The Malaysian State Technical Airworthiness (MSTA) Seminar Serial 20/2025, organized by the Directorate General Technical Airworthiness (DGTA), was successfully conducted from 29 September to 2 October 2025 at Awana Resort, Genting Highlands. This annual seminar serves as a key platform for DGTA to engage with State Aircraft Operators (SAO) and representatives from the local aerospace and defence industry to discuss current developments and best practices in the field of technical airworthiness.
With the theme “Ensuring Safety and Innovation in Aviation Through Airworthiness,” this year’s seminar emphasized the integration of safety assurance and technological innovation to strengthen Malaysia state airworthiness ecosystem. Beyond knowledge sharing, MSTA acts as an important avenue for DGTA to obtain direct feedback from industry and operator representatives on airworthiness management issues affecting state-registered aircraft.
Objectives of the Seminar
The seminar was designed with the following key objectives:
- To present audit findings and initial approval outcomes for discussion and improvement towards better regulatory compliance.
- To share current information and issues related to technical airworthiness through professional talks by experts from the local aerospace and defence sectors.
- To provide a knowledge-sharing platform for organisations to exchange experiences that can enhance national state airworthiness management.
- To strengthen airworthiness management practices at all levels of organisations certified under DGTA’s Organisational Approval framework.
- To foster closer collaboration between organisations in ensuring the readiness of defence and combat assets.
Highlights of Technical Presentations
A total of five topics were presented during the seminar, covering a range of pertinent topics in aviation safety, maintenance, and innovation:
1. Regulatory Compliance Review - Authority Insights. Lt Kol Haji Hamsari bin Subhi (DGTA, AAMR Division) presented an evaluation on MSTAM compliance, identification of airworthiness gaps, unsafe conditions, and proposed corrective and preventive actions.
2. Occurrence Reporting. Lt Kol Mohd Al Badawi bin Abdul Halim TUDM emphasized the need of detailed occurrence reporting in the MSTAM-regulated community, following Technical Airworthiness Advisory Circular (TAAC-G-003) as a reference.
3. Predictive Maintenance Through Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) with Advances in Artificial Intelligence. Prof Dr Ahmad Zuri bin Sha’ameri (UTM) highlighted the application of AI-powered HUMS technologies for predictive maintenance, enabling early detection and proactive fault management.
4. Enhancing Aviation Safety and Airworthiness Through Innovative Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Solutions. Mej Ir Ts Dr Arvinthan Venugopal TUDM (PUSPEKA) shared insights on advanced NDT techniques incorporating automated defect recognition, robotics, and artificial intelligence to improve accuracy and efficiency in aircraft inspections.
5. Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) for RMAF F/A-18D Hornet Aircraft. Lt Kol Kok Choon Kiam TUDM (PUSPEKA) elaborated on the ongoing SLEP initiative to extend the operational lifespan of the RMAF’s F/A-18D Hornet aircraft beyond 6,000 flight hours.
The Launch of the Malaysian State Technical Airworthiness Manual (MSTAM)
One of the most significant milestones of MSTA 20/2025 was the official launch of the Malaysian State Technical Airworthiness Manual (MSTAM) by the State Airworthiness Authority (SAA), YBhg Panglima Tentera Udara.
The MSTAM serves as a comprehensive reference framework that defines Malaysia technical airworthiness requirements, encompassing seven volumes:
- Volume 1 – Malaysian State Technical Airworthiness Program (MSTAP)
- Volume 2 – MSTAR 21: Aircraft Design, Production, and Certification
- Volume 3 – MSTAR M: Continuing Airworthiness Management
- Volume 4 – MSTAR 145: Requirements for Maintenance Organisations
- Volume 5 – MSTAR 66: State Aircraft Maintenance Licensing
- Volume 6 – MSTAR 147: Aircraft Maintenance Training Organisations
- Volume 7 – MSTAR UAS: Implementing Regulations for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
This manual represents a major step forward in standardising and strengthening Malaysia airworthiness framework for state aircraft, ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance with international standards.
