DOA Audits & Independent System Monitoring

What is the primary purpose of Independent System Monitoring (ISM) in a DOA?

• To assist in the initial aircraft design process

• To ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and detect non-conformities

• To replace the role of aviation authorities in certification

• To manage financial aspects of design organizations

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of Independent System Monitoring (ISM) in a DOA is to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and detect non-conformities, which is crucial for maintaining safety and quality standards.

Which of the following is NOT a key component of the Design Assurance System (DAS)?

• Compliance Verification Process

• Independent System Monitoring (ISM)

• Aircraft Maintenance Procedures

• Risk and Safety Management

Answer explanation

Aircraft Maintenance Procedures are not part of the Design Assurance System (DAS), which focuses on compliance verification, independent monitoring, and risk management to ensure safety and reliability.

According to CASR Part 21, what is the primary role of a Compliance Verification Engineer (CVE) within a DOA?

• To approve and release aircraft for service

• To verify that the design complies with airworthiness requirements

• To conduct financial audits within the organization

• To perform maintenance and repairs on aircraft

Answer explanation

The primary role of a Compliance Verification Engineer (CVE) within a Design Organization Approval (DOA) is to verify that the design complies with airworthiness requirements, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

In an audit process, which step comes immediately after the audit checklist is developed?

• Conducting the audit activities

• Creating an audit schedule

• Preparing corrective actions

• Closing the audit

Answer explanation

After developing the audit checklist, the next step is conducting the audit activities. This involves executing the plan and gathering evidence to assess compliance and performance.

What is the main advantage of using the '5-Why Analysis' in Root Cause Analysis (RCA)?

• It provides a quick and structured way to find the root cause of a problem

• It eliminates the need for further corrective actions

• It focuses only on technical issues, ignoring human factors

• It is only useful for minor audit findings

Answer explanation

The main advantage of '5-Why Analysis' is that it provides a quick and structured way to identify the root cause of a problem, making it an effective tool in Root Cause Analysis.

In a Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa), which of the following is NOT a typical cause category?

• People

• Environment

• Finance

• Process

Answer explanation

In a Fishbone Diagram, typical cause categories include People, Environment, and Process. Finance is not a standard category, making it the correct answer as it does not fit the common classifications used in this tool.

During an audit, an auditor identifies a major non-conformity. What is the appropriate escalation step?

• Ignore the finding if it does not impact safety

• Document the finding and immediately escalate it to senior management

• Wait until the next audit cycle to report it

• Resolve it without involving management

Answer explanation

Documenting the finding and escalating it to senior management is crucial for addressing major non-conformities effectively. Ignoring, delaying, or resolving without management involvement can lead to unresolved issues and risks.

What is the primary function of digital tools in audit tracking and reporting?

• To replace auditors with automated processes

• To provide real-time tracking of findings and corrective actions

• To store financial data related to design approvals

• To eliminate the need for compliance verification

Answer explanation

The primary function of digital tools in audit tracking and reporting is to provide real-time tracking of findings and corrective actions, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in the audit process.

In a DOA audit, what is the purpose of Corrective Action?

• To punish employees for non-compliance

• To address the root cause of an issue and prevent recurrence

• To increase audit complexity

• To close audit findings without investigation

Answer explanation

The purpose of Corrective Action in a DOA audit is to address the root cause of an issue and prevent recurrence, ensuring that similar problems do not arise in the future.

Which of the following best describes risk-based auditing?

• Conducting audits based only on regulatory requirements

• Focusing audit efforts on areas with the highest potential impact on safety and compliance

• Performing random audits without structured planning

• Avoiding audits in low-risk areas

Answer explanation

Risk-based auditing focuses on areas with the highest potential impact on safety and compliance, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to mitigate risks, unlike random or regulatory-only audits.