Identifying Root Causes and Implementing Effective Corrective Actions

Effective root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action are essential for preventing repeat issues, improving system performance, and demonstrating regulatory compliance. Poorly executed investigations often result in superficial fixes that fail to address underlying causes, leading to recurring nonconformities and operational risk.

Henning Aviation’s Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Action Practitioner – 2 Day Course provides a structured, practical approach to identifying root causes and developing effective, sustainable corrective actions. The course focuses on real-world application, equipping participants with the skills to investigate problems systematically and drive lasting improvement.

Course Outline:

Principles of root cause analysis and corrective action

Regulatory and quality system expectations (AS9100, Part 21, Part 145)

Problem definition, containment, and immediate corrective actions

Data collection and evidence-based investigation

Using Pareto charts to prioritise problems and focus improvement effort

Root cause analysis techniques, including:

• 5 Whys & 3 Legged 5 why
• Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagrams
• Cause-and-effect analysis
• Fault Tree Analysis (overview)

Applying Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to identify and prioritise risk

Using the 8D problem-solving framework for structured investigation and resolution

Human factors and systemic contributors to failure

Developing effective corrective and preventive actions

Verification of effectiveness and sustainability

Documenting RCA, Pareto analysis, FMEA outputs, and corrective actions

Common pitfalls, audit findings, and regulator expectations

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Use Pareto analysis to prioritise issues effectively

Apply multiple root cause analysis techniques with confidence

Use FMEA to assess risk and prevent recurrence

Apply the 8D framework to complex quality and safety problems

Identify true root causes rather than symptoms

Develop robust corrective and preventive actions

Verify and demonstrate effectiveness of actions taken

Support regulatory and customer compliance

Benefits of the Course:

Practical, hands-on training delivered by experienced practitioners

Real-world case studies and workshop-based learning

Strengthens structured problem-solving capability

Supports audit readiness and regulatory compliance

Reduces repeat nonconformities and operational risk

Essential for quality, safety, and compliance roles

Ideal for: Quality Engineers, Compliance Managers, Safety Managers, Internal Auditors, Supervisors, Continuous Improvement Leads, and Programme Teams.