14 Air Maintenance Squadron

14 Air Maintenance Squadron (14 AMS) is one of the premiere maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities in the Royal Canadian Air Force, delivering second-line aircraft maintenance for the CP-140 Aurora fleet. It is a distinct entity within 14 Wing and, indeed, the long range patrol (LRP) community. The most visible manifestation of the Squadron’s identity is its unique heraldic badge and individual motto. The apple blossom represents the Annapolis Valley and the Squadron’s close ties to the community, while the worker bee represents the officers, airmen and airwomen of 14 AMS. The motto, “Proud, Dedicated, Driven, Ready,” reflects the Squadron’s commitment to excellence and perfection.

The mission of 14 AMS is “to proudly generate airworthy, mission capable aircraft and provide on-time support to 14 Wing operations”. The Squadron provides second-line maintenance support to ensure mission-ready Aurora aircraft for 404 (LRP&T) Squadron, 405 (LRP) Squadron, 415 (LRPFD) Squadron, and LRPSET. Operating a heavy maintenance production line is the Squadron’s primary activity. 14 AMS also provides select maintenance support services to 413 (T&R) Squadron and maintains mission support equipment in the Hornell Centre. On behalf of the Wing, the Squadron also performs a number of other functions, such as support for the gliders and tow aircraft used each summer in the Air Cadet Glider Program, explosive ordnance disposal response, weapons and explosives storage, non-destructive testing, and imaging services. 14 AMS is certified under the Airworthiness Authority as an accredited maintenance organization and registered under the Air Force 9000 Plus quality program.

Instilling quality and pride in workmanship, 14 AMS is at the forefront of CP-140 operations. As a reflection of the operational focus and global support to CAF operations, 14 AMS provided significant support in terms of personnel to international operations for the CH-147 Chinook, CH-146 Griffon, CU-170 Heron and counter-improvised explosive device operations in the Afghanistan theatre of operations. 14 AMS modified the CP-140 with the overland equipment mission suite (OEMS), a modification normally carried out at a contractor facility, which has greatly enhanced CP-140 mission flexibility and capability. This modification was put to good use by two CP-140s, maintainers and aircrew in support of Op IMPACT. To further increase the operational capability of the airframe in support of this deployment, three aircraft underwent the interim beyond-line-of-sight (iBLOS) project. The iBLOS system is a satellite