Aviation Safety Services
Regulatory Reform
Muru have effectively implemented elements of the Regulate-Educate-Oversight-Enforce model for a number of clients, inclusive of aviation safety database analyses to understand root causes of events. We understand what works practically, and more importantly we understand what causes undue complications and risk in outcome. We believe that simple, practical solutions supported by tailored education programs create enduring solutions within an environment of continuous improvement. Muru are working at the cutting edge of regulation design in the UAS, ANSP and Aerodrome environments to ensure that aviation regulations can adapt with the introduction of future technologies.
Aerodrome Compliance
DASR 139 Aerodromes, was introduced by DASA to Defence in 2020, aiming to strengthen systems for Defence aerodrome design, operation and oversight, while also aligning Defence with recognised contemporary domestic and international good practice. Muru are supporting the Directorate of Aviation Operation’s (DAVNOPS) Air Navigation Service Provider/Aerodromes (ANSP/AD) to transition 36 Defence aerodromes/heliports to DASR 139 by the end of 2025 (DASA Advisory Circular 004/2020 refers).
UAS and UAV Benchmarking
The work that Muru is doing to update DASA’s regulation and policy is at the leading edge of global best-practice. ADF UAS operations span a significantly larger scope and scale than crewed operations in terms of size (<100g through to 15,000kg), complexity (low-cost ‘throw away’ through to exquisite systems), and operator sophistication, so the regulation and policy challenges are more diverse than for crewed aircraft.
Muru conduct UAS regulatory benchmarking against global best-practice and draft regulation and policy covering all ADF UAS operations (including weaponized UAS). We also provide UAV operation expertise, independent safety risk management analysis for major ADF UAS acquisitions (eg MQ-4C Triton), and research analysis and formal advice to support decision-making and approvals. Through our civilian and military UAV experts, Muru also support DASA-CASA liaison regarding ADF UAS use of national airspace as CASA seeks improved airspace usage efficiency from the ADF as proliferation of ADF UAS assets increases. Muru also develop and publish education materials to support Defence UAV regulators and operators.
Aviation Safety Practitioners
Muru provide our clients with aviation safety specialists who can supplement their internal workforce and/or offer specialist advice and support to key functions and projects. From manned to unmanned vehicles and supporting functions and workshops, we have consultants that can assist you.
Muru consultants have extensive experience in the design and implementation of aviation regulatory solutions, both from the Authority and Regulated Community perspectives. Our consultants have extensive regulatory, Aviation Safety Management Systems, and civil and military flight crew experience. As ex-Part 21 and Part M engineering and Continuing Airworthiness Management executives; Captains, Training Captains and Check Captains (and equivalents in the military).
Defence application of Performance Based Navigation
Muru are assisting Defence to better enable PBN and RVSM technologies in ADF aircraft, including new aviation regulations, processes, and acceptable means of compliance aligned to civil airspace requirements, simplifying Defence PBN and RVSM implementation and use and improving aviation safety outcomes.
Aviation Safety Cultural Reform
Muru consultants have worked with Defence aviation regulatory, governance, support, operational and management organisations to assess safety maturity and identify/implement process, policy, functional, organisational, governance, system, reporting, training and other improvements.
Examples of current and previous projects
Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA) – UAS, ANSP and Aerodromes
Muru are supporting DASA’s UAS, ANSP and Aerodromes areas develop aviation regulations which enables clear identification of associated hazards, risks and controls, and the effective oversight and enforcement of the conduct of required compliance and conformance activities of certified organisations.
Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA) – Strategic Approach to Flight Operations Regulation Improvement and Oversight.
Muru have delivered a strategic management approach to the review and update of extant Flight Operations-related DASA, aiming for a regulatory suite that better and more clearly identifies regulatory hazards and risks, and their associated controls and verification criteria for each implementing regulation. Muru successfully worked with DASA to:
- create a DASA-approved template to guide regulation development and modification, and to record corporate history for each regulation
- create a simplified Bow Tie Analysis methodology for aviation regulations, to validate purpose, hazards, risks and controls
- create an DASA Oversight and Enforcement model and Assurance Manual to capture unique DASA assurance principles and policies
- create FLTOPS related training packages related to DASA assurance principles
- publish a DASR Style Guide, to capture regulatory development and amendment principles against international benchmarks
- complete DASR Flight Operations benchmarking against the UK MoD regulations
Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA) – ADF Aviation Flight Operations Regulations Improvement.
The Defence Aviation Safety Regulation (DASR) alignment journey continues. Muru assisted DASA with Flight Operations-related regulation review against DASR Style Guide principles, and with the development of regulatory Bow Tie Analyses. Regulation updates improved current regulation safety outcomes, and simplified their Acceptable Means of Compliance, for both regulatory staff and regulated entities. The task also incorporated the results of DASR Flight Operations benchmarking to the equivalent regulation sets of multiple recognised National Airworthiness Authorities and Military Airworthiness Authorities.
AVIATION FUEL SAFETY MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – RAAF
Muru led the analysis and benchmarking of the Air Force Fuel Management Supply Chain and Operations to improve aviation safety and WHS outcomes. As a result of our analysis and recommendations Muru planned, implemented and are currently managing the Air Force Fuel Safety and Management Improvement Project. This aims to implement a series of integrated changes across Air Force fuel management to reduce the risks associated with handling, transporting, storing and testing fuel. Muru have a number of industry recognised petroleum supply chain experts with Defence and Industry experience in Australia and overseas.
Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA) – Introduction of Performance Based Navigation (PBN) and Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) to Defence Aviation.
PBN and RVSM form part of an internationally-recognised regulatory framework for implementing area navigation, with an emphasis on the utilisation of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology as opposed to traditional reliance upon fixed ground-based navigation aids which are being phased out. All ICAO member nations are introducing PBN and RVSM requirements. These capabilities have the potential to provide increased aviation safety, efficiency and environmental benefits through the optimisation of airspace use. Muru has assisted DASA to better enable PBN and RVSM technologies in ADF aircraft, including new regulations, processes, and Acceptable Means of Compliance aligned to civil airspace requirements, simplifying Defence PBN and RVSM implementation and use.
Other Defence Aviation Projects
- Provided support to the Directorate of Aviation Operation’s (DAVNOPS) Operational Review and Approvals (ORA) section to support ORA transformational and education activities. This includes conducting operational assessments and review of project airworthiness documentation, as well as policy and procedures reviews.
- Embedded three staff into 78 Wing to work on PC21 transition and the Hawk Engine Upgrade Project for Air Force.