The No 18 Squadron is seeking to maintain AMO certification under TAMM during MSTAM transition period to balance its resources on its current and on going operational taskings and requirement, while at the same time remain committed to subscribe to new MSTAM regulation within the timeframe of the transition. The issuance of the AMO certification serves as an instrument to ensure safety standard in delivering it demanding operational requirements.

The Directorate General Technical Airworthiness (DGTA) successfully held the 19th edition of the Malaysian State Technical Airworthiness (MSTA) Conference from 14 to 17 October 2024. Held at the Raia Hotel and Convention Centre, Alor Setar, the Conference focused on the theme of "Airworthiness in Aviation Safety of the Modern Era: Integrating Technology, Regulations, and Defence for Aviation Excellence". With this theme, DGTA aimed to align industry practices with evolving safety standards, fostering aviation excellence and reinforcing Malaysia’s defence aerospace industry.

The primary objective of this Conference was to provide a collaborative platform for discussing current issues and advancements in airworthiness management. DGTA invited distinguished speakers from various aerospace defence sectors and academician to share their insights, experiences, and research through a series of presentations that highlighted critical aspects of airworthiness.

Brigadier General Ruszali bin Zakaria RMAF, Director General of DGTA, inaugurated the Conference with an opening address, emphasizing the importance of technology, regulatory updates, and defence integration to maintain the highest standards in aviation safety and operational readiness. This was followed by a diverse lineup of presentations from industry experts. 

Key Presentations:

1. "Aviation Defense in Malaysia: Aligning Industry Role with National Defense Policy Goals" Presented by Tuan Mohd Nazri bin Ahmad from the Defence Industry Division (BIP), MINDEF, this session examined how Malaysia’s defense industry can effectively contribute to national security and align with defense policy objectives.

2. "MSTAM: New Airworthiness Management System for State Aircraft" Lt Col Dr. Ismail bin Yusof RMAF outlined the new state airworthiness regulations under MSTAM, focusing on advancements aimed at strengthening regulatory frameworks for Malaysian state aircraft.

3. "The Role of CAAM in Elevating the Malaysian Aviation Industry" Tuan Zulfadhly bin Zulkifli from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) spoke on the agency’s initiatives and contributions to elevate Malaysian aviation standards and airworthiness on a national and global scale.

4. "Machine Learning for Turbine Engine Condition Monitoring" Dr. Ahmad Zuri bin Sha’ameri from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) shared insights on the application of machine learning techniques for real-time monitoring of turbine engines, a technological advancement that holds potential for improving aircraft maintenance.

5. "Critical Role of UAS Jamming Technology in Ensuring Airspace Security" Tuan Muhammad Arif Ramedan from Ikramatic Systems Sdn Bhd discussed the growing importance of UAS jamming technology to protect Malaysian airspace from unauthorized drone activities.

6. "SIRIM’s Role in Empowering Malaysian Defence Aviation Industry" Presented by Tuan Ahmad Yani bin Ahmad Ridzuan from SIRIM, this session focused on SIRIM’s support in enhancing Malaysian defence aviation through technical standards and innovations.

The Conference served as a valuable opportunity for DGTA to communicate directly with State Aircraft Operator (SAO) and key industry stakeholders, addressing crucial airworthiness management issues for state aircraft. Attendees actively engaged in discussions on strategies to incorporate new technologies, regulatory developments, and robust defense integration to maintain aviation safety standards in Malaysia.

The Conference continued with presentation of Design Organization Approval (DOA), Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO), Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) Part 145, Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) and Approved Maintenance Training Organisation (AMTO) certificate by Director General of DGTA.

1. Markas Pemerintahan Bantuan Udara (MPBU) awarded with CAMO Certification for A400M aircraft. The CAMO Certificate received by Brig Gen Ir Azhar bin Hj Idris RMAF, Deputy Accountable Manager MPBU accompanied by Lt Col Hanable Sunday Anak Edward RMAF, CAM Manager.

2. Pusat Perkhidmatan Kejuruteraan Aerospace (PUSPEKA) received the DOA Certification for Aeroplance, Rotorcraft, Combat Aircraft and Unmanned Aircraft System involving Major And Minor Change & Repair Activities for all aircraft systems. The DOA Certificate received by Col Nornizam bin Kamarudin RMAF, Director of PUSPEKA.

