Location
Description
Date
28th - 29th June 2018
Registration
Invitation-only due to limitations in the meeting venue’s capacity and the format of the meeting (small working groups from specific industry domains).
Description
Building upon the recent broadly based EASA Additive Manufacturing (AM) Workshops, held in Cologne in 2016 and 2017, the EASA AM Working Group held a smaller interactive event on 28th - 29th June 2018 focusing on the subject of knowledge transfer. By considering the understanding of knowledge transfer between stakeholders, and eventually training, that will be necessary to safely support more extensive introduction of AM technology into aviation products, the event was designed as a complement to the larger Workshops with the ultimate objective of helping EASA improve certification efficiency.
The workshop involved 50 attendees from the AM Machine Manufacturers, the TC Holders, and other stakeholders (including STC Holders MRO’s, standardisation bodies and airlines). The meeting was formatted to allow these three groups to both hold closed group and cross-group discussions regarding each groups expectations and perceptions relating to their own needs and those of the other groups. Extensive preparation by the groups prior to the meeting was much appreciated.
This was the first time all of the lead AM Machine Manufacturers had been at a working meeting together and many of the sub-contractors providing the key equipment and processes are typically unfamiliar with aviation. It was soon evident that the need exists to ensure the industry as a whole has a better understanding of roles and responsibilities within the aviation certification process. A positive outcome was the general acknowledgement of this knowledge gap and a clear willingness to address it. EASA therefore intends to continue working with these groups, in coordination with the TCHs, to improve communication and understanding of what is expected of all stakeholders.
Note:
EASA is now alternating the hosting of the larger AM Workshops with FAA for the purposes of improving regulatory efficiency because there are many global meetings regarding the subject each year and many of the stakeholders are the same globally placed organisations. The next FAA hosted Workshop will be 21st - 23rd August 2018, whilst the next EASA hosted Workshop will be held in Cologne in 2019.