Access to the Air Force Continuing Airworthiness Manual (AFCAMAN) through the Air Force manual webpage is now in PDF format. Feedback from the Continuing Airworthiness community is that a PDF version aligned with other Air Force manuals is the preferred format to view, search and print AFCAMAN content.

In the coming months the unique AFCAMAN formatting will be addressed.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New year from HQAC Continuing Airworthiness section. The new year brings with it a new version of the AFCAMAN. Issue 1 Version 5.0 was released late last year and is published on the ADFCA web site as of the 25th December. The new Version is a partial update which includes three Significant changes and seventeen Non-Significant changes. A summary of the changes that were made can be found in the Notes To Readers section of Book I, AFCAMAN Introduction.

With the recent release of DASA AC 008/2021, Our MAML Management chapter has had a revamp. With input from the community an advanced release of AFCAMAN Book IV Chapter 6 - MAML Management is live. AFCAMAN Version 5 will be released in the coming weeks.

A new AFCAMAN chapter is available. Book III-Chapter 7-Products, Components, Parts and Appliances was approved on the 12th November and released shortly after. There was a lot of community feedback asking for this chapter and it is finally here. Click on the link below to access the new chapter.

https://www.adfca.com.au/publications/43feea8a-cf80-4426-b0d7-6dddeb038506/read

There are a few steps required to get the Apple IOS App to work correctly. Once the App is downloaded the following will need to be done in order for the App to work.

1. Select Setting on your IOS device
2. Select General
3. Select Device Management
4. Select Headquarters Air Command, RAAF Base Glenbrook
5. Select Trust “Headquarters Air Command, RAAF Base Glenbrook”
6. Select Trust

A mid year release of AFCAMAN Issue 1 Version 4.0 was approved on the 9th July 2021. The latest updates included changes made to numerous chapters initiated by the Continuing Airworthiness community and utilising the ADFCA feedback function. The latest version can be found at https://www.adfca.com.au/publications.

On 6 May 2021 DASA released AC 01/2021. This has necessitated a change to the content in AFCAMAN which will be issued as a rapid release Amendment (Version 3.1). The change will be contained in Book 4 Chapter 1 — Authorisations and is specific to Certification of On-Aircraft Structural Repairs as an interim procedure.

On the 6th November the AFCAMAN will undergo an update that will include the introduction of six new chapters. Part of the update will include the amalgamation of content from Book IV Chapters 1 and 6 Issue 1 V2.0 into Book IV Chapter 3 for this release. The new chapters include:
1. Authorisation: Defines the Authorisation requirements of aviation maintenance personnel within a Defence Aviation Safety Regulation (DASR) Part 145 Maintenance Organisation (MO)
2. Roles and Responsibilities: Defines the applicability, purpose, definition, minimum criteria and the responsibilities of roles within the ADF aviation maintenance environment
3. Task Sign Off and Certification of Maintenance: Defines maintenance effects and the minimum requirements for Task Sign-off, issuance of a CRS and aircraft Dispatch to Operator (DTO)
4. MAML Management: Provides responsibilities for MAML management, the conditions of issuance, the instructions for application, exclusion and extension processes and the requirements for maintaining currency
5. PBED – Plan - Brief – Execute – Debrief: Provides guidance on PBED principles and assigns responsibilities with the use of PBED
6. Memory Based Execution: Defines MBX and it’s background, the CAMO and tradespersons responsibilities as well as the process to be followed using MBX

Procedural drift is defined as a mismatch between designed procedures or rules and actual practise. One of the main reasons why this occurs is associated with a lack of understanding of risk management and how procedures are designed as risk controls.

As with everyone, maintenance personnel performing maintenance in any environment are influenced by personal and external circumstances where the potential to gradually change or stray unintentionally from a set standard could exist. Personnel are reassured by the desired result they achieve albeit achieved incorrectly and this positive attitude contributes to the normalisation of procedural drift.

Maintenance is a procedurally driven activity which forms part of the critical structure of managing risks. This activity looks at both the likelihood and consequence of the potential negative event, but when we look at the main contributing factors for the individual or team conducting the maintenance the perception is that the risk is strongly related to the likelihood only. This creates the situation where maintenance personnel are not fully engaged with the procedure because their focus is not correctly positioned. This is where procedural drift sets in.

The attached article is an extract from the DFSB Spotlight 02/19 magazine.

References:
1. Galloway, D. Why do people violate rules? The concept of procedural drift. 2014.
2. Dekker, S. The Field Guide to Understanding Human Error. Sidney Dekker. Ashgate Publishing. 2006.
3. Sjöberg, L. World views, political attitudes and risk perception. Risk: Health, Safety and Environment. 1998.
4. DFSB Spotlight 02/19 magazine

Since launching we have had some common themes in the feedback that we have received. Feedback predominantly relates to the useability/functionality of the AFCAMAN. The great news is that improvements will be released by the end of the month.

The main points of focus relate to the ability to view the AFCAMAN in full screen mode, the ability to zoom in on diagrams and images, and the availability of a PDF version that will enable the user to download the AFCAMAN so it can be used in areas where connectivity is limited such as the flight line.