Key Outcomes
The seminar concluded with four main outcomes reflecting the commitment of DGTA and the regulated community towards continuous improvement in technical airworthiness:
- Strengthening DGTA’s Role in Supporting the National Aerospace Industry. DGTA reaffirmed its pivotal role in driving the growth of Malaysia aerospace and defence industry in alignment with the National Defence Policy. Through certification programs such as MDOA, MPOA, AMO, CAMO, and AMTO, as well as licensing under State Aircraft Maintenance Licence (SAML), DGTA ensures operational safety, technical reliability, and enhanced national aerospace competitiveness.
- Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Maintenance and Monitoring. The adoption of AI technologies in maintenance and monitoring processes enhances predictive capabilities, operational efficiency, and safety assurance. This aligns with DGTA’s digital transformation agenda and promotes a forward-looking approach to aviation maintenance and engineering.
- Empowerment of MSTAM Among the Regulated Community. MSTAM serves as a “living document” that must evolve alongside technological and regulatory developments. Organisations are encouraged to strengthen their compliance through structured audits, continuous training, and integration of digital systems within their quality management processes.
Conclusion
The MSTA Seminar Series 20/2025 once again underscored its significance as a strategic platform for enhancing collaboration, fostering innovation, and strengthening the culture of safety within Malaysia state aviation community.
Organised by the Directorate General Technical Airworthiness (DGTA), the seminar convened industry experts, regulators, and defence stakeholders to deliberate on current developments and future directions in airworthiness management.
By continuously integrating emerging technologies and reinforcing regulatory frameworks, DGTA remains steadfast in leading national efforts towards achieving technical excellence and operational readiness, in alignment with Malaysia broader defence and aerospace aspirations.
“Ensuring Safety and Innovation in Aviation Through Airworthiness”
Subang, 23 Sept 2025, DGTA achieved another milestone when it successfully transitioned the last 3 AEO holders to MDOA holders. The three companies are Aerospace Technology Systems Corporation Sdn Bhd (ATSC), Agriquip Machinery Sdn Bhd, and Caidmark Sdn Bhd.
The MDOA certification ceremony was officiated by the Director General of DGTA, Colonel Nik Ahmad Nazri bin Nik Yaacob RMAF.
The MDOA Holders are required to ensure all design activities for aircraft, aeronautical products, and related equipment fully comply with the regulations outlined in MSTAM and all related TAAC.
Once again, congratulations to ATSC Sdn Bhd, Agriquip Machinery Sdn Bhd and Caidmark on achieving the MDOA certification. This accomplishment highlights each organisation’s commitment towards airworthiness, quality and safety.
18 July 2025 - A ceremony was held at Lumut Naval Base for the presentation of MSTAR 147 Organisational Approval (AMTO) to HQ NAVAIR. The ceremony started with courtesy visit by Director General of DGTA to Air Commander, First Admiral Ruzman bin Mat.
On completion of the courtesy visit, the program continued with certification presentation. HQ NAVAIR was awarded the AMTO certification for level Type/Task Training with scope Aeromechanical & Avionics for AS555SN Fennec Helicopter. The AMTO certificate is effective from 19 Jun 2025 with an unlimited duration, subject to continuous compliance with MSTAM.
The presentation of the certificate proves the commitment of HQ NAVAIR in conducting the aircraft type training according to the Maintenance Training Organisation Exposition (MTOE), approved curriculum and compliance with MSTAR 147 and 66.
Congratulations on the achievement to HQ NAVAIR.
‘Together we create culture of compliance’
SUBANG, 15th July 2025 - DGTA had successfully conducted the 2nd series of workshop for Military Design Organisation Approval (MDOA) holders from 15th to 17th July 2025.
A list of presentations presented to improve the understanding of MSTAR 21 regulation, increase compliance level through interaction with MDOA holders and DGTA. The workshop was concluded with a meeting where holders present their challenges during the transition period to MSTAR 21 and suggestions for authority consideration.
