Aviation

We are defence specialists with over 30 years of experience in the aviation sector, providing multiple air defence capabilities, such as aviation safety management and air traffic management.

 

 

Aviation

We are defence specialists with over 30 years of experience in the aviation sector, providing multiple air defence capabilities, such as aviation safety management and air traffic management.

 

 

Our Expertise

Our team consists of experienced ex-MoD aviation professionals (civilian and military), including Engineers, Aircrew, Air Traffic Control, and Airfield / Flight Deck Operations specialisations.

 

The expertise of our team and their diverse skill sets have allowed us to assist on a variety of projects across the country, with our members also having a wealth of ‘hands-on’ skills from operating in Front Line Commands, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) Delivery Teams, the Military Aviation Authority (MAA), Release to Service Authorities (RTSA) and Defence Training Organisations.

Two operators sat within an air traffic control tower on an air craft carrier with a fighter jet taking off in the background.
Ministry of Defence Images © Crown Copyright

Defence Aviation Is Different

Defence aviation has many exemptions from civil aviation rules, including the Air Navigation Order. In place of these rules, it is regulated by the Military Aviation Authority on behalf of the Secretary of State and has its own set of rules aimed to meet equivalent levels of aviation safety, taking account of the unique circumstances of military operations.

 

Our team has decades of practical experience operating within this regulatory framework and its predecessors, together with single-service rules. This means we can help your projects and programmes achieve compliance with Defence Regulations and Standards and avoid costly and time-consuming changes.

Challenges You May Be Facing

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Concept and Assessment

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Demonstrable Compliance

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In-service Safety

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Disposal

How Can We Help?

Concept and Assessment

 

We can define or review MOD requirements against necessary standards, advise on evidence and acceptance requirements, and highlight gaps or vague areas. This allows issues to be identified, planned, and ultimately de-risked at the earliest and most cost-effective stage of a project.

 

The rapidly developing capability of Uncrewed or Remotely Piloted Air Systems (UAS or RPAS) challenges current MOD policy to be innovative and embrace alternative classification and certification methods such as Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) being developed by the Joint Authority for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS). We have experience in supporting the introduction of new UAS / RPAS and promoting the adoption of these more innovative processes.

A military helicopter landing on a flight deck.
Ministry of Defence Images © Crown Copyright

Demonstrable Compliance

 

A smooth acceptance depends on clear safety evidence. It is vital that the right evidence is gathered at the most cost-effective time from your suppliers or planned into an Integrated Test Evaluation and Acceptance Plan (ITEAP).

 

We are experienced in the review of evidence against User Requirements, Standards, and Regulations, as well as how to present this in clear, readable, and understandable safety cases. Where gaps are found, we can help develop alternative safety arguments or additional control measures. This includes the identification and presentation of hazards and risks using tools like eCassandra and BowTie.

A helicopter landing on a flight deck with three operators preparing for its landing.
Ministry of Defence Images © Crown Copyright

In-service Safety

 

Safety responsibilities do not end with delivery. Equipment is upgraded, is used differently, or incidents occur that mean the safety evidence needs periodic review and update. We can manage this process to provide stakeholders assurance of being both Safe to Operate and being Operated Safely.

A helicopter having just taken off at sea with an air craft carrier in the background.
Ministry of Defence Images © Crown Copyright

Disposal

 

Managing a project’s end-of-life is becoming increasingly important. We can help with the update of safety evidence for storage and disposal, and our team of Environmental Professionals can give specialist advice.

A chinook landing on a military ships deck with an operator signalling to it.
Ministry of Defence Images © Crown Copyright

Our Capabilities

Explore a range of capabilities we provide to drive excellence and innovation in this sector:

Crew members completing a crash exercise drill on an aircraft carrier by operating a water hose.

Latest News & Resources

Take a look at our latest news and resources, where you’ll find up-to-date company news, project updates and industry insights.

We recently held our second Company Development Day of 2024, where the ever-growing Safeguard team comes together to reflect, collaborate and plan for the future...

Safeguard Engineering is excited to announce the opening of its new office in Plymouth’s Derriford Business Park, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued...
Safeguard Engineering is delighted to congratulate Jo Gormley on her recent appointment as Chair of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) North...

Contact Us

Get in touch and speak to a specialist about the support we can offer you.