Under AMCOM Omnibus 2000 and EXPRESS Delivery Orders, Avion has provided uninterrupted system engineering support to the AMCOM Aviation Engineering Directorate (AED) – Systems Integration Division for support to the Product Manager (PM) for the Scout/Attack Helicopter OH-58/AH-1. Avion provides engineering support in the preparation, coordination and issuance of Airworthiness Releases (AWRs), System Safety Risk Assessments (SSRA), Aviation Safety Action Messages (ASAM), Safety of Flight Messages (SOF), and Maintenance Information Messages (MIM). Avion provides analysis and processing of Category I Deficiency Reports, review of recommended maintenance and operator manual changes, review of requests for deviation(s)/waiver(s), review of alternate source/vendor approval, review of Critical Safety Items (CSI), review of intercept actions, review of Engineering Change Proposals (ECP), waivers and deviations, and review of technical specifications, test plans, test procedures and test reports. We review and provide coordinated analysis of accident investigation reports, FAA Airworthiness Directives, and Commercial Bulletins with regard to OH-58D Safety. Avion provides support for coordination with program participants, performing technical planning, systems analysis, briefings, presentations, reviews plus other technical and analytical support necessary to support the PMO. This support requires contact with DOD activities, Headquarters DA, PEO-AVN PMOs, AMCOM program elements, other Army major system commands, U.S. Army TRADOC agencies, and industry prime contractor/subcontractor personnel. Avion processes requests for OH-58D AWRs for installation of non-standard configuration or developmental equipment, test, and airworthiness qualification. Avion prepares/coordinates Contractor Flight Releases (CFRs), Interim Statements of Airworthiness Qualification (ISAQ), and technical positions on airworthiness issues. This effort includes analyzing and processing test plans, procedures, and reports; and other technical data in support of airworthiness qualification. Avion performs extensive interface with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and PMO in the evaluation/technical responses to ECPs for OH-58D aircraft modifications. Avion personnel provide support in the analysis/resolution of aircraft non-standard repair requests, Field Incident Reports (FIR), proposed changes to technical manuals, and requests for technical assistance from OH-58D operators, maintainers, and program management personnel. Avion reviews OH-58D aircraft, systems and parts for CSI and Engineering Testing requirements, including critical characteristics (CC), and provides coordinated resolution, including the associated intercept and post award actions. Avion reviews alternate source/repair vendor approval requests, and supports the final determination. Avion provides site visit support to the government when evaluating those potential sources, and provides site visit support for the Army Aviation Reset program.  Avion coordinates responses to requests for deviation(s)/waiver(s) and ECPs for spare parts acquisition and serves as lead technical advisor for processing of Deficiency Reports (DR) for OH-58D aircraft. Avion is developing a new flight usage spectrum, based on pilot input, to ensure aircraft/component usage is accurately captured. We support all activities associated with receipt, review, shipment, analysis, coordination, corrective actions and closing of engineering action DRs.

Significant Positive Impact:

• Working closely with the procuring agencies and the PMO over a period of eight months, Avion defined qualification requirements, oversaw the satisfaction of those requirements, and documented the testing results and limitations of fielding:
• A new Mission Processor and Dual-Waveband Infrared Window for the Kiowa Warrior aircraft to active Army divisions involved in Operation Iraqi freedom
• A new Thermal Imaging Sensor for the Kiowa Warrior aircraft, an upgrade to a system with twenty-year-old technology.