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<p>The A400M Atlas aircraft is being procured as part of a six nation European collaborative
programme, and the aircraft type has been certified by the European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA). The granting of the Type Certificate by EASA in March 2013 was the
culmination of the analysis and assessment of detailed evidence from the multinational
flight trials programme and a range of other sources. Separately, an independent Certification
and Qualification Organization, established by the partner nations, reviews all of
the certification evidence and provides additional military certification expertise.</p><p>Prior
to entry into service with the RAF, the UK Release to Service Authority (which is
headed by the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff) endorsed the Release to Service (RTS)
for the UK Atlas aircraft. The aircraft RTS is granted based on a number of recommendations
provided by a range of competent individuals and bodies, including the Military Aviation
Authority, the A400M Type Airworthiness Authority and independent experts. These recommendations
also include the Safety Case (endorsed by the Duty Holder) which evaluates the relevant
safety risks to establish the parameters for the safe operation of the aircraft. The
RTS is part of the overall Aircraft Document Set for the UK A400M Atlas which stipulates,
amongst other things, the bounds within which the aircraft should be operated and
how it should be maintained.</p><p>Following the tragic loss on 9 May 2015 of a pre-delivery
A400M aircraft, and in accordance with its continuing airworthiness obligations as
the aircraft Design Organization and Type Certificate holder, Airbus Defence and Space
has undertaken extensive investigations to establish the cause of the accident. As
a result of this work the cause is now understood, and mitigation actions have been
put in place to prevent a recurrence. These measures have been endorsed by the relevant
certification bodies and were also considered, along with other evidence, by the RAF
Operational Duty Holder (AOC 2 Gp) when the decision to resume RAF A400M flying was
taken on 15 June 2015.</p><p>On this basis the Ministry of Defence is satisfied that
there are no safety issues, and that the risks associated with operating A400M are
fully consistent with its certified safety requirements - for the basic airframe and
engine these are consistent with a civilian airliner - and that the platform is not
subject to intolerable or unmanaged safety issues.</p>
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