{"id":31258,"date":"2026-08-24T10:29:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T14:29:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ops.group\/blog\/?p=31258"},"modified":"2026-08-24T10:29:58","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T14:29:58","slug":"safa-ramp-checks-what-the-2025-findings-are-really-telling-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ops.group\/blog\/safa-ramp-checks-what-the-2025-findings-are-really-telling-us\/","title":{"rendered":"SAFA Ramp Checks: What the 2025 Findings Are Really Telling Us"},"content":{"rendered":"

In our previous article, we looked at the SAFA findings that rarely make the crew briefing<\/a>: EFB mounts, MEL customization, maintenance due dates, placards and the other details hiding behind the inspection checklist.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Following that article, the EASA Ramp Coordination team shared its 2025 inspection data<\/a> with us (although EASA did not commission or endorse this article!). It shows that many of the most common problems were routine issues that could have been caught before the inspection.<\/strong><\/p>\n

So here\u2019s a look at what inspectors found, and what crews can do to avoid the same problems.<\/p>\n

If the inspector can see it, the log should explain it<\/h4>\n

A recurring significant finding involved defects that had not been properly identified, assessed or monitored. Inspectors also found maintenance actions that were not properly recorded.<\/p>\n

Anything found on the walkaround should be properly covered in the tech log. Staining, damage, loose panels and other visible defects should have been assessed, deferred, monitored or fixed. If an inspector can see it, expect them to check the paperwork.<\/p>\n

\u201cCabin ready\u201d means ready for flight<\/h4>\n

The more serious findings included unsecured cabin equipment, blocked emergency-exit access, poorly restrained cargo and maintenance work that did not follow the applicable MEL, Aircraft Maintenance Manual or Structural Repair Manual instructions.<\/p>\n

Some of that can be caught during a final cabin and cargo sweep. Some of it needs maintenance control long before departure. Better to know which is which before the inspector asks!<\/p>\n

For GA, the inspection starts at the planning desk<\/h4>\n

For business aviation, the main findings included unsuitable or insufficient alternates, missed Notams, and missing or seriously incorrect performance or fuel calculations.<\/p>\n

They also found crews carrying an MMEL instead of an MEL, MELs that were not fully customized, outdated or incomplete manuals, mismatched checklists, old navigation databases and required charts that were unavailable when needed.<\/p>\n

EASA\u2019s Ramp Coordination team confirmed that the SAFA-GA Top 5 includes findings from all three categories, not just Category 3. For GA crews, flight planning and document control are among the main areas to check before an inspection.<\/p>\n

Before your next trip to Europe<\/h4>\n