A Statement of Operating Intent and Usage must be issued for all Defence registered aircraft types. GMGM AMCAMC
Statement of Operating Intent and Usage Approval
The Statement of Operating Intent and Usage (SOIU) should have a two stage approval process to ensure it satisfies an acceptable input to type certification and the operational commander’s requirements. The approval process should include:
The Authority – (DASA) will endorse and confirm that the SOIU provides sufficient data for a comprehensive aircraft TCB (airworthiness) to be derived.
SOIU Updates
SOIU Content
Role. Peacetime and warfighting functions/missions.
Physical environment.
Functional environment.
The DASP Glossary definition for the SOIU explains that it is a key document for aviation commanders. It ensures that Flying Management System controls are suitable and sufficient to manage the risk of operating an aircraft that may not have completed full or supplemental Type Certification.
The MAO, or operational commander must cease Flight Operations under their command or management where an emergent risk compromises Aviation Safety. GMGM AMCAMC
Commanders should cease flight operations of a fleet or sub-fleet of an aircraft type when:
continuing airworthiness cannot be assured in accordance with DASR M.A.201(a) and the DASR SPA.10 flexibility provisions are not warranted.
when management arrangements supporting safe flight operation cannot be assured, or
when any other factor essential to safe operation cannot be assured.
Commanders should cease flight operations by any, or a combination of, the following:
directing a stop to applicable flight authorisation.
quarantining individual aircraft paperwork, preventing aircraft release from maintenance.
revoking the applicable Military Airworthiness Review Certificate(s) in accordance with DASR M.A.902(a).
Reporting Requirements
Cessation of flight operations of a fleet or sub-fleet of an aircraft type should be notified:
to the DASA (which, if applicable to continuing airworthiness, is in accordance with DASR M.A.202);
to other MAO where an aircraft type is operated under multiple MAOCs, and the hazard might reasonably compromise continuing airworthiness or safe flight operations by other MAO; and
at the next independent board of review.
Resumption of Flight Operations.
Flight operations may be resumed when:
the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft has been established and the Military Airworthiness Review Certificate(s) has been approved/released; or
the hazard causing the cessation of flight operations has been assessed as eliminated or minimised SFARP by the appropriate risk management authority; and
any residual risk retained by the appropriate level of command.
Resumption of flight operations of a fleet or sub-fleet of an aircraft type should be notified to the DASA.
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to provide a mechanism, and appropriate oversight, for command to cease flight operations to allow time to eliminate, or otherwise minimise, emergent risk so far as is reasonably practical.
This regulation is not intended as a method for the DASA to suspended flight operations. The DASA has other mechanisms, under DASR 21, DASR M and DASR ARO, to limit, suspend or revoke aircraft instruments or Air Operator permissions.
An aircraft operated by or on behalf of Defence must be considered for Defence registration when: GMGM
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to allow capability managers to best determine whether an aircraft should be on the Defence register. There may be occasions when it is in Defence’s interest for aircraft to remain on another register.
DASA is the custodian of the Defence Register and is responsible to ensure its validity. Information pertaining to the management of the Defence register, including addition and removal of aircraft is detailed in the DASP Manual Volume 3 Chapter 6.1.1 Annex B - Defence Registration.
The aircraft is predominantly operated in a military configuration, role or environment by Defence or non-Defence personnel.
The aircraft is owned by Defence.
The aircraft is predominantly operated by members of Defence in the course of their duties.
Purpose. (Context) An independent Organisational Approval of organisations that conduct Defence air operations provides assurance that aviation safety will be maintained. (Hazard) Compromised management of aviation quality and safety management systems adversely affects the safe delivery of capability. (Defence) This regulation requires the MAO to implement controls to ensure Aviation Safety, including that an airworthy Aircraft will be maintained and operated to approved standards and limitations, by competent and authorised individuals, who are acting as a member of an approved organisation.
