An Introduction to MAOS
In line with the UK Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) and MOD initiatives there has been a significant move to allow industry to conduct maintenance and continuing airworthiness management for military aircraft.
In order that new and future contracts can realise their projected potential, regulatory arrangements used within the MOD will be based upon best practice proven in the civil model.
What it does
MAOS sets out a number of requirements to industry that an organisation must meet in order that an approval can be issued. Unlike existing MOD regulations which are often perceived as prescriptive, MAOS allows an organisation to choose how they meet these requirements. It follows the basic principles of the civil system and enables the adoption of best practice from both systems.
The MAOS Approval confers privileges on an organisation within a standardised framework to facilitate easy contracting and interface with other stakeholders. However it defines a standard which an organisation must demonstrate compliance, prior to gaining an Approval.
MAOS should not impose any significant additional requirements on an organisation that is providing services to the MOD. However, what is does do is to apply a standard which an organisation must attain prior to accreditation. It will assure that an organisation is capable of carrying out the tasks it proposes in its Exposition and has underpinning processes and procedures in place. It should also assist the relevant IPT in their airworthiness assurance activities.