This annex is intended to guide an initial project meeting between the Defence acquisition organisation, the capability manager and DASA specialists. On the DASA side, participants should include the Directors and/or their senior representatives from DIA, DAVNOPS, DCA and DAVENG.
Note: Some of this information may already have been provided to DASA, if a meeting to explore Defence versus civil registration of the aircraft was convened, as discussed in Chapter 6.1.1
The following outline could be used as the basis for a meeting agenda.
The acquisition lead should provide an introductory overview of:
the project aim and scope
the acquisition approach, including proposed contracts and agreements
the candidate aircraft type(s)
the likely scope of Defence-unique design changes
the broad schedule for contract signature(s), design, delivery, addition to the Defence Register, initial operation, etc
an overview of the Defence acquisition team (eg project office, capability sponsor, transition team, industry partners, etc)
any other information that will help participants understand the next items.
The capability manager should ensure all participants have a broad understanding of likely arrangements for aircraft operations, including:
Who is the MAO(s)?
What is the scope of operations envisaged under the initial operational approval?
What is the status of the SOIU?
For existing MAOs, provide insight into the likely effort needed to adapt extant FMS, OIP, QMS, SMS, etc
What new operations facilities and buildings will be needed?
What are the MAO’s broad plans for initially operating the aircraft, and then growing the capability over time?
The ensuing discussion should ensure that participants have sufficient context and information to draft and approve the MAO-related elements of the ASAMP.
The acquisition lead should ensure all participants have a broad understanding of likely arrangements for aircraft design, construction and maintenance. The information may be shallow at this stage; detail can be explored in subsequent sub-meetings with the relevant specialists.
Aircraft Design (and certification). Based on whether the aircraft will be a continuous “State’ aircraft, a decision regarding the type of aircraft registration can be made. Where Defence Registration of the acquired aircraft is being considered by the acquisition SPO and MAO, establish a shared broad understanding of the likely arrangements for initial design of the aircraft, and then in-service support of the design.
For the green aircraft (ie the unmodified common aircraft off the production line):
To what extent has the green aircraft been certified by a DASA-recognised CAA/MAA? When?
For the Defence-unique modifications:
Who will design the modifications?
Will another CAA/MAA certify the modifications (whether partially or fully) for Defence? From this, broadly understand the residual certification work that will fall on Defence.
Will DASA need to approve an MDO for the design? If so, who will be the applicant?
What does the project office expect their role will be in the type certification process?
What is the broad schedule for certification?
Initial operations on the Defence Register (under MPTF):
What scope of flight test may be needed?
What scope of operations does the MAO intend to initially conduct under the MPTF?
What is the broad schedule?
Military Type Certificate Holder (MTCH):
Which SPO will lead the MTCH function?
Who will comprise the MTCH organisation
What support from other organisations (eg other militaries) is there likely to be?
For in-service design functions (eg designing future modifications and repairs), which MDO approval will be required?
Aircraft production (construction). Establish a shared broad understanding of the likely arrangements for production of both the green aircraft and Defence-unique design changes
For the green aircraft:
Who will produce the aircraft?
To what extent will a DASA’s recognised CAA/MAA oversight the production of each Defence tail?
For the Defence-unique modifications:
Who will incorporate the Defence-unique modifications onto the aircraft?
To what extent will a DASA’s recognised CAA/MAA oversight the production of each Defence tail?
Will DASA need to approve a MPO?
Where Defence-unique modifications are made to used green aircraft, how will continuing airworthiness obligations be met?
What is the proposed broad approach to achieving Military Certificates of Airworthiness?
Aircraft maintenance. Gain a shared broad understanding of the likely arrangements for aircraft maintenance:
CAMO:
Who will lead the CAMO function?
What organisations are likely to support the CAMO function?
AMOs:
What Defence AMOs are proposed, and what is their likely scope?
What Industry AMOs are proposed, and what is their likely scope?
What works will be needed to create suitable facilities, and when is this scheduled?
What is the broad schedule for establishing the AMOs?
What MAMLs are likely to be needed for each?
AMP:
Will aircraft preservation activities be required after the aircraft is added to the Defence Register but before first flight operations?
What is the broad schedule for approval of the AMP?
Has the CASG Reliability and Aircraft Maintenance Program (RAMP) team been consulted, for assistance with contractual and other requirements?
AMTO:
Who will be the AMTO?
What is the broad schedule for AMTO approval?
MAML:
What is the broad schedule for attainment of MAMLs or new Military Aircraft Type Ratings?
The ensuing discussion, perhaps supplemented by specialist sub-group discussion (see below), should ensure that participants have sufficient context and information to draft and approve the ASAMP elements related to design, construction and maintenance.
DASA should provide insight into how independent assurance will be conducted, and the common coordination arrangements:
identify the lead DASA POC (usually a DIA member)
identify a lead from each Directorate, and offer their direct assistance
agree on future interaction (timeline, participation in WGs, future liaison, etc)
introduce the role of the ASAMP, and agree on DASA’s role in contributing to the draft
identify relevant DASA training courses and guidance material
provide insight into the likely need for AwBs, including timings and submission requirements.
All of the above discussions should be held in the initial forum, to ensure all participants have a shared understanding of the broad project aims and arrangements. Either the same day, or on a later occasion, specialist sub-groups should convene to explore the issues relevant to them issues in more detail. This step has significant potential to reduce wasted effort by all parties, and will form the basis for the relevant ASAMP annexes (refer annex B).