Operation of all Defence registered aircraft must be conducted under the authority of a Military Air Operator Certificate (MAOC), issued by the Authority. GMGM
A Military Air Operator (MAO) is an organisation, usually a Force Element Group (FEG) or equivalent force structure, that:
is suitable to ensure that Flight Operations can be conducted safely, in accordance with the aircraft Statement of Operating Intent and Usage (SOIU)
is capable of complying with DASR
has an appropriate chain of command
has appropriately qualified personnel
has key personnel with appropriate experience to conduct Flight Operations
has facilities which are sufficient and suitable for the type of operations conducted
has suitable, documented processes, procedures and practices
has a suitable SMS
has a suitable QMS
has an associated CAMO in accordance with DASR M.
The MAO will have an AM, usually FEGCDR or equivalent. Limitations may be placed on the AM in their command directive.
Continuing airworthiness. Continuing airworthiness, including DASR.M compliance, is met by the CAMO, including but not limited to: aircraft maintenance programming; military airworthiness review certificates (assurance of the validity of CoA for individual aircraft); maintenance facilities; Ground Support Equipment (GSE); tools and spares; maintenance data; recordkeeping; maintenance scheduling; and performance and certification of maintenance.
The CAM is the Responsible Manager for the CAMO. The CAM is nominated by the Defence chain of command and authorised under DASR M.
Certificate. The MAOC is a single page certificate to authorise Flight Operations. The MAOC will be issued when the Authority is satisfied that the MAO can safely conduct Flight Operations. The MAOC contains:
The MAO organisation name
MAO location
Reference to OpSpec, including the words ‘operations will be conducted in accordance with the attached Operations Specification’
MAOC expiry date
Authority signature and date.
MAOC OpSpec. Every MAOC has attached OpSpec which details:
Accountable Manager (AM). (The command position, eg 'Commander ACG')
Continuing Airworthiness Manager (CAM)
Hazard Tracking Authorities (HTA) appointments within MAO
reserved
Aircraft Type(s) operated, including UAS
Aircraft Roles in accordance with SOIU CRE
Specific approvals, such as RNP or RNAV specifications (if required)
Operational limitations (if required). Operational limitations are prescribed by the Authority to assure safe operations of a particular aircraft type within the ability and maturity of the MAO. Operational limitations are not designed to replicate airworthiness limitations contained in airworthiness instruments or documents such as the MRTC, or AFM. Typically, an operational limitation will include reference to a plan and timeline to remove the limitation upon Authority review
Signature by the Authority endorsing the OpSpec.
Compliance Statement. Readiness to conduct Flight Operations in accordance with the requirements of a MAOC shall be demonstrated by an Operations Compliance Statement (OCS), submitted in accordance with DASR ARO.100(c).
Authority oversight and audit. The Authority may use an independent board of review to assess a MAOC, including to:
provide recommendation on the issue of, or major variation to, a MAOC or associated OpSpec
specifically review the proposed addition of an aircraft type to an OpSpec
specifically review major modification or STC of an aircraft type listed on an OpSpec
review on-going safe operation of aircraft by a MAO.
Operation of civil registered aircraft by a MAO must be conducted under the authority of a MAOC, issued by the Authority. GMGM
Civil Regulator. Civil registered aircraft are to be operated in accordance with the civil regulations of their State of registration. This may only be varied where there is an agreement in place between the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Authority.
Civil registered aircraft operated by the MAO on an on-going basis should be included on the MAOC OpSpec. The Military Air Operator’s FMS, OIP, training and qualification, facilities, SMS, continuing airworthiness management, and operational limitations must be adequate to ensure Aviation Safety for civil registered aircraft. The safety controls and risk management processes should provide an equivalent level of safety to Defence and civil registered aircraft operated by the MAO.
Civil registered aircraft are likely to be under a civil Air Operator Certificate (AOC), in addition to being included on the MAOC OpSpec.
Supplemental Authority oversight. Where compelling reasons exist, the Authority may impose additional requirements to supplement existing CAA regulation and oversight.
Exception. The regulation is not intended to restrict the operation of non-Defence registered Aircraft under DASR NDR where that regulation is more appropriate. By way of exception to ARO.100(c), civil registered aircraft subject to short term Defence lease, charter or hire may be managed under DASR NDR.
The applicant organisation must apply to the Authority for issue of, or a variation to, a MAOC or attached Operations Specification (OpSpec) by submitting a Military Air Operator's Operations Compliance Statement (OCS). The OCS must: GMGM AMCAMC
The OCS should include the following information for the MAOC:
MAO organisation name. FEG or equivalent
MAO location. Location of the headquarters
a statement that operations will be in accordance with the attached OpSpec.
