Chapter 5.14.1
Support Policy Statement – Aircraft
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Table of contents Paragraph |
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1.2 Content of an Aircraft Support Policy Statement (SPS)
5 Engineering maintenance policy
5.1 On-aircraft preventive maintenance policy
5.2 On-aircraft corrective maintenance
5.4 Equipment controlled by other 4PTs3
5.7 Structural integrity management
12 Product Support - Through Life Management Plan (TLMP)
1 General
Chapter 5.14 outlines the role of the Support Policy Statement (SPS). This chapter provides a template for an Aircraft SPS. (Chapter 5.14.2 provides a template for an Equipment SPS).
1.2 Content of an Aircraft Support Policy Statement (SPS)
Provides a brief description of the aircraft, its operational role and the numbers to be supported. The introduction should contain details of:
1 Issue number and date.
2 The ILS Plan from which information contained in this SPS was derived,
3 The previous SPS, which has, if applicable, been superseded.
4 The method of procurement.
5 The number and types of engines and main avionic systems.
6 The agencies responsible for the development of the aircraft and its systems.
7 The dates, where appropriate, for: initial delivery, GARP/MA Release, Release-to-Service (RTS) and In-Service Date (ISD).
8 The planned Aircraft Establishment build-up.
9 The number and location of main operating bases and Operational Conversion Units; if appropriate, there should also be a description of any dispersed operating posture planned for the aircraft.
The introduction should also mention any unusual features that are likely to influence support arrangements. These might include new construction techniques, variable geometry, and extensive use of materials prone to corrosion, an unusual provisioning policy or requirements for special-to-type support equipment.
Detail the aim of the SPS as follows:
The aim of this SPS is to define the support arrangements necessary to maintain [Aircraft Type] in the Military Air Environment (MAE).
Detail the authorities with management responsibilities. These are to include the following:
1 Design Organization - Identify the Design organization, eg aircraft, engine, propeller airworthiness and structural integrity.
2 Release to Service Authority (RTSA) - Provide details of the RTSA responsible for approving and issuing the Release to Service (RTS).
3 4PT3 - Provide details of the person nominated within the 4PT3 as the Project Engineer (PE) together with any delegated authorities for aircraft support that may include the equipments included in the safety case. Aspects to be considered are:
3.1 Engineering.
3.2 Supply.
3.3 Contracts.
3.4 Finance.
3.5 Technical Information.
3.6 Aircrew publications.
3.7 Quality Assurance.
4 Operating Authority - Identify the Operating Authority.
5 Role Office - Detail the Role Office responsibilities for:
5.1 Aircraft.
5.2 Ground Support.
5.3 Training.
5.4 Quality Assurance.
6 Unit - Detail the unit responsibilities within the Forward and Depth organizations.
Detail the security classification of the aircraft system. Specify any security protection requirements, eg TEMPEST, and the maintenance of the integrity of such protection: JSP 440 refers. Consider associated equipment SPS, Security Policy Statements and dispersed operation requirements when appropriate.
5 Engineering maintenance policy
The Military Air Environment (MAE) maintenance policies are implemented through a 2-level maintenance construct - Forward and Depth. JAP 100A-01 Chapter 1.4 and Chapter 1.5 provide further details of this construct and the roles played by 4PTs3 and FLCs in providing Forward and Depth support. In this section describe the preventive and corrective maintenance policies applicable to the platform and its associated equipments.
5.1 On-aircraft preventive maintenance policy
The on-aircraft preventive maintenance policy is defined in JAP 100A-01 Chapter 5.1, which is to be referred to when compiling this part of the SPS.
1 Servicing - Include a description of the flight servicing system authorized for the particular platform, in each of its operational roles. Include details of the periodicity and applicability of each type of servicing. Additionally, include the conditions and limitations for waiving the requirement for flight servicing.
2 Scheduled Maintenance - Provide a full description of the platform’s maintenance cycle, including periodicities and latitudes for anticipation and extensions. Allocate each maintenance cycle to the appropriate maintenance construct - Forward or Depth.
3 Condition-based maintenance - Detail what condition-based maintenance activity is applicable to the platform and the monitoring techniques that are to be applied. State where the requirement for condition monitoring of the item is to be included, eg in the relevant servicing or maintenance schedule or as out-of-phase maintenance.
4 Contingency-based maintenance - Summarize the arrangements for contingency-based maintenance if applicable.
5 Ground Instructional Aircraft (GIA) - Specify the requirements for GIA used in the ground instructional role; JAP 100A-01 Chapter 5.10 and JSP 886 Vol 7 Pt 2 refer.
6 Anti-deterioration maintenance - State the requirements for any anti-deterioration maintenance; JAP Chapter 5.1 and Chapter 5.8 refer.
