Defence Aviation Safety Authority

The Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA) is responsible for enhancing and promoting the safety of military aviation. This objective is primarily achieved through implementation of a Defence Aviation Safety Program (DASP) that supports compliance with statutory safety obligations and assures the effective management of aviation safety risks.The introduction of the DASA reflects an evolution in aviation safety assurance for military aircraft by aligning the Australian Defence Force to emerging international  conventions in aviation safety, including ICAO and the European Military Airworthiness Requirements.

DASA Vision

Capability First, Safety Always.

DASA Mission

Support Aviation Commanders and Assure a Credible and Defensible Level of Aviation Safety.

Defence Aviation Safety Regulation

The Defence Aviation Safety Regulation (DASR) was introduced in 2016 and replaced the Military Operational and Technical Airworthiness Regulations. DASR align with the European Military Airworthiness System which is an emerging convention.

Aviation safety regulations were progressively introduced from the mid-1990s following a series of fatal accidents.
The design regulations were introduced first, followed soon thereafter by maintenance and then operational regulations.
In all respects, the former aviation safety regulations served well and prevented Defence from revisiting the accidents of the past; however the ADF, along with the world’s military and civilian aviation community, continue to strive to make improvements to safety.
The future is the  introduction of DASR
The technical DASR are based on the European Military Airworthiness Requirements (EMAR) which are drawn from the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) regulations and represent an emerging global convention in technical regulation of military aviation.
The operational DASR adopt the EASA framework, as currently there is no international convention for military operational regulations.
The DASRs provide a number of benefits to Defence including:

• • Increased interoperability with coalition and regional partner States
  • Opportunity to exploit multi-customer support arrangements, including global supply chains
  • Blended civilian/military sustainment arrangements
  • Lateral recruitment arrangements with civilian aviation

The DASR was released on 31 January 2017.

DASR SMS Framework

The DASR SMS Framework is the same as EASA with is based on the ICAO framwork.

Component 1. Safety policy and objectives

1.1 Management commitment and responsibility

1.2 Safety accountabilities of managers

1.3 Appointment of key safety personnel

1.4 Coordination of emergency response

1.5 SMS documentation

Note: Third party interface integrated

Component 2. Safety risk management

2.1 Hazard identification

2.2 Safety risk assessment and mitigation

Component 3. Safety Assurance

3.1 Safety performance monitoring and measurement (includes Safety Investigations)

3.2 The management of change

3.3 Continuous improvement of the SMS

Note: Safety Investigation as a separate regulation

Component 4. Safety promotion

4.1 Training and education

4.2 Safety communication