The Defence Aviation Safety Framework (DASF) is established by the Secretary of the Department of Defence and the Chief of the Defence Force through Joint Directive 21/2021 The Defence Aviation Safety Framework. The DASF defines Aviation Safety in the Defence context and sets out responsibilities and accountabilities for the management, oversight and review of Aviation Safety.
This structured aviation safety framework is underpinned by the:
Appointment of a Defence Aviation Authority;
Establishment of a Defence Aviation Safety Authority;
Implementation of a Defence Aviation Safety Program;
Promulgation of effective Defence Aviation Safety Regulations; and,
Establishment of an independent accident and incident investigative capability.
The basis for the safety obligations on commanders and managers to manage aviation risks is found under the Commonwealth Work Health and Safety Act 2011. However, the Defence AA is authorised to impose a DASF across Defence to assure the Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of Defence and Government that the management of Aviation Safety is credible and defensible in the context of statutory legislation. As such, commanders and managers who are responsible for the design, construction, maintenance and operation of State aircraft and identified support systems must comply with the DASF.
Functions and responsibilities
The Defence Aviation Safety Program (DASP) is the ongoing fulfilment of the functions and accountabilities established by the DASF. Described at the highest level, these are:
independent safety assurance applied by the Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA), specifically:
the prescription and interpretation of Aviation Safety management policy, inclusive of Defence Aviation Safety Regulation (DASR) and related standards
the issuance of authorisations, including permits, approvals and licenses, to certify that Defence Aviation platforms, systems, organisations and personnel have shown compliance with applicable DASR
ongoing oversight and enforcement activities to assure compliance with the DASR and the continued validity of authorisations issued by DASA
the promotion of aviation safety through education, training, and dissemination of safety information
independent accident and incident investigations performed by DASA in order to prevent recurrence and improve safety performance
independent reviews of Aviation Safety coordinated by DASA on behalf of the Defence Aviation Authority.
The DASP also identifies continuing processes of hazard identification and safety risk management for execution by commanders and managers.
The following aviation activities are within the scope of the DASP:
the operation of aircraft by, or on behalf of, Defence
the operation of aircraft by Defence Personnel 11, Australian Defence Force (ADF) Cadets and ADF Cadet Staff in the course of their duties, including ADF Currency Flying Scheme participants
the design, production and maintenance of State Aircraft22 and components thereof
the operation, management and certification of Defence aerodromes, including shipborne heliports
the provision of Air Traffic Management services and Air Navigation Services by Defence, including equipment and systems
the operation of foreign military aircraft within national airspace.
The following are outside the scope of the DASP:
materiel systems or support equipment, to the extent that they do not affect Aviation Safety
Defence personnel acting as crew, or travelling as passengers, on flights which are not exclusively for Defence use.
The DASP Manual is issued by the Defence AA to establish policy and guidance for the implementation of the DASP. It is applicable to:
Commanders and managers responsible for aviation activities identified as being within the scope of the DASP. Aviation safety is a command responsibility and therefore commanders and managers are accountable for ensuring aviation systems under their command or control are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated to approved standards and limitations by competent and authorised personnel acting as members of an approved organisation.
The Defence Aviation Safety Authority as the organisation responsible for the implementation of the DASP.
Independent reviewers, appointed by the Defence AA, to examine, and make recommendations on, the safety of Defence Aviation activities.
The DASP Manual is published in three volumes:
Volume 1 expands on Joint Directive 21/2021 to establish requirements for the implementation of the DASP; in particular:
legal and governance arrangements
independent safety assurance
the Defence Aviation Safety Regulation
the independent investigation of accidents and incidents
independent reviews of Aviation Safety.
Volume 2 Defence Aviation Safety Regulation establishes all requirements and provisions for the management of Aviation Safety by commanders and managers.
Volume 3 DASP Guidance provides an overview of the DASP and how its various elements collectively achieve the required safety objectives. Volume 3 also provides supporting information to promote understanding of concepts and processes spanning multiple requirements or provisions established through Volumes 1 and 2.
The requirements detailed in this manual are based on recognition that:
A credible and defensible level of military Aviation Safety performance is assured in military aviation, by the adoption of common safety rules and by measures assuring that products, persons and organisations comply with such rules.
Foreign military aircraft operating in our national airspace are to be subject to appropriate oversight.
The Defence AA will establish, in line with standards and recommended practices (SARPs) set by the Chicago Convention, essential requirements applicable to aeronautical products, parts and appliances, to persons and organisations involved in aircraft operations, and to persons and products involved in the training of aircrew, aerodromes, and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP).
DASA will be empowered to develop the necessary regulations for giving effect to the requirements of this manual.
The scope and requirements of the DASP are clearly defined so that persons, organisations, and products subject to the DASP can be identified without ambiguity.
Aeronautical products, parts and appliances, persons and organisations involved in aircraft operations, as well as persons, products and organisations involved in their training should be certified, licensed or approved once they have been found to comply with the essential Aviation Safety requirements.
Adequate flexibility is provided to effectively address special circumstances such as urgent safety measures, and compelling operational imperatives or emergencies. Provision will also be made for achieving an equivalent safety level by other means. Exemptions to the requirements of this manual are also able to be granted, provided they are strictly limited in scope and subject to appropriate control.
The effective functioning of a military Aviation Safety scheme requires strong cooperation between the Defence AA, DASA and regulated organisations, to detect unsafe conditions and take remedial measures as appropriate.
The promotion of a ‘culture of safety’ and the proper functioning of a regulatory system in the fields covered by this manual requires that incidents and occurrences be promptly reported. Such reporting is to be facilitated by the establishment of a non-punitive environment, and appropriate measures should be taken by the Defence AA, DASA and regulated organisations to provide for the protection of such information and of those who report it.
Recommendations from air accident/incident investigations are to be acted upon as a matter of urgency, in order to assure confidence in military Aviation Safety management.
The objectives of this manual may be efficiently achieved through the recognition of other aviation safety authorities by DASA.
In order to properly assist the Defence AA, DASA should develop its expertise in all aspects of military Aviation Safety covered by this manual, and will assist regulated organisations in its implementation. DASA should issue certification specifications and guidance material, make technical findings and issue authorisations as required. The DASA is to also monitor the application of this requirement and associated Regulations, and be given the necessary authority to carry out its tasks.
DASA will support the Defence AA in the field of international relations, including the harmonisation of rules, recognition of approvals and technical cooperation, and be entitled to establish the appropriate relations with the military aviation authorities of foreign countries and international organisations competent in matters covered by this manual.