The OCS should include the following information for the MAOC OpSpec:
the Accountable Manager (AM), listed by command position, eg 'CDR ACG'
Continuing Airworthiness Manager (CAM)
Hazard Tracking Authority (HTA) within the MAO
safety manager within the MAO (per DASA SMS)
Aircraft type(s), as follows:
Defence registered Aircraft listed by type, eg A-38 ARH Tiger. Each Aircraft type is considered as a fleet. Aircraft types further divided into sub-fleets with different CRE, should be listed separately
Civil registered Aircraft as required by DASR ARO.100(b). Where the Aircraft or fleet is primarily operated by Defence, it should be listed on the OpSpec. Aircraft operated under DASR NDR are not contained in the OpSpec or regulated under DASR ARO.100
UAS including Defence registered and non-Defence registered. For non-Defence registered UAS, there should be reference to a UASOP, or register for Specific Type B and Open category
Aircraft roles in accordance with SOIU CRE
specific approvals requested for particular Aircraft type(s), or for all types operated by the MAO (eg RNAV or RVSM).
Flight Operations
The OCS should demonstrate that the MAO can safely conduct Flight Operations, including the following aspects:
SOIU. Identify reference to an approved SOIU for each Aircraft type operated
Flying Management System. Provide a summary of the status of each element of the flying management system required by DASR ORO.10 - Flying Management System
Orders, Instructions and Publications. Identify the availability and method of document control for MAO OIP and single Service OIP, eg Air Command SIs, necessary to safely conduct Flight Operations
Training and qualification requirements. Identify the approval status of training and qualification requirements necessary for personnel to support Flight Operations in the required CRE
Flight Simulation Training Device. Identify the approval status of FSTD requirements necessary to support Flight Operations in the required CRE
Personnel. Confirm suitable and competent personnel to support Flight Operations
Operations facilities. Confirm suitable operations facilities and buildings (NOTE: maintenance facilities and hangars are included under DASR M or DASR 145 compliance)
Continuing Airworthiness
The submission for a MAOC should identify that the MAO can satisfactorily maintain the airworthiness of the Aircraft types listed on the certificate through a CAMO. The CAMO will utilise and oversee services of authorised DASR 21 and DASR 145 organisations, and will:
engage Military Design Organisation Approval (MDOA) holders under DASR 21 Subpart J for design services as required
engage the Military Type Certificate holder for any matters that impact the Aircraft’s type design and type certification under MTC, MRTC or an individual Aircraft’s Certificate of Airworthiness (CoA)
task Approved Maintenance Organisations (AMO) under DASR 145 to maintain products (Aircraft, engines and propellers), parts and appliances
provide regulatory governance and oversight to organisations performing DASR M functions on its behalf.
Certified CAMOs will already have submitted an exposition and be authorised by the Authority. The OCS need only refer to that authorisation and the appointed CAM.
Compliance with DASR
The OCS should demonstrate how the MAO will meet DASR in accordance with:
Accountable Manager attestation and signature. The AM should make the following attestations and sign the OCS:
I am accountable for [insert organisation] compliance with the Defence Aviation Safety Regulation.
This Operations Compliance Statement for a Military Air Operator Certificate and Operations Specification is complete and correct.
I am satisfied that appropriate arrangements are in place to meet the Defence Aviation Safety Regulation and support the scope of Flight Operations contained in the Operations Specification.
Readiness to conduct Flight Operations in accordance with the requirements of a MAOC is demonstrated by an Operations Compliance Statement (OCS). The Authority will issue a MAOC when satisfied that the applicant organisation can meet the requirements of DASR ARO.100(a) and DASR ARO.100(b).
Initial Issue of MAOC and attached OpSpec. The applicant organisation is to submit an OCS. The Authority, when satisfied that all the requirements have been met, will issue a MAOC and OpSpec.
Application for reissue of or variation to a MAOC. The MAO is to amend the extant OCS and submit this to the Authority, highlighting those MAOC items being varied. The Authority, when satisfied, will issue a new MAOC.
