20191007 - AATC_T2_MOD_Policy_Ltr_Signed (9 Oct 19).pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR NATIONAL GUARD AIR FORCE RESERVE COMMAND TEST

CENTER TUCSON ARIZONA

4 Oct 2019

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

FROM: AATC, F-15C Division Director

SUBJECT: Temporary Modification (T2MOD) Policy

1. Background: AATC, F-15C Division conducts routine T2MODs of AATC aircraft per HHQ (NGB/ACC/AATC) direction. The System Program Manager (SPM) in the System Program Office (SPO) is the modification approval authority for F-15C aircraft for both Active Duty and Air Reserve Component aircraft. T-2 modifications are used to evaluate, demonstrate, or exercise the technical performance, effectiveness, and/or the suitability of developmental and/or test materiel (hardware, firmware, and software) capabilities. T-2 modifications are also used to install and operate Test and Evaluation (T&E) specific support equipment, instrumentation and data recording equipment, telemetry systems, etc., on T&E assets. T-2 modifications may be used in support of all forms of F-15C T&E activity, including developmental test and evaluation, operational test and evaluation, and Lead/Using Command-conducted force development evaluation activities.

Assigned/loaned F-15Cs at Eglin AFB are maintained under a support agreement between the ANGRC/CC and the 96TW/CV. The 96 MXG acquired a maintenance contract (Backshop contract) to perform routine backshop maintenance, and amended the contract to include launch/recovery and backshop maintenance support for AATC’s F-15C aircraft. Within the scope of this contract, maintenance contractors (Service Providers) will conduct T2MODs under the guidance of SPO, AATC, and ANG personnel as outlined in this policy.

2. Scheduling: AATC normally conducts less than six T2MODs annually. Additionally, AATC conducts validation/verification (VAL/VERs) of TCTOs for modified aircraft. AATC will send the Service Provider a proposed schedule of T2MODs, VAL/VERs and related on an agreed monthly or quarterly basis. The Service Provider will review manpower requirements and determine if the proposed MOD is within their capabilities and skill sets, and also assess if additional manpower is needed to accomplish the work including additional contractors or military personnel. A review of the flying schedule will be conducted to determine if changes to the flight schedule are needed to accomplish the proposed work.

3. Procedures, Control, and Modification Requirements: The SPO will provide appropriate portions of a draft modification package to AATC/Service Provider outlining the T2MOD requirements per AFMCI 21-126, Para. 8. AATC/Service Provider will review the package per para 2 above. Questions concerning the draft modification package will be addressed by Service Provider to AATC for SPO clarification or additional information needed to conduct the modification. Special equipment, parts, and related will be provided in the final modification package to ensure T2MOD success.

4. Post Modification Acceptance (PMA) and Physical Configuration Inspection (PCI): A PMA will normally be completed prior to the PCI and before issuance of a flight release per AFMCI 21-126, Para 9.

PMA consists of a ground-based checkout of the modification (when possible) to verify:

• 9.1. System operation.

• 9.2. Compliance with applicable airworthiness criteria Safety of Flight determination, to include, completion of electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) tests of the modification.

PCI will be conducted for each modification or demodification before it is released for operation in accordance with AFMCI 21-126, Para 10. AATC will be responsible to secure the appropriate government QA authority to perform and sign off the QA requirements of the PCI unless or until a government Quality Assurance Representative (QAR) is available.

QC & government QA/QAR will be on hand to inspect all modification installations and applicable activities.

5. Documentation/Disposition Requirements:

Documentation:

AFMC Form 272, Physical Configuration Inspection (PCI) Report: Service Provider QC office is responsible to inspect all service provider work and sign off block 11 of the PCI. Government QAR/unit provided government QA authority is responsible to inspect all work/forms and sign off block 15 of the PCI. All other blocks are the responsibility of the F-15 SPO/AATC.

AFMC Form 273 Final Flight Release: Is issued to formally release an aerospace vehicle for mission use based upon sufficient engineering and flight tests to ensure safe flight within a specified envelope. Government QAR/unit provided government QA authority is responsible to inspect all work/forms and sign off block 12 of the Final Flight Release. All other blocks are the responsibility of the F-15 SPO/AATC.

AFMC Form 243 Temporary Release for Flight Certificate: If for some reason the final flight release cannot be issued (e.g., an incomplete modification/de-modification not affecting flight safety or a program requirement), then an AFMC Form 243 of up to 180 days may be issued by the responsible CCB authority. Temporary flight releases cannot be utilized to retain residual modifications after flight testing is completed.

Government QAR/unit provided government QA authority is responsible to inspect all work/forms and sign off block 12 of the Temporary Release for Flight Release. All other blocks are the responsibility of the F-15 SPO/AATC.

AFTO Form 95, Significant Historical Data: The modification will be documented on the orange bordered AFTO Form 95 to be put in the aircraft forms binder with date it was done, what modification was performed, and the organization which preformed the modification.

Disposition:

Once all forms and documentation have been completed all original copies of the modification, drawings, forms, and any other documentation will be maintained by AATC/SPO and made available to the CMO office and the Service Provider.

6. This policy will be reviewed annually and/or amended as necessary to meet modification requirements. My point of contact for is Mr. Mark Willis, (520) 603-0369.

WESTON D. TURNER, Lt Col, USAF Director, F-15C Division