3. No 8 Squadron awarded with AMO MSTAR 145 Certification for Class Aircraft with Rating A1 Aeroplanes for A400M aircraft. The AMO MSTAR 145 Certificate received by Brig Gen Yusri bin Jamari RMAF, Accountable Manager Subang Air Base accompanied by Maj Ts Aqilah binti Abdul Rahman RMAF, Maintenance Manager No 8 Squadron.

4. Weststar Aviation Sdn. Bhd. awarded with AMO MSTAR 145 Certification for Class Aircraft with Rating A3 for AW139 aircraft. The AMO MSTAR 145 Certificate received by Mr. Ahmad Rashide bin Mustapah, General Manager-Fleet accompanied by Mr. Mohd Azeem bin Laikar Ali, Quality Manager and Mr. Zakariah bin Zainodin, Maintenance Manager.

5. Galaxy Aerospace (M) Sdn. Bhd. awarded with AMO MSTAR 145 Certification for Class Aircraft with Rating A3 for AW139 & AS 365 N3 APMM and AS 555 SN, Super Lynx & AW139 RMN aircrafts. The AMO MSTAR 145 Certificate received by Dato' Shamsul Kamar bin Samsudin, Accountable Manager accompanied by Mr. Nurulazhan bin Sallehudin, Maintenance Manager.

6. Global Turbine Asia Sdn. Bhd. awarded with AMO MSTAR 145 Certification for Class Engine/APU with Rating B1 Turbine for Aurrius 1A, Makila 2A1 and TP 400 – D6 Engines. The AMO MSTAR 145 Certificate received by Maj Gen Dato' Ir. Mohamad Razip bin A Samad RMAF (Rtd), Director GTA accompanied by Madam Siti Aisyah binti Mohamad Sabar, Quality Manager.

7. Destni Prima Sdn. Bhd. awarded with AMO Certification for Class G4 with Rating for Barrier Net and Arrestor Calbe. The AMO Certificate received by Maj Datuk Kabol bin Surat RMAF (Rtd), Accountable Manager.

8. No 20 Squadron awarded with AMTO Certification for Level Type/Task Training for C130H Aircraft with Scope of Category B1.1 Aeromech, B2 Avionic, Category C, Category LAE and Task Training for Engine Ground Run and Air to Air Refuelling. The AMTO Certificate received by Lt Col Mohd Khairol Fadly bin Abu Bakar RMAF, Accountable Manager accompanied by Maj Mohd Hadri bin Mohd Isa RMAF, Training Manager.

Brigadier General Ruszali bin Zakaria RMAF concluded the Conference with a resolution address, expressing gratitude for the valuable insights shared and encouraging continued collaboration to ensure Malaysia’s aviation sector remains exemplary. The Conference wrapped up with a closing speech by Brigadier General Muhd Aznor bin Hj Md Ghazali RMAF, Assistant Chief of Staff Engineering RMAF, who emphasized the commitment to maintaining Malaysia’s standing in aviation safety and regulatory excellence.

The MSTA Conference Series 19/2024 demonstrated DGTA’s dedication to fostering knowledge exchange, industry advancement, and commitment to the safety and security of Malaysia’s aerospace and defence sectors.

Also present during the ceremony were the Managing Director of G7 Global Aerospace Sdn Bhd, Datuk Rosdi bin Mahmud, several company executives, and representatives of recipients from SAOs. Top of the list of recipients was CK PU Butterworth which was taken by Lt Col Mohd Azlisharul bin Md Saad as the Senior Maintenance Manager, followed by Lt Col Ir Mahadhir bin A. Rahman as SMM CK PU Kuantan, Maj Mohd Suhairie Hanif bin Md Nasir representative of Batalion 165 Risik TD, ended by G7 Global Aerospace Sdn Bhd Datuk Rosdi bin Mahmud.

The main objective of the SMEE – Airworthiness 2024 Program is to share information and issues related to Technical Airworthiness between DGTA and MAA, RTAF. Additionally, this program aims to finalize the Bilateral Military Airworthiness Recognition (BMAR) between both parties so that the certification handover can be conducted during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 25).

The Director General of DGTA, Brigadier General Ruszali bin Zakaria RMAF gave the AMO certificate to ADSSB’s Corporate & Program Advisor II, Lt Gen (Rtd) Datuk Mohd Zakaria Bin Hj Yadi witnesses by Brig Jen Yusri bin Jamari RMAF Commander Subang Base, Maj Ilham Roshandy bin Azwir Zulfian RMAF PLTT Angkut Squadron’s Executive Officer and the DGTA’s Director of Aircraft & Aeronautical Maintenance Regulatory, Colonel Md Hanafiah bin Yaacob RMAF.