Unlike many organisations, it could be said the Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA) quietly celebrates what doesn’t happen, as much as what does, but its first decade has firmly established its reputation as a global exemplar in military aviation safety.
On September 30, 2016, DASA was established through the amalgamation of Defence’s three existing aviation safety agencies – this included the launch of a regulatory approach and organisational model closely aligned with internationally recognised military aviation safety authorities.
Air Commodore James Hood was appointed as the inaugural Director General DASA. From October 2016, DASA became an integrated military aviation safety organisation comprising the former Directorate General Technical Airworthiness – ADF directorates and two adjacent safety agencies: the Airworthiness Coordination and Policy Agency, and the Directorate of Defence Aviation and Air Force Safety.
It brought together a single group of independent policy, regulation, oversight and investigation. A new team authorised to act independently when conducting investigations was created to mirror that of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) called the Defence Flight Safety Bureau.
In Australian Defence Magazine, then-Chief of Air Force Air Marshal ‘Leo’ Davies, described the reforms as a “seminal moment” in the history of Defence airworthiness – he characterised the changes as the most significant transformation in Defence aviation safety in about two decades.
Air Commodore James Hood said the ADF was always striving for constant improvement.
“As more complex aviation systems are adopted, striving for world best practice is essential to help ensure safety,” Air Commodore Hood said.
“Defence is aligned with international best practice for both military and civilian airworthiness regulation.”
‘A warfighting mindset is one where we understand our role as a regulator is not as an ends, but rather a means to preserve the force for the full spectrum of operations.’
DASA hosted the International Military Airworthiness Regulation Conference, which was held in Melbourne from November 14 to 15, 2016. The two-day event attracted senior military officers, engineers and industry representatives from more than 25 nations. The conference gave participants an opportunity to compare experiences and examine Australia’s extensive adoption of the European-based military aviation regulatory model.
When Air Commodore Jason Agius assumed command of DASA at the beginning of 2019, he expected to oversee a period of organisational consolidation; instead, he faced the unprecedented challenges posed by a global pandemic. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and most staff based in Melbourne, DASA displayed great agility in adapting to a remote working model. A highlight was hosting another international conference, this time virtually.
DASA co-hosted the International Convention of Aviation Regulation and Safety from November 24 to 25, 2020, in partnership with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the ATSB. The virtual format enabled participation from international stakeholders despite travel restrictions. Delegates attended from the Five Eyes nations as well as Singapore, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Malaysia.
“Given the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been especially satisfying to be able to co-host the convention and provide the chance to hear from experts in the field, compare notes and build knowledge bases with our industry, coalition and regional partners,” Air Commodore Agius said.
“This improves aviation safety outcomes for everyone.”
When Air Commodore Joseph Medved became Director General DASA in early 2021, Australia remained firmly in the grip of the pandemic, with significantly different restrictions applying across jurisdictions.
“COVID impacted on the ability to engage face to face due to border restrictions and geographic lockdowns,” Air Commodore Medved said.
“These limitations forced DASA to focus on the means to maximise the impact of our outputs on the regulated community, while simultaneously looking after the welfare of DASA personnel, many of which have endured in excess of 260 days of strict lockdown in 18 months in Melbourne.
“A silver lining of COVID was associated with forcing the transition to virtual training, which in many instances provides greater access for the wider aviation community.”
‘Generative aviation safety culture is the most mature level of safety culture.’
The creation of the Directorate of Space within DASA took place in July 2022, reflecting the need for an independent Defence space safety regulator.
Air Commodore James Badgery assumed command as Director General DASA at the beginning of 2025. Among his earliest public duties was the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Australian Space Agency, which reflected DASA’s expanding space role.
The increased adoption of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) also drove structural changes within DASA, with UAS functions consolidated within the Directorate of Aviation Engineering. This was accompanied by significant reform of UAS regulations to align with the National Defence Strategy 2026.
“Generative aviation safety culture is the most mature level of safety culture, where safety is integrated into every aspect of organisational performance, and everyone takes ownership and responsibility for safety,” Air Commodore Badgery said.
“And a warfighting mindset is one where we understand our role as a regulator is not as an ends, but rather a means to preserve the force for the full spectrum of operations.”
DASA strives to be an exemplar, globally recognised military aviation safety organisation, providing trusted, credible and defensible support to the Defence aviation community and industry partners.
Ten years on, DASA continues to embody its core vision: ‘Capability First, Safety Always’.
