Squibb66
Def Stans 05-123 and 05-125/2. Anyone involved in practical airworthiness should know them back to front. Both were mandated on all aircraft and aircraft equipment contracts by Controller Aircraft. In the early 90s, the RAF Chief Engineer's organisation (AMSO) (see ACM Alcock, above) issued instructions that neither was to be implemented and the necessary funding was cut in successive years by 28%. This order wholly contradicted the legal obligation we were under, set out in letters of delegation.
As I said, this continued for many years and the principle of them no longer being mandated was continued by MoD(PE) and then DPA, and was taught to embryonic project managers. Proper PMs ignored these illegal orders and did their best, but sometimes there is little one can do when the might of the MoD disciplinary machine descends on you for refusing to render aircraft unsafe.
DV - Excellent post.