Covers Components On MQ-9A/B Platforms, Eases Certifications

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. announced it has received approval from the French Military Continuing Airworthiness Authority (DSAE) as a EMAR/FR 145 Maintenance Organization for component maintenance covering the MQ-9A/B platforms.

The EMAR structure is a set of regulations based on commercial aerospace standards from the FAA/EASA agencies that ensure the airworthiness of European military aircraft and is a standard airworthiness scheme recognized by military airworthiness authorities around the world. The EMAR/FR 145 certification authorizes maintenance organizations to conduct critical maintenance tasks while also ensuring compliance with safety, reliability, and documentation requirements.

The EMAR/FR 145 approval allows GA-ASI to issue EMAR Form 1s – Return to Service forms – for components serviced by the company at its Poway and Adelanto, California, facilities for CAT C services (component maintenance).

Sam Richardson, Vice President of Sustainment for GA-ASI said, “This approval is a significant achievement for GA-ASI, positioning the company to better serve international customers, especially military users of our MQ-9A and MQ-9B UAS platforms.”

He added, “The ability to leverage the EMAR/FR 145 certification streamlines the company’s processes, reduces costs, and accelerates future airworthiness pursuits, as many future customers will recognize this certification rather than requiring a full, independent certification process.”

The EMAR/FR 145 approval also demonstrates that GA-ASI’s maintenance operations meet the strict demands of the global defense market. The broad recognition of the EMAR/FR 145 framework also ensures that GA-ASI can offer high-quality, compliant maintenance services to international customers and enable its continued global growth.

FMI:  www.ga-asi.com/