Chapter 10.1
In-Service Design Changes and Special Instructions (Technical)
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2 Policy on in-service design changes and Special Instructions (Technical) (SI(T))
3 In-service design changes and SI(T)
3.1 Safety Case and Release to Service (RTS)
3.2 Configuration Management (CM)
3.3 Retention and disposal of documents
4.2 4Project Team (PT)3 responsibilities
Following the introduction of an aircraft type into Service use it may be necessary to incorporate design changes or issue instructions to overcome deficiencies or to satisfy in-service requirements. JSP 553 Chap 5 stipulates that in-service design and procedural changes that affect aircraft are to be conducted within a Safety Management System (SMS). In accordance with the SMS, it is imperative that the aircraft Safety Case and Release to Service (RTS) are reviewed and updated for:
1 All proposed design changes, including those for trials purposes.
2 Special Instructions (Technical) (SI(T)) that may affect safety, or the limitations and/or restrictions defined in the current release documents.
The aim should be to meet the requirements of an in-service design change within the project’s safety targets. In some instances the design change may not be achievable within the safety targets and subsequent contingency operations must be covered. How this is achieved is dependent on the RTS process in use - Generic Aircraft Release Process (GARP) or Military Aircraft Release (MA Release). In all cases a safety analysis is to be performed and the Safety Case updated in accordance with JSP 553.
This chapter provides an overview of the in-service change processes and highlights the airworthiness responsibilities for incorporating design changes and promulgating SI(T) in the Military Air Environment (MAE).
Chapter 1.1 and JSP 553 Chap 5 provide an overview of in-service airworthiness policy and detail the management of airworthiness in service, following approval of the GARP or the MA Release. They are to be read in conjunction with this chapter.
This chapter is associated with the following publications:
1 Def Stan 05-57 – Configuration Management of Defence Materiel
2 Policy on in-service design changes and Special Instructions (Technical) (SI(T))
All proposed in-service design changes and SI(T)are to be assessed for safety and the Aircraft Document Set (ADS) updated accordingly.
When emergency clearances are to be given, they are to be assessed for safety so far as is practicable and reviewed when the emergency has passed.
3 In-service design changes and SI(T)
In-service design changes to aircraft and associated equipment are conducted using Design Organization and Service modification procedures as described in Chapter 10.2. The categorization and promulgation of SI(T) are detailed in Chapter 10.5.
3.1 Safety Case and Release to Service (RTS)
4PTs3 are to conduct a review of the whole aircraft Safety Case when progressing all design change proposals or when issuing SI(T), specifically where the 4PT3 considers that the SI(T) could affect the Safety Case. On initiating a design change or when issuing an SI(T), 4PTs3 are to engage the RTSA and other specialist organizations at the earliest opportunity to allow sufficient time to assess the proposal and agree what evidence, if any, is required. This will enable the RTSA to incorporate the proposed change into the RTS and for the 4PT3 to update the Safety Case as detailed in Chapter 10.2, Chapter 10.3, Chapter 10.4 and Chapter 10.5 as appropriate. 4PTs3 may use the MOD F755(SM2) – Safety and Support Questionnaire (SSQ) when assessing the effects of design change proposals and SI(T) against the Safety Case.
Note:
When the design change or SI(T) is to equipment, refer to paragraph 4.2.2.
3.2 Configuration Management (CM)
Configuration Management (CM) systems, including the ADS and Integrated Logistic Support systems, are to be updated in accordance with Chapter 10.0.1 for all in-service design changes and SI(T) that affect aircraft or equipment configuration.
3.3 Retention and disposal of documents
Instructions for the retention and disposal of documents are contained in Chapter 7.6.
The following sub-paragraphs highlight the safety and airworthiness maintenance responsibilities associated with incorporating in-service design changes and issuing SI(T) and are to be read in conjunction with the relevant chapters in JSP 553.
JSP 553 Chap 5 defines the responsibilities of the:
1 Delegated RTSA in implementing the in-service SMS for each project.
2 4PT3, RTSA and the Statement of Operating Intent and Usage (SOIU) Publication Organization for updating the SOIU and associated documents.
3 RTSA in conjunction with the 4PT3 for ensuring the maintenance of the Safety Case, ADS, integrated logistic support and continued airworthiness of the aircraft/equipment design.
4 4PT3, Handling Squadron (HS), Aircraft Operating Authority (AOA) and commanders of flying units in ensuring that when changes are introduced that affect aircrew, they are made aware through briefings and entries in the Limitations Log (MOD Form 703, 4MOD Form 703A1 or MOD Form 703A2) as3 applicable.
JSP 553 Chap 6 describes how changes to the RTS are to be incorporated into Aircrew Manuals, Flight Test Schedules, Flight Reference Cards, Operating Data Manuals and engineering Air Publications; it also defines the responsibilities of the 4PT3, RTSA, AOA and HS for ensuring that aircrew and groundcrew are informed of changes to the RTS in a timely manner through prompt issue of warnings or orders and subsequent amendment of related publications.
4.2 4Project Team (PT)3 responsibilities
4.2.1 Platform 4PT3 responsibilities
Platform 4PTs3 are responsible for:
1 Maintaining configuration control in accordance with Chapter 10.0.1.
2 Ensuring that safety, airworthiness and engineering risks and through-life costs introduced by design changes and SI(T) are identified and reduced to ALARP.
3 Engaging the RTSA throughout the in-service design change process and production of SI(T), as appropriate, to ensure that sufficient evidence is made available to enable the changes to be incorporated into the RTS.
4 Employing a rigorous system for managing modification programmes.
5 Ensuring that a review of the aircraft Safety Case is undertaken when incorporating design changes and issuing SI(T).
6 Obtaining appropriate specialist advice and endorsements, specifically where the Safety Case, RTS and aircraft/equipment clearances are affected.
7 Ensuring that the appropriate Management Information System is updated.
48 Providing OC HS with a draft copy of the SI(T) to enable him to determine whether operation or handling are affected and, if necessary, provide the wording for a MOD Form 703A1 or MOD Form 703A2 entry.3
4.2.2 Equipment 4PT3 responsibilities
Equipment 4PTs3 are responsible for:
1 Ensuring that no equipment is installed in a UK military aircraft, or flown in a UK military aircraft without the prior approval of the appropriate platform 4PTL3, whether for trial purposes or in-service use.
2 Ensuring that the Safety assessment for the equipment design change or SI(T) is promulgated to the appropriate platform 4PTs3 for integration in the platform Safety Case.
This chapter refers to the following publications:
1 JSP 553 Chap 5 – Management of Airworthiness In Service. http://www.mards.dii.r.mil.uk/home.pdf
2 JSP 553 Chap 6 – Aircraft Documents and Publications.