21-101 chapt 1

This document establishes the basic policies and procedures for maintaining aircraft and equipment in the US Air Force (USAF) to support mission generation functions.

The different levels of maintenance in the USAF include organizational, intermediate, and depot.

Organizational maintenance is responsible for basic tasks such as launching and recovering sorties, performing initial inspections, and completing minor repairs.

Intermediate maintenance handles more complex issues than organizational level. This level focuses on repairs within back shops or centralized facilities.

Depot maintenance represents the highest level of expertise and handles the most complex repair and overhaul tasks, including rebuilding components and even upgrades.

The Mission Generation Network (MGN) focuses on keeping aircraft and equipment ready to deploy at the wing level. It involves tasks both 'on' and 'off' the equipment.

The Repair Network (RN) works to support the MGN by providing maintenance tasks that are beyond its capacity or capabilities. It handles more complex repairs that the MGN cannot accomplish.

The USAF uses two networks: the MGN (Mission Generation Network) for operational readiness and the RN (Repair Network) for more complex repairs exceeding the MGN's capabilities.

Mandatory requirements. Used to express a declaration of purpose for a future event.

Preferred method of accomplishment.

Acceptable or suggested means of accomplishment.

Technical data used to maintain aircraft and equipment.

A warning tag used to flag a condition that could cause damage or injury.

The central authority for Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI) in the Air Force.

A system used to track and manage COMSEC/CCI information.

Maintaining the security of information technology used in the Air Force.

Information technology directly connected to aircraft or equipment.

Information technology not directly connected to aircraft or equipment, but used to support testing.

Information technology used in electronic tools and not connected to the aircraft or equipment directly.

Security classification guides for aircraft information systems.

A manual for cybersecurity incident reporting and procedures.

Authorized and unauthorized uses of information technology.

Electronic platforms with information technology for a specific function.

The process of transferring control of repairable assets from Mission Generation (MGN) to the Repair Network (RN) typically involving turning in supplies and changing Purpose Identifier Codes (PICs)

MGN units usually have the equipment and supplies needed for both on-equipment and off-equipment maintenance.

Repair Network (RN) units might be located at bases that also handle mission generation.

The Repair Network (RN) is managed according to guidelines outlined in DAFI 20-117.

MAJCOMs responsible for fighter aircraft must coordinate with Mission Design Series (MDS) lead commands and the MAJCOM Operations Directorate (MAJCOM/A3) to create standardized utilization rate standards for different aircraft types.

They must consider aggregated and analyzed generation capability data to determine standard MDS turn patterns by aircraft type.

These standards should account for typical avionics and weapons training configurations.

The standards need to account for standard Technical Order (TO) driven turn time inspections and average sortie duration.

Units should be able to assess shortfalls and develop action plans using the established MDS utilization rate standards.

Requests for maintenance assistance beyond unit capabilities should be made according to specific guidelines in various directives and technical orders like DAFI 21-103 and TO 00-25-107.

Requests for maintenance assistance should be coordinated through the originating MAJCOM and Lead Command, if applicable.

Aircraft Maintenance Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) are developed based on lessons learned and best practices to improve maintenance processes and procedures.

Maintenance fundamentals TTP volumes for aircraft, munitions, and missiles provide valuable information for efficient mission generation.

The USAF Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Operations School trains maintainers in advanced concepts related to operational, expeditionary, and tactical maintenance management, which come from TTP development.

Maintenance Group Commanders (MXG/CC) should identify graduates of the Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Operations School and utilize them as advisors and instructors.

The main objective of aircraft and equipment maintenance is to ensure they are safe, serviceable, and properly configured to meet mission demands.

Maintenance tasks include inspection, repair, overhaul, modification, preservation, refurbishment, troubleshooting, testing, condition analysis, performance assessment, and maintenance documentation.

Supervisors should emphasize safety, quality, and timeliness in the performance of maintenance to maintain the integrity and skill of maintainers.

A recommendation to change the operation, use, or appearance of Air Force equipment.

Modifications (temporary, permanent, or safety) to Air Force aircraft or equipment are strictly prohibited without proper approval.

All changes to aircraft-carried munitions must be certified by both SEEK EAGLE and the Air Force System Development Process.

Every unit uses the approved MIS for their assigned weapon system.

Serial numbers must be documented in the MIS for all serially controlled and tracked assemblies.

Maintenance personnel are trained to identify and avoid hazardous situations, machinery, equipment, and chemicals.

Personnel are empowered to stop unsafe operations and prevent potential mishaps.

Visitors are not permitted to operate Air Force equipment unless qualified and performing their assigned official duties.

MXG/CC or equivalent will establish minimum requirements for supervision across all shifts.

During normal operations, maintenance personnel are scheduled for a 40-hour work week.

Maintenance personnel will not be scheduled for more than 12 hours of continuous duty time.

Personnel are entitled to a minimum of 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep within a 24-hour period after each shift.

Special requirements apply when handling nuclear weapons, conventional munitions, or egress explosives.

In alert force or standby duty situations, established rest periods may be exceeded, but 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is a priority.

A type of maintenance where a unit is associated with another unit, like Reserve or Guard, usually sharing resources and aircraft. Ownership of assets defines the maintenance policy followed.

These are tasks managed by a MAJCOM, focused on specific activities requiring expertise and resources beyond routine maintenance.

An official process for managing changes to Technical Orders (TOs). It ensures updates are accurate and current.

The system used for managing Recommended Changes (RCs) to Technical Orders (TOs). It's the primary tool for ensuring TO accuracy and currency.

A level of maintenance focused on keeping aircraft and equipment ready for missions at the wing level.

A network supporting the MGN by providing maintenance tasks that exceed the MGN's capabilities.

Prioritizing work to ensure mission readiness. High priority work may be critical for ongoing operations.