7 Flight Testing - State the policy document(s) under which flight-testing is referenced and carried out.
8 Aircraft Displaying Abnormal Flying Characteristics - Reference the procedure for dealing with aircraft that experience Uncommanded Flying Control Movement, Control Restriction or Unusual Occurrence; JAP 100A-01 Chapter 2.11 refers.
9 Health Monitoring System - Detail the health monitoring system fitted to the aircraft, if applicable; JAP 100A-01 Chapter 11.2 refers.
10 Aircraft weighing - Detail the aircraft weighing policy; JAP 100A-01 Chapter 6.5 refers.
5.2 On-aircraft corrective maintenance
The on-aircraft corrective maintenance policy is defined in JAP 100A-01 Chapter 5.4 which is to be referred to when compiling this part of the SPS.
1 Identification of maintenance policy - Identify the corrective maintenance activities appropriate to the Forward or Depth construct.
2 Allocation of on-aircraft corrective maintenance - Outline the aircraft corrective maintenance policy within the Forward or Depth construct.
3 Expedient repairs - Detail the expedient repair arrangements that are to be applied, if applicable.
State whether continuous charge is authorized for the aircraft; JAP 100A-01 Chapter 2.9 refers. If continuous charge is authorized:
1 Specify the roles covered by the authorization.
2 State any limitations, eg flying hours, number of landings.
3 Detail specific checks to be undertaken by the aircrew.
5.4 Equipment controlled by other 4PTs3
Identify installed equipment that is the responsibility of other 4PTs3 with reference to the Topic 5A1 and/or the relevant SPS. Where the 4PT3 has authorized equipment to be maintained in phase with the aircraft maintenance cycle, details of this authorization should be referenced in the Topic 2(N/A/R)1. (The contents of this section may be consigned to an annex of the SPS if appropriate).
Detail the arrangements for off-aircraft preventive and corrective maintenance of components. Where a separate SPS or Topic 5W (or equivalent) already exists, a cross-reference will suffice. Identify the activities appropriate to each maintenance construct - Forward or Depth - which should include:
1 Airframe structural components - State the interchangeability requirements for major structural components. Identify the repair organizations required to support the maintenance policy.
2 Propulsion system maintenance - State the maintenance policy for the aircraft’s engine(s) and its associated systems.
3 Mechanical components - Consider anti-deterioration maintenance requirements for mechanical components in storage; JAP 100A-01 Chapter 5.8 refers.
4 Avionic and electrical components - Detail the arrangements for off-aircraft preventive and corrective maintenance of avionic and electrical components.
When compiling the above, consider the following:
1 Lifing, testing, repair and reconditioning regulations.
2 Condition monitoring requirements.
3 Specific quality assurance measures such as stage and independent inspections and functional tests.
4 Hazards inherent in components or likely to be encountered during maintenance (eg advanced composites may require special facilities). Cross-refer to JAP 100A-01 Chapter 5.1.1 and the section on safety below where appropriate.
5 Programming facilities for components embodying firmware (non-volatile memory devices containing software code or data) and any special support arrangements.
Detail the aircraft surface finish policy; JAP 100A-01 Chapter 6.6 refers.
5.7 Structural integrity management
Identify the major factors affecting structural integrity and the procedures to be used for fatigue management. Refer to JAP 100A-01 Chapters 416.1-16.33 (Structural and propulsion Integrity), 4Chapter 16.4 series3 (ageing aircraft audit) and JSP 553. Details should include:
1 The aircraft fatigue design philosophy.
2 The cleared life of the airframe and the major structural components (such as undercarriages, wings). If further clearance is expected, include the current status of any on-going full-scale fatigue tests.
3 The procedure for the capture and processing of fleet fatigue data.
4 Any special environmental damage prevention and control measures to be undertaken; JAP 100A-01 Chapter 11.6 refers.
5 A structural integrity plan detailing all the future programmes which will be required to support the aircraft to its OSD. Use a time chart to show the expected dates of ageing aircraft audits (JAP 100A-01 Chapter 416.4 series3 refer), operational load measurements programmes, major structural modification programmes, fatigue tests and review of Statement of Operating Intent and Usage.
Describe the arrangements for software support; JAP 100A-01 Chapter 12.8 refers.
Detail the aircraft’s Quality Management System (QMS); JAP 100A-01 Chapter 15 refers.
