Military Air Operator Flashcards
Who is the MAO Accountable Manager?
COMFAA
What is the AWOP?
Aviation Warfare and Operational Policy.
The operations organisation within the MAO. Manages the Flying Management System that governs operational airworthiness and safety.
What does MAO stand for?
Military Air Operator
What is a MAO?
A Military Air Operator is the regulated organisation approved by the Defence Aviation Authority to perform military air operations as defined in the issued Military Air Operator Certificate (MAOC) and in accordance with DASR. In Defence, a MAO is usually a Force Element Group (FEG) or equivalent.
How does introduction of the MAO address previous gaps in regulatory coverage?
It aligns regulatory oversight with the operating organisation directly accountable for the aviation safety and continuing airworthiness of each aircraft type.
It also clarifies aviation safety accountabilities, introduction of the MAO provides the operational command chain with the control and oversight necessary to effectively discharge their obligations regarding the management of aviation safety risks.
Who retains accountability for Naval aviation capability and safety decisions and may direct DASR compliance methods through command directives and common systems/procedures?
COMAUSFLT
Who are the 8 MAOs in Defence?
- Fleet Air Arm (NAVY)
- Forces Command (ARMY)
- Air Combat Group (RAAF)
- Air Force Training Group (RAAF)
- Air Mobility Group (RAAF)
- Air Warfare Centre (RAAF)
- Surveillance and Response Group (RAAF)
- Cadet Branch (RAAF)
What are the requirements that an organisation must meet to become a MAO?
- 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 safety management system;
- has a suitable quality management system; and
- has an associated Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation IAW DASR M.
COMFAA is the Accountable Manager for the FAA MAO. What does this mean?
The MAO Accountable Manager is accountable to the Authority for ongoing compliance with DASR and ensuring the safety of flight operations under his command.
NOTE: The yet to be described FAA Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) and Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) also require a nominated Accountable Manager, each with a specific suite of aligning accountabilities. COMFAA fulfills the role of Accountable Manager for the FAA MAO, CAMO and AMO.
What are the responsibilities of the MAO Accountable Manager?
- Through their command authority, manage and finance the operation of the CAMO under the Military Air Operators Certificate (MAOC).
- Have a good understanding of DASR M and the contents of this Exposition.
- Shall be familiar with his legal obligations in respect to Defence Aviation Safety Regulations pertaining to the CAMO.
- Ensure policies for Safety Management and Quality Management Systems are in accordance with DASR M.
- Through the Continuing Airworthiness Manager ensures the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft listed in the HQ-FAA MAOC.
- Through the Quality Manager ensures that the policies and procedures contained in the CAMO Exposition are complied with.
- Authorise the Continuing Airworthiness Manager (CAM) and the Quality Manager to carry out their duties and responsibilities.
What does MAOC stand for?
Military Air Operator Certificate
What is an Military Air Operator Certificate?
In Defence, a Military Air Operator Certificate (MAOC) is the principle authorisation granted by the Defence Aviation Authority (Defence AA) to conduct military air activities.
In accordance with Defence Aviation Safety Regulations, all Defence-registered aircraft, and all civil-registered aircraft operated by Defence on an ongoing basis, must be operated under the auspices of a Military Air Operator Certificate (MAOC).
What is the MAO OpSpec?
The Operations Specification (OpSpec) forms an integral component of the Military Air Operator Certificate (MAOC) but is prepared on a separate form (DASR Form 139) and details key positions of the MAO, aircraft types the MAO is authorised to operate, and operating provisions.
Roles and tasks, specific approvals and any limitations/conditions for each approved aircraft type operated by the MAO are detailed in separate annexes.
What is a MAO Compliance Statement?
A MAO will submit a compliance statement seeking initial issue and to request an update to the MAOC and OpSpec. The compliance statement demonstrates how compliance with DASR is achieved and includes MAO AM attestation that appropriate arrangements are in place to support the scope of flight operations contained in the OpSpec.
The operating organisation is accountable for the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft and shall ensure that no flight takes place unless:
- the aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition;
- any operational and emergency equipment fitted is correctly installed and serviceable or clearly identified as unserviceable;
- the Military Certificate of Airworthiness (MCoA) and the Military Airworthiness Review Certificate (MARC) remain valid; and
- the maintenance of the aircraft is performed in accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP) as specified in DASR M.A.302
NOTE: At some stages within its life cycle, operational imperatives may necessitate an aircraft in an unairworthy condition or with a defect that ‘endangers flight safety’ be operated. The ability to do so is a privilege granted to Military Air Operators through the DASRs and must only be done so where the risks to health and safety of persons have been eliminated or reduced SFARP.
