AA62
Was the seat 'unairworthy' within the definition as outlined by tucumseh ?
Good question, although I'd prefer to reference it against the MoD's definition and regulations. My job was simply to adhere to these regulations, mandated upon us in our letters of delegation (as amended by 2/3/4 Star instructions NOT to adhere to them!)
There was no seat Safety Case, therefore by definition the Whole Aircraft Safety Case for any aircraft fitted with this seat cannot be complete, validated or verified. It follows that the Release to Service, the Master Airworthiness Reference, is based on a false premise.
So much to consider, and so much regression to be undertaken. The regulations demand that many many MoD staff are currently beavering away on this regression. Eventually, they'll get to the Airworthiness Review Team reports of the 1990s and say "Oh crap, all this was known about. Why weren't the recommendations implemented?" And then the MAA DG will report to Minister or Secy of State and say "He told you so, and we told you to ignore him, and people died, and, oh crap........ we resign" OK, the last is wishful thinking.