CONTRACTOR FLYING APPROVED ORGANIZATION SCHEME (CFAOS) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1. What is CFAOS?
A1.CFAOS is the Contractor Flying Approved Organization Scheme– refer to RA2501 and RA 1028. It encompasses RA 1024, Accountable Manager (Military Flying) (AM(MF)).
Q2.What is the process for seeking an initial CFAOS approval?
A2.For an initial approval the Defence Contractor Flying Organization should submit a CFAOS Approval Application Form (MAA CFAOS Form 2), available from the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) website,to On receipt of the CFAOS Approval Application Form, the MAA will issue a unique company identifier and request the applicant organization to submit their Contractor Flying Organization Exposition (CFOE) and a Compliance Matrix. Further details can be found in the CFAOS Application Guidance document, available from the MAA website
Q3.Can a Flying Organization make direct application to the MAA to be CFAOS Approved?
A3.Before a review of the Organization is undertaken, the Defence Contractor Flying Organization should satisfy the MAA that it is in the interest of the UK MOD to include the Organization in the Scheme. The application should be supported by an endorsement of MOD interest, for example in the case of a Military Registered Civil Owned Aircraft (MRCOA) this would most probably be provided by the relevant air system MOD Sponsor – refer to RA 1123.
Q4.What is a Contractor Flying Organization Exposition (CFOE)?
A4. It is the document, or documents that contain material specifying the scope of work deemed to constitute approval showing how the Organization intends to comply with the MRP. A template CFOE is available on the MAA website.
Q5.If the MAAs CFOE template is used, should all recommended content be included?
A5.The MAAs CFOE template is a guidance document only. It is at the discretion of each AM(MF) to tailor the template to meet the needs of their organization. Therefore, the use of headings, suggested text and any other contentmay be amended or deleted as required, providing the exposition meets the full requirements of RA2501(3) and sufficient detail is included on how the AM(MF) will fulfil their responsibilities in accordance with RA 1024. The principle of who, what, where and ‘in accordance with’should be used.
Q6.Should all procedures detailing how CFAOS activity is conducted be included in the CFOE?
A6.The content of the CFOE is at the discretion of the AM(MF), providing it meets the requirements of RA 2501(3), and it is for the AM(MF) to decide whether full procedures or direct cross references to other documents is appropriate. However, should full procedures be adopted it is likely that the CFOE will become a lengthy document, which may require frequent amendment as procedures develop. Therefore the preferred method would be for the CFOE to contain an overview of each procedure, using the principle of who, what, where and ‘in accordance with’. If a significant number of supporting documents/procedures are to be referred to in the CFOE, the AM(MF) should consider using an Appendix listing these. The MAA will review the CFOE and all associated procedures and reference documents as part of the approval process, any shortfalls or need for clarification will be directed to the AM(MF).
Q7.When should my CFOE be updated?
A7.Whenever a change is made in accordance with RA 2501 the CFOE should be updated. Minor changes will result in uplift to the CFOE version number, eg 1.0 becomes 1.1 but will not necessarily require additional acceptance from the MAA. For major changes, the uplift will still result in a CFOE version number change, eg 1.0 become 2.0, but MAA endorsement will be required. The MAA will agree the scope of minor and major changes during the initial approval as contained in the CFOE. Each subsequent major change, post initial approval, will require a CFAOS Approval Application Form (CFAOS Form 2) submission by the relevant AM(MF) to the MAA. It is intended that initial approvals will be submitted as CFOE version 1.0, but the final approval will be against CFOE version 2.0, once any updates have been included following the approval visit.
Q8. What happens if the approved organization has not kept the MAA informed of changes to company ownership, approved personnel, aircraft type and marks operated etc?
A8. The CFAOS approval would no longer be valid.
Q9. Are there any exceptions to using the mandated CFAOS route to determine competency of an organization approved to operate UK Military registered aircraft?
A9. CFAOS approval is a mandatory requirement under RA 2501, however, the process for requesting an Alternative Acceptable Means of Compliance to the regulation, Regulatory Waiver or Exemption can be found in MAA03 – Military Aviation Authority Regulatory Process.
Q10. How long will the CFAOS approval process take?
A10. This depends on many factors, but principally will be determined by how quickly the organization provides a CFOE, supporting documentation and answers related queries. Typically, if there are no unforeseen delays, the CFAOS approval process will take 4 to 6 months from tasking to completion (issue of CFAOS Approval Certificate).
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