Internal Auditor Training
Build the competence and confidence to plan, conduct, and report internal audits in aviation, using internationally recognized quality management and audit principles.
@ Aeroclass
Course description
Effective internal audits are essential for ensuring compliance, improving performance, and strengthening safety and quality within aviation organizations. This training equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and structured approach needed to conduct internal audits aligned with ISO 9001 principles and aviation regulatory requirements.
Participants will explore the foundations of Quality Management Systems (QMS) in aviation, learn how to plan, execute, and follow up on audits, and develop the competence to evaluate evidence, identify non-conformities, and support continuous improvement. Practical application is emphasized through aviation-specific case discussions, ensuring that participants can apply what they learn directly in operational environments.
By completing this training, participants will be prepared to support their organization’s compliance objectives and drive meaningful improvement through structured internal auditing.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this class, participants will be equipped to:
- Explain the purpose, structure, and regulatory framework of QMS in aviation
- Apply recognized quality management and audit principles in practice
- Plan and prepare internal audits based on risk and organizational priorities
- Conduct audits effectively using structured evidence collection techniques
- Evaluate and report audit findings clearly and objectively
- Manage non-conformities and follow-up actions to support continuous improvement
- Apply internal audit techniques to aviation-specific domains such as SMS, operations, maintenance, and security
Who should attend
- Quality assurance and compliance officers in aviation organizations
- Internal auditors or audit team members new to the aviation sector
- Operations and maintenance supervisors involved in QMS implementation
- Safety and SMS coordinators responsible for internal oversight
- Regulatory affairs or compliance monitoring staff
- Other professionals involved in quality or safety auditing within aviation
Meet your instructor
Ricardo Mendes
Ricardo Mendes, an Airline Transport Pilot License holder, certified Lead Auditor for ISO 9001, BARS Auditor, and IS-BAO Auditor, as well as a member of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI), specializes in Safety and Quality Management Systems, regulatory compliance, and operational safety. He currently serves as Airline Safety and Quality Manager, overseeing the development, implementation, and continual improvement of Safety and Quality Management frameworks for a fleet of over 50 aircraft.
In addition to his management responsibilities, he is an active Captain, Instructor, and Company Check Pilot. His combined role as both manager and line pilot provides a unique perspective that bridges theoretical principles with operational practice. His work emphasizes the integration of quality assurance, compliance monitoring, and safety performance into a cohesive system aligned with ICAO and ISO standards.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Science, a Graduate Degree in Safety Management Systems, a Graduate Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management, and an MBA in Quality Management Systems. He is also internationally certified as an internal auditor, lead auditor, BARS auditor, and IS-BAO auditor, with recognized expertise in ISO 9001 and regulatory compliance. His academic and professional interests focus on quality assurance, aviation safety management, and continuous improvement frameworks in air transport organizations.