A list of all the components and configurations of a specific aircraft. This ensures consistency and proper equipment is used.

Scheduled maintenance tasks that address specific time intervals, ensuring equipment stays operational.

Maintenance tasks that are planned and need to be done at regular intervals.

Connecting hardware, uploading or downloading software or media not explicitly defined by the Technical Order (TO). This includes personal devices, phones, tablets, computers, and USB drives.

A formal process for evaluating if a specific use of a device aligns with cybersecurity regulations and technical documentation.

Specific guidelines and instructions outlining the permitted and prohibited uses of devices and software within an organization.

The governing documents or publications that definitively define authorized uses for IT devices and software.

The immediate cessation of use, reporting, and surrender of affected IT equipment to the appropriate authorities for inspection. Suspect equipment may contain malicious software or unauthorized modifications.

A type of training that focuses on maintaining cybersecurity best practices and awareness within the maintenance environment.

The development and implementation of methods and procedures to prevent, identify, report, and resolve cyber threats affecting Maintenance Data Systems (MDS) and support equipment.

MDS and SE specific training requirements are incorporated within cyber threat mitigation methods. This training aims to equip maintainers with the knowledge to identify and counter potential cyber threats.

Current definitions of malicious code are essential to enable efficient and effective cyber threat mitigation management. This ensures that appropriate security measures are in place to counter known threats.

Portable electronic devices certified for safe operation within specific AF networks. Examples include laptops and handheld devices.

Standardized guidance developed and implemented by MAJCOM/ANG A4s for managing, using, storing, configuring, updating, securing, and promoting good cyber hygiene practices for all assigned eTools.

MAJCOM/ANG A4 guidance incorporates cyber threat awareness and mitigation strategies, referencing supporting publications, technical orders, and contact information.

It is the responsibility of all maintenance personnel to comply with all written guidance regarding hazardous materials, hazardous waste management, and air emissions record keeping to maintain environmental compliance.

Units can tailor procedures to their maintenance operations and publish directives, instructions, supplements, addendums, and operating instructions.

Functional and emergency checklists are essential tools for maintenance operations. They must be titled, dated, and coordinated with the wing safety office.

Aircraft commanders or supervisors ensure that maintenance personnel are not tasked when fatigued to an extent that would jeopardize safety and reliability.

MAJCOM Commanders assume responsibility for any deviations from standard duty shifts, rest periods, and exceeding the 16-hour maximum duty day for Flying Crew Chiefs (FCCs). They publish risk mitigation procedures to accommodate critical mission needs.

Commanders are responsible for developing communication plans that align with the Air Force's mission requirements.

Effective maintenance requires seamless communication across all aspects of the maintenance operation. This involves utilizing various communication technologies, including government-issued devices, to facilitate the transfer of personnel, equipment, materials, and maintenance data.

MAJCOMs issue guidance to regulate the use of personal communication devices (cell phones, tablets, computers etc.) in sensitive areas, such as the flightline, munition zones, hangars, and other industrial workstations. This guidance aims to minimize cyber risks and ensure compliance with cyber and communication regulations.

Units enforce policies prohibiting the introduction of government or personal communication devices, including cellular, personal communications systems, RF/IR wireless devices, and devices with photographic or audio recording capabilities, into areas where classified information is stored, processed, or discussed.

Maintenance repair priorities are categorized into different levels (1-4) based on the urgency and importance of the repair. These priorities guide the scheduling of maintenance tasks.

Priority 1: Aircraft in an alert status, for war plan or national emergency missions, including related AGE, munitions and Munitions Support Equipment.

Priority 2: Primary mission aircraft, related AGE, munitions, and munitions support equipment, for the first 8 work hours after landing or start of recovery or within 6 work hours of a scheduled launch, alert or test flight and during simulated generation or Operational Readiness Exercises (ORE). Air evacuation, rescue, weather (WX) mission aircraft, related AGE, munitions, and munitions support equipment. All transient support, and FAA aircraft. Flight or missile crew training simulator, other training equipment or related AGE required repair, which is impacting the mission by preventing or delaying student training.

Priority 3: Primary mission aircraft, engines, air launched missiles and related AGE, munitions and munitions equipment, and equipment undergoing scheduled or unscheduled maintenance, if not performed or repaired will prevent or delay mission accomplishment. Transient air vehicles not otherwise listed. Administrative aircraft within 8 hours of scheduled flight or on alert status with standby crews. Time change requirements for nuclear weapons. Repair cycle assets to satisfy a Mission Impaired Capability Awaiting Parts (MICAP) condition. Spares not available in supply. Critical end items and spares not available in supply. Routine maintenance of aircrew or missile-training simulator, or other training devices or related AGE or sites and aircraft or equipment used for maintenance training. Avionics shop electronic AGE and automated test stations.

Priority 4: Routine or extensive repair of primary air mission and related AGE and repair cycle assets. Administrative aircraft undergoing scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Routine maintenance of AGE not otherwise listed above. War Reserve Materiel (WRM) items due maintenance or inspection. Inspection, maintenance, and Time Compliance Technical Order (TCTO) compliance of Mission Support Kit or Mobility Readiness Spares Package (MRSP) materiel. Extensive repair of aircrew or missile training simulators, other training devices, or related AGE. Inspection, maintenance, and TCTO compliance of munitions and munitions equipment, excluding spares excess to base requirements not listed above.

The Production Superintendent (Pro Super), in coordination with the Maintenance Operations Center (MOC), can adjust the maintenance repair priority when necessary.

During planned Operational Plans (OPLANs) or operational exercises, the pre-planned maintenance flow dictates the order of tasks.

Typically, the maintenance repair priority and the Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) delivery priorities are identical. However, the Pro Super may authorize the use of a less responsive LRS delivery priority.