional communities. The group hosted MacLeod’s workshop to take advantage of her travel to Singapore to present regulatory training for FAA-certificated repair stations, which was administered through ARSA’s management firm Obadal, Filler, MacLeod & Klein, P.L.C.
Of the topics covered by MacLeod’s presentation, most are presented by sessions currently available on-demand from ARSA’s training program (bundle purchases available for various topics):
Self Disclosure – The Elements
This session reviews the elements of self-disclosure established by the FAA. It covers the who, what, why, when, where and how of filing a voluntary self-disclosure report with the agency. Additionally, it covers how the agency is to handle the report and its expectations for follow up actions.
Self Disclosure – How to Avoid Self-Exposure
This session reviews the best methods for investigating a potential non-compliance, including how to distinguish between business and regulatory requirements and how to use language that relates facts to the regulations without creating unnecessary consternation or scrutiny.
Sarah MacLeod speaks with SAQG workshop participants during a session in Singapore on Nov. 9. Photo courtesy SAQC.
The Rulemaking Process – Overview
This session provides an overview of how federal agencies make regulations that have the force and effect of law. Specifically, it reviews the agencies that must follow the Administrative Procedure Act, the procedures governed by the Act as well as other methods by which an agency can obtain recommendations from the public on its rulemaking activities and mandates.
The Rulemaking Process – Effective Comments
This session provides methods for submitting effective comments on FAA rulemaking proposals and on other documents that are posted for feedback from stakeholders.
Administrative Agencies & Their Powers
This session reviews why federal administrative agencies are created and how they use their powers to regulate activities within their jurisdiction. It also covers the basic procedures agencies must follow to create or revise regulations.
Administrative Agencies – The FAA & NTSB
This session reviews the creation and powers of the two agencies most prominent in civil aviation – the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
The session also included tailored content that can be provided through private sessions with OFM&K.
For more information about the association’s training resources, visit arsa.org/training.
To learn about MacLeod’s visit to Singapore, or for more information about the SAQG workshop, contact Vice President of Communications Brett Levanto (brett.levanto@arsa.org).
