OSAC is a unique case in the world

What does airworthiness mean in the aviation industry?

The best definition is given by the English word "airworthiness", which means "being able to fly", in other words, in complete safety. The CASO's job consists of carrying out inspection missions for civil aviation at all stages of the design, construction and maintenance of an object intended to fly. The Minister for Transport, through the Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC), has renewed our mandate in 2022 for a third six-year term (see box below), so that we can continue our mission of monitoring the airworthiness of aircraft. So OSAC is a private company in the Apave Group that acts as an Authority, which is unique in the world.

"OSAC is unique in the world".

What challenges are you currently facing?

Our challenges are those of the aeronautics sector. First of all, we are facing the challenge of digitalisation. OSAC wants to enter a modern era by dematerialising all the documents we issue, approvals, licences, on-board documents, etc. We also have to anticipate the emergence of new industrial processes and new types of aircraft. With the imminent arrival of the electric aircraft, the problem of the weight of the on-board batteries will initially be solved by lightening the structure, through the use of glued wood and composite materials. OSAC is concluding partnership agreements with the new manufacturers so that, when the time comes, our inspectors will have the necessary expertise to issue approvals.

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