In the wake of the Boeing Max crashes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is continuing to evolve its organization designation authority (ODA) process by issuing a draft revision to its oversight order. Comments are due by October 21 on the draft Revision C of ODA Order 8100.15. This order establishes the ground rules for a manufacturer to obtain ODA approval and provides procedures for FAA personnel conducting oversight of ODA holders.
Draft Revision C proposes 54 changes aimed at tightening manufacturer ODA approval rules and improving FAA oversight of ODA holders. The draft also introduces the Airmen Certification ODA type, reorganizes existing content, and applies a “systems-based approach” to oversight.
The FAA’s ODA oversight has come under intense scrutiny since the Boeing Max crashes. Among other changes, the FAA has established and reorganized its ODA office to report directly to the associate administrator for aviation safety. The FAA stated that this change reflects its “priority to oversee, standardize, and ensure consistency” with its ODA activities.