Detail how the safety of the aircraft and its operating environment is to be managed. Identify any safety hazards pertinent to the equipment, in-use and during maintenance. Refer to the aircraft Safety Management System. A non-exhaustive list of topics to be considered is:
1 Environmental: thunderstorm warnings, refuelling operations.
2 Contamination of aircraft by body fluids.
3 Radio frequency.
4 High voltages.
5 Hazardous materials.
6 Laser emissions.
7 Maintenance precautions.
Specify the trades and levels of skill/experience to be employed, ensuring that the levels set are the minimum required for the task. Detail the requirements for any aircraft or equipment type or pre-employment training; JAP 100A-01 Chapter 4.1 and Def Stan 05-130 Mil-Reg 145.30 refer.
1 General Purpose Test and Measurement Equipment (GPTME). State the reference for scales of GPTME. Detail the maintenance and calibration policy including that for built-in test equipment; JSP 886 Vol 5 Pt 1 refers.
2 Special-to-Type Test Equipment (STTE). State the reference for scales for special-to-type test equipment. Provide maintenance policy details as appropriate.
3 Ground Support Equipment (GSE). State the references for the scales of ground support equipment, including general-purpose hand tools; JAP 100E-10 refers.
4 Special-to-type GSE. Identify special-to-type GSE and detail its maintenance requirements and scales for use.
5 Special-to-type hand tools. Identify the requirement for any special-to-type hand tools, if applicable.
1 Air Publications - Identify the authorized air publications for the aircraft and the standard to which they are written.
Note:
TI is to be produced, delivered, output and amended in an electronic format unless it can be shown that this does not meet the operational requirement, user needs, or is not cost-effective for the life cycle of the equipment. When compiling this section, refer to the following publications:
1.1 JAP 100A-01 Chapter 8.1.
1.2 JSP(D) 543 - Defence Technical Documentation - Policy and Requirements.
1.3 AP 100Z-0001 - Air Technical Publications referencing System, Coding Lists and Procedures.
1.4 Def Stan 00-60, Part 10 - Electronic TI production process, plus subsequent control and amendment.
2 Maintenance schedules - Identify maintenance schedules authorized for the aircraft and the responsible Schedule Maintenance Agency.
3 Engineering maintenance documentation - Detail the maintenance documentation applicable to the platform; JAP 100A-01 Chapter 7 refers.
4 Fault reporting procedures - Detail the fault reporting and Mandatory Fault Reporting Instruction (MFRI) procedures that are applicable; JAP 100A-01 Chapter 7.5.1 refers.
5 Special Instruction (Technical) (SI(T)) - Detail the arrangements for issuing SI(T); JAP 100A-01 Chapter 10.5 refers.
6 Fatigue data - State the arrangements for recording and handling fatigue data; JAP 100A-01 4Chapter 16.1 3refers.
7 Joint-Service responsibilities - Detail the procedures for obtaining support from, or providing support to, other Services.
1 Aircraft support - Identify the resources required to support the aircraft and installed equipment; Def Stan 05-130 refers.
2 Accommodation - Identify the accommodation and any infrastructure requirements.
3 Flight Simulation and Synthetic Trainers - The Flight Simulation and Synthetic Trainers (FSAST) 4PT3 provides support to all FSAST. Specify where applicable FSAST are located.
1 IT Systems - Detail any IT systems that are provided exclusively to support the aircraft.
2 Logistic Information Systems (LIS) - Detail the utilization of LIS for the aircraft; JAP 100A-01 Chapter 7.3 refers.
Detail the provision for logistic support in response to the build-up of aircraft deployment, including dispersed deployment. Detail the arrangements necessary to invoke Expedient Repair; JAP 100A-01 Chapter 9.12 refers.
12 Product Support - Through Life Management Plan (TLMP)
The TLMP provides the support solution for the aircraft or equipment and documents the requirement to maintain an effective support system that will include a process for obsolescence management and spares scaling. This section of the SPS is to include the arrangements for:
1 Post-Design Services (PDS).
2 Modifications.
3 Aircraft Engineering Development and Investigation Team (AEDIT).
4 Industry and contractual support.
5 Post-production support.
When compiling this section, refer to the following publications: JAP 100A-01 Chapter 10.4, Def Stan 05-123, Def Stan 05-130 and JSP 886 Vol 7 Pt 2.
Supply support policy is contained within JSP 886, The Defence Logistics Support Chain Manual. 4PTs3 are mandated to deliver an assured support solution through the use of the Support Solutions Envelope (SSE). The SSE contains four Key Support Areas (KSAs):
1 Sustainability (KSA 1).
2 Support Engineering (KSA 2).
3 Joint Supply Chain (KSA 3).
4 Logistics Information (KSA 4).
Detailed advice and guidance on the application of KSA 3 to individual projects is available from the Supply Chain Support, Support Solutions Teams based at Abbey Wood for Fixed Wing projects and Yoevilton for Rotary Wing projects. Failure to engage with the Support Solutions teams, as early as possible in the development of any proposed support solution, will increase the risk of a non-compliant support solution being developed.