On 20 June 2025, A ceremony was held for the presentation of the MSTAR 145 Maintenance Organisational Approval to Engineering Branch of Gong Kedak Air Base, No 18 Squadron, Aeroclear (Asia) Sdn Bhd, Heitech Padu Bhd and DEFTECH Aviation Sdn Bhd as well as the presentation of the Military Design Organisation Approval (MDOA) to Aerotree Defence & Services Sdn Bhd and DEFTECH Aviation Sdn Bhd.
The ceremony which took place at the DGTA was officiated by the Director General of DGTA, Col Nik Ahmad Nazri bin Nik Yaacob RMAF accompanied by the Director of AAMR Division, Col Ts. Md Hanafiah bin Yaacob RMAF and the Director of TAQR Division, Col Marzuki bin Ramli RMAF.
Also in attendance was the Head of Engineering Branch of Gong Kedak Air Base, Lt Col Norhisham bin Mohd Noor RMAF, Head of Engineering of No 18 Squadron, Lt Col Muhammad Azrul bin Mohd Ali RMAF, Accountable Manager of Aeroclear (Asia) Sdn Bhd, Dato Ir Haji Md Yusof bin Ismail, Accountable Manager of Heitech Padu Bhd, Mr Tawfek bin Mokhtar, Accountable Manager of DEFTECH Aviation Sdn Bhd, Mr Mohammad Shanaz Mohammad Shees and Corporate & Program Advisor 1 of Aerotree Defence & Services Sdn Bhd, Lt Gen Dato’ Indera Haji Mohammad Salleh Bin Othman (R).
The ceremony was filled with speeches from the Director General of DGTA and all representatives of the recipients, prayer readings, photo sessions and concluded with a luncheon.
The presentation of the certificate proves the commitment of all recipients in continuing to uphold the main objectives of the certification in order to achieve safety in aviation through compliance with the enforced regulations. All recipients also prove that they are qualified to carry out maintenance, repair works and design activities according to the scope and rating that has been verified through their certificates.
21 May 2025, Langkawi — AIROD Sdn Bhd and Airod Techno Power Sdn Bhd (ATP) has successfully obtained the Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) certification under MSTAR 145 during a certificate awarding ceremony held at the prestigious Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exibition (LIMA 2025).
The ceremony was officiated by the Director General of DGTA, YBhg Col Nik Ahmad Nazri bin Nik Yaacob RMAF, and witnessed by the outgoing Director General, Brigadier General Ruszali bin Zakaria RMAF. Also in attendance was the Senior Vice President of NADI, YBhg Datuk Firhad Uzir Abdul Rahim, reflecting the continued support and alignment between AIROD and NADI.
Major General Dato’ Ismail bin Ibrahim RMAF (R) who serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) received the AMO certificate on behalf of AIROD Sdn Bhd. The CEO of AIROD Sdn Bhd has led continuous efforts to maintain the AMO certification under MSTAR 145 throughout the MSTAM, ensuring an effective balance of resources while executing current and on-going maintenance tasks. AIROD Sdn Bhd remains committed to full compliance with the new MSTAM regulations.
On behalf of ATP Sdn Bhd, the AMO certificate received by the Head of Quality & Safety Assurance, Aliza binti Zainal. This AMO certification reflects ATP’s compliance with the national airworthiness regulatory framework in carrying out depot-level maintenance of military aircraft engines and components. ATP remains committed to maintaining disciplined work practices and adherence to approved technical publications, ensuring that maintenance activities are conducted safely and in accordance with regulatory expectations.
The awarding of the AMO certificate symbolizes AIROD's and ATP's commitment in maintaining the highest standards and airworthiness and regulatory compliance, reinforcing its position as a leading Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) for state-registered aircraft and related components, ensuring continued maintenance excellence in support of the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s fleets.
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