Application for variation of MAOC OpSpec. The MAO is to amend the extant OCS and submit this to the Authority, highlighting those OpSpec items being varied. The Authority, when satisfied, will issue an updated OpSpec for the MAOC. Application for variation to an OpSpec is required, at a minimum, when there is:
addition or removal of an Aircraft type
change to Aircraft airworthiness authorisation, eg transition from MPTF to MTC
change to Aircraft Role as specified in SOIU CRE
request to impose or remove specific approvals
request to impose or remove operational limitations.
Addition of an Aircraft Type to MAOC OpSpec. The OCS for the addition of an Aircraft type to an MAOC OpSpec addresses whether the MAO can safely operate the Aircraft within its SOIU and maintain them in airworthy condition. The statement does not need to address, but may reference, the attached MTC, MRTC, MPTF, and Aviation Safety Acquisition Management Plan (ASAMP) to demonstrate how the new capability will be transitioned safely into service.
MTC, MRTC and MSTC. Major changes to Type Design and issue of MSTCs are regulated under DASR 21. However, where the MSTC significantly alters the role or operation of an Aircraft type, the MAO should submit an OCS addressing that change. The Authority should always be consulted to determine what review requirements the Authority has for such changes to the Aircraft’s design or role. The acquisition agency should appoint a coordinator to liaise with, and obtain the necessary inputs from: the Authority, acquisition agencies, foreign MAAs, other agencies, and MAO staff. The acquisition agency should regularly liaise with the Authority, and MAO staff for guidance and clarification on meeting their requirements, including the evidence required for submission.
include the following information:
the MAO organisation name
the location of the MAO headquarters
a statement that operations will be in accordance with the attached OpSpec
Accountable Manager (AM)
Continuing Airworthiness Manager (CAM)
Hazard Tracking Authority (HTA)
all Aircraft types operated by the MAO
Aircraft roles in accordance with SOIU CRE
specific approvals requested for Aircraft operated by the MAO.
identify reference to an approved SOIU for each Aircraft type operated
provide a summary of the status of each element of the Flying Management System required by DASR ORO.10
identify the availability and method of document control for MAO OIP and single Service OIP, necessary to safely conduct Flight Operations
identify the approval status of training and qualification requirements necessary for personnel to support Flight Operations in the required CRE
identify the approval status of FSTD requirements necessary to support flying operations in the required CRE
confirm suitable and competent personnel to support Flight Operations
confirm suitable operations facilities and buildings are available for use
utilise a Quality Management System (QMS) to achieve consistency, continuity and compliance of safe operations—through quality planning, quality assurance, quality control and quality improvement GMGM AMCAMC
The MAO should have a QMS that achieves the following purposes:
Quality planning. Quality planning defines the quality policy and approach so as to meet the safety needs of the MAO.
Quality assurance. Quality assurance, provided through a quality assurance program, contains procedures to verify all activities are being conducted in accordance with applicable safety requirements.
Quality control. Quality control is managed by appointed representatives to monitor conformance with, and adequacy of procedures and services, to ensure safe operations.
Quality improvement. Quality improvement consists of reviews and remedial action as appropriate, for the continuous improvement of the safety of operations.
Purpose. (Context) A MAO-AM is required to deliver a military aviation capability. (Hazard) Ineffective management of the consistency and continuity of the military aviation capability adversely affects Aviation Safety. (Defence) This regulation requires MAOs to implement controls to ensure Flight Operations are conducted as an approved organisation and managed to ensure Aviation Safety.
The MAO may integrate their QMS with their other management systems (eg SMS, DASR M) into a single management system, commensurate with the size and scope of the organisation. However, integrated systems must remain compliant with all relevant DASR.
identify that the MAO can satisfactorily maintain the Airworthiness of Aircraft types listed on the certificate through a Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO)
demonstrate how the MAO will comply with DASR relevant to the operation
include an attestation by the AM that:
the AM is accountable for the organisation's compliance with DASR
the OCS is complete and correct
appropriate arrangements are in place to support the scope of Flight Operations contained in the OpSpec.
An air operator must establish and maintain a Safety Management System (SMS), in accordance with DASR SMS.