The team here are constantly looking to improve the platform and have identified additional improvements that include the ability to search the entire AFCAMAN for relevant content, enhanced features within the ‘Feedback’ functionality and an interactive Table of Contents. Keep an ear out for our educational Podcasts starting soon.

The AFCAMAN is also set to expand prior to the end of the year. Additional chapters will be made available and include:
1. Roles, Responsibilities and Authorisations,
2. Aeronautical Components and Parts Reporting,
3. QMS,
4. Weight and Balance,
5. Maintenance Conduct, Certify and Inspection,
6. Allotment of State Aircraft

We encourage you to provide feedback to improve our product for you. Use the feedback function as a PIRR instrument at https://www.adfca.com.au/feedback, to suggest changes to the AFCAMAN. If you have a suggestion on the functionality of the website contact us through https://www.adfca.com.au/contact-us.

The roll out of the JP157 Refuelling fleet of vehicles included a change in the design of the Aviation Refuelling Nozzle from Avery Hardoll to a Carter 64348.

A feature of the Carter 64348 refuelling nozzle is the inclusion of a “Defuel Vacuum Breaker” designed to release the vacuum pressure, on completion of a defuel, to assist with nozzle disconnection from the aircraft. Should the valve fail, or be accidentally activated during refuel, there is potential for personnel to be exposed to aviation fuel.

Investigations into a number of Sentinel Events, where Air Force members were exposed to aviation fuel as a result of fuel spray from this valve, highlighted limited awareness of this hazard within the AvR and technical communities.

RODUMS have been submitted requesting the implementation of a defined maintenance schedule to minimise valve failure and a modification to resolve the potential for accidental activation.

Until the RODUMS are actioned, Units are to raise awareness of the OEM Manual warnings associated with the use of the Defuel Vacuum Breaker. Applicable platform training and operational units undertaking fuel servicing are to include the warnings in all training material associated with fuel servicing.

This article details an incident that involved a near collision between two passenger trains in Victoria. The incident was investigated by the ATSB with incident causation being attributed to the effects of nicotine withdrawal. Although this article is not aviation related, the lessons within are applicable to all individuals, supervisors and managers during the planning and conduct of aviation maintenance. What other physiological or psychological impacts are we not, or should be considering during the performance of maintenance?
Go to the link for the full story https://www.atsb.gov.au/media/news-items/2020/nicotine-withdrawal/

Australia’s Department of Defence has partnered with Australia’s leading app developer, Elegant Media, to create an online platform to store, manage and access the department’s regulatory aviation information.
Full article: https://www.contactairlandandsea.com/2019/10/29/new-app-digitises-aviation-regs/

FCP20 is a high-end warfighting exercise that will certify the participating ships and their crews ‘ready to deploy’ on behalf of the Australian government.

The four warships will sail to Bass Strait where they will engage with five other Australian ships and submarines as well as military aircraft from Australia, the US and New Zealand.

Commodore Flotillas (COMFLOT), Commodore Michael Harris, said FCP20 would further develop Navy’s ability to engage in complex and dynamic warfighting activities based around sea and air control capabilities.

"FCP20 will test competencies in a range of scenarios, including high-end warfighting in the blue water ocean environment, amphibious operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, similar to our recent Bushfire Assist mission," CDRE Harris said.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has confirmed the deployment of a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft in support of the international effort to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions on North Korea.

The aircraft will deploy within the next week on Operation Argos, marking the first Australian Defence Force contribution to the operation for 2020.

Operating out of Kadena Airbase in Japan, the Poseidon aircraft will conduct airborne surveillance by monitoring and deterring illegal ship-to-ship transfers.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said Australia’s commitment to the enforcement of United Nations Security Council sanctions on North Korea is key to stability in the region.

“This deployment demonstrates our commitment to regional security and the rules-based order,” Minister Reynolds said.

“We rely on a stable north-east Asia as part of a free, open and economically prosperous wider Indo-Pacific region.

“Along with our international partners, Australia continues to maintain pressure on North Korea to adhere to United Nations Security Council sanctions through our dedicated air and maritime patrols.”

https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/maritime-antisub/5603-defence-confirms-first-commitment-to-operation-argos-for-2020

Providing direct support to the bushfire crisis is the Australian Defence Force's main effort. ADF support will continue for as long as required.

About 1103 ADF personnel, including about 400 reservists, are supporting Operation Bushfire Assist.
The 43-person Indonesian Military Engineer contingent is scheduled to depart Australia on March 4 following completion of its support in the Blue Mountains region of NSW.

ADF support
Major General Justin ‘Jake’ Ellwood is the Emergency ADF National Support Coordinator, working in support of state and territory authorities.
Three enhanced Emergency Support Forces:
Victoria: Based on Army’s 4th Brigade, located at Simpson Barracks, Melbourne.
New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory: Based on Army’s 5th Brigade, located at Holsworthy Barracks, Sydney.
South Australia and Tasmania: Based on Army’s 9th Brigade, located at Keswick Barracks, Adelaide.
The ADF is working with local and state authorities to determine where support is most needed.