Gabon – ANAC experts are strengthening their skills in CEMAC community regulations regarding air safety
As part of its capacity-building efforts for technical inspectors, the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) participated in a regional training course on CEMAC community regulations in the field of airworthiness (AIR). Organized by the Central African Air Safety Supervision Agency (ASSA-AC), this session was held from July 20 to 24, 2026, in the conference room of Maya-Maya International Airport in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
The delegation consisted of Mr. NZIENGUI Joël Davy and Mr. MOUKOUNGOU Arnaud, respectively Head of Aircraft Registration Office and Trainee Air Operations Inspector, who took an active part in this technical meeting bringing together the civil aviation authorities of the CEMAC member states.
The aim of this training was to popularize the new CEMAC community regulations, to strengthen the mastery of audit and continuous monitoring procedures applied in member states, to consolidate the skills of inspectors in certification and to promote the creation of a regional network of experts capable of strengthening mutual assistance between civil aviation authorities.
The work was led by Mr. Thierry BESSON, aeronautical expert from the firm APAVE Aeroservices, who shared his expertise on the implementation of international standards and their integration into the community regulatory framework.
For four days, participants delved into the provisions of Regulation No. 678/25/CEMAC/C/P/REX-AIR/C, particularly those relating to Continuing Airworthiness Management Organizations (CAMOs) and Approved Maintenance Organizations (AMOs).
Regarding the CAMO component, discussions focused on the continuous technical monitoring of aircraft airworthiness, the approval and oversight of maintenance programs, the management of airworthiness directives, and the monitoring of major modifications and repairs. Participants also examined the integration of Safety Management Systems (SMS) within approved organizations, in accordance with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The module dedicated to AMOs made it possible to deepen the mechanisms for harmonizing the approval criteria applicable in all CEMAC member states, the procedures for issuing and monitoring Part 145 approvals, the requirements relating to maintaining airworthiness as well as the methods for monitoring maintenance workshops in order to guarantee their compliance with safety requirements.
Practical workshops complemented these lessons. The inspectors were notably trained in audit techniques for Approved Maintenance Organizations (AMOs) and participated in group exercises dedicated to the identification, formulation and treatment of real non-conformity situations.
The final day was dedicated to theoretical and practical assessments of the participants, supervised by APAVE Aeroservices. All delegates successfully validated the skills acquired before officially receiving their certificates of completion.
At the closing ceremony, the Deputy Director General of ANAC Congo, representing the Director General who was unable to attend, commended the participants’ commitment and reiterated the importance of a harmonized implementation of the new regulations throughout the CEMAC community. An official photograph was taken with the authorities, the trainer, and representatives of the various participating states. The mission concluded with a visit to the Doué Falls (Loufoulakari), fostering exchanges and strengthening ties between experts from the different civil aviation authorities.
This training enabled ANAC Gabon inspectors to strengthen their understanding of the REX-AIR community regulation, particularly regarding maintenance program approval, airworthiness directive management, maintenance organization certification, and Safety Management System evaluation. Participants also enhanced their auditing skills through the acquisition of a standardized methodology based on objective evidence and the refinement of techniques for detecting, classifying, and addressing non-conformities.
The results obtained demonstrate the success of this regional initiative. Validating the skills of all participants represents a significant step towards harmonizing oversight practices within the CEMAC region. This momentum also contributes to strengthening mutual trust between national civil aviation authorities and, ultimately, promotes the reciprocal recognition of approvals and licenses issued by member states.
Following the workshop, several recommendations were formulated. Specifically, ASSA-AC is recommended to develop a harmonized community guide for OMA and CAMO audits, establish a regional platform for monitoring certified organizations, and institute annual technical refresher training sessions to support the evolving REX-AIR regulations.
At the national level, the recommendations call on civil aviation authorities to inform airlines and maintenance workshops of the new requirements relating to continued airworthiness and Safety Management Systems, while progressively harmonizing inspection tools and grids with a view to the full application of Community regulations.
Source : ANAC
