UNSW Sydney delivers flying training and conducts aerial work (environmental survey) operations in its fleet of eight Diamond Aircraft Industries DA40-180s, two Piper Seminole PA44s, and one Cessna C182RG aeroplane. The Flying Operations Unit (FOU) in the School of Aviation is based at Bankstown Airport, and is committed to operating in the Sydney Basin for the long-term, having operated there since 1995.

The FOU has about 60 new full-time students annually, and has six additional DA40-180s on order for delivery by Q2, 2025. While some of the existing fleet will be retired in time, the FOU projects about 7,500 maintenance hours annually, with the associated number of scheduled inspections including 50/100/200/1000/2000 hourly inspections; major structural inspections; E, I, and R inspections; unscheduled defect rectification; and maintenance coordination support in partnership with our HAAMC.

The successful MRO will have relationships with appropriate sub-contractors, and be able to facilitate or conduct engine overhauls. Additionally, the new DA40s will require unpacking and assembly, and entry onto the Australian register and the creation of the maintenance schedule based on the manufacturer's instructions.

The aerial work aeroplanes periodically require modification for the installation and removal of fixed-role equipment like frames, anchor points, probes, and associated electrical power delivery.

UNSW places a premium on quality workmanship; timely return to service; minimal time between defects; superior technical knowledge and skill; and clear, accurate communication.