2.10 When bringing aircraft into service the Department sets the overarching requirement and approves the aircraft's use against approved aviation standards. Ascent develops the more detailed requirements and has procured all training aircraft, except for the Hawk T2 and Avenger.10
2.11 As we reported in 2015, the Department assumed civil aviation regulations would apply to training aircraft but, following changes to military airworthiness regulations, aircraft must now be registered as military aircraft and meet the associated regulations. For aircraft to meet the Department's requirements and military regulations, the Department has requested 38 aircraft modifications, with 11 of these agreed with Ascent, each of which can create delays. They include a modification to the Texan aircraft ejection seats and survival equipment. This reduces the risks associated with pilots ejecting and landing in water, which could limit the training provided. After having gained their military certification in 2019, these aircraft are now being used to train instructors.
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10 The Avenger aircraft were procured by the Department, but Ascent are responsible for ensuring they are available for training use. The Department is responsible for ensuring the availability of the Hawk T2.