Airworthiness

Our team of ex-military aviation engineers is supported by experienced aircrew and operations professionals. Together, they bring extensive experience operating in both military and civilian helicopters from airfields, deployed bases, and naval ships.

Explore more about our airworthiness capabilities below.

Airworthiness

We are defence specialists who bring 30+ years experience of in-depth knowledge and expertise.

Nick Cole Photography

Our Expertise

Our team includes ex-military aviation engineers, including Chartered Engineers with Continuing and Type Airworthiness experience. When needed, they can call on other in-house experience from aircrew (pilots, observers and mission system operators) and airfield/flight deck operations professionals who all have experience in operating both Military and Civilian Helicopters from airfields, deployed bases, and Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships.

Collectively, our team have hands-on experience in supporting military helicopters throughout the lifecycle, from acquisition to disposal. They have managed Type Airworthiness processes for the introduction of new aircraft, in-service updates and modifications, and eventual out-of-service disposal planning. They have been responsible for Continuing Airworthiness Management of in-service helicopter fleets, ensuring they are maintained and assured so that they continue to meet the Type Airworthiness safety targets in-service.

This airworthiness experience also extends to Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS), where we have supported operators and RPAS suppliers through the Categorisation and Certification processes.

Safeguard Engineering have supported myself throughout all of the team’s explosive safety support (RFA and H&P), conducting work above and beyond what is expected by contract to assist. Further, even when workloads have increased significantly we have never been refused or delayed deliverables, demonstrating brilliant flexibility to accommodate our changing demands.

Brecon Hoadley

DE&S – Support Ships – Military Systems Team

The capabilities we provide

Military and Civilian aircraft and RPAS must meet appropriate airworthiness standards for initial certification and approval. These standards are based on internationally recognised Certification Specifications from EASA, FAA or UK CAA, such as CS-23 light aeroplanes, CS-25 large aeroplanes, CS27 small rotorcraft and CS-29 large rotorcraft.

Military standards are closely aligned to these standards, only differing where unique military operating considerations or equipment are required. Type Airworthiness evidence of compliance to these standards is an essential part of the Air System Safety Case and registration on Civil or Military Aircraft Registers. Equally important are the Continuing Airworthiness arrangements that sustain the aircraft in an airworthy condition throughout its life.

Certification and Airworthiness: Aircraft must demonstrate they have met appropriate airworthiness standards for certification by the Military Airworthiness Authority. Military Standards are defined in Def Stan 00-970, but increasingly use is made of recognised commercial standards from the CAA, EASA or FAA, such as CS-27 or CS-29 for small and large rotorcraft, respectively, with the Defence Standard only needed for military differences.
Type Airworthiness Safety Assessment: Type Airworthiness Authorities need to demonstrate through a reasoned, evidence-based argument that the Air Systems they are responsible for are safe to operate. This Type Airworthiness Safety Assessment (TASA), in accordance with MAA Regulation (RA5012), supports the Duty Holders Air System Safety Case. Equipment Suppliers need to provide suitable evidence to the Type Airworthiness Authority that they have met the airworthiness/certification requirements and any User-specified requirements.
Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation Expositions (CAME): Military Maintenance Organisation (MMO) and Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO – Pt145) need to have systems in place to manage Continuing Airworthiness that underpin their approval by the MAA. These systems are detailed in a Management Organisation Expositions (MOE). For MMOs, this is a Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation Exposition (CAME). The MOE will detail how an organisation will comply with the MAA’s 4800/4900 series Continuing Airworthiness Management Regulations.
Integrity Management: Integrity Management (IM) is a Type Airworthiness function conducted in accordance with MAA Regulation (RA5726) and the guidance provided in the MAA Manual of Air System Integrity Management (MASIM). It is a through-life approach to manage threats to airworthiness and follows the ESVRE model – Establish, Sustain, Validate, Recover, Exploit.

Nick Cole Photography

How do we support you?

When working with Safeguard Engineering for your Airworthiness needs, you will benefit from numerous advantages that you won’t get anywhere else, including:

Expert Guidance on MoD Requirements: We can help equipment suppliers understand MoD requirements and present necessary evidence for Type Airworthiness certification during acquisition. We have experience of working in the Defence Equipment and Support Helicopters Operating Centre as Equipment and Systems Authorities authorised with Letters of Airworthiness Authority.
Airworthiness Support: Our experienced team assists project teams and suppliers in preparing Type Airworthiness Safety Assessment (TASA) Reports and presenting suitable airworthiness evidence.
Continuing Airworthiness Compliance: We assess compliance with regulations and help our clients document policies and procedures for MAA Approval under MRP Part M or the Maintenance Approved Organisation Scheme (MAOS).
Integrity Management Implementation: We support projects and suppliers in developing and implementing Integrity Management Strategies and Plans throughout the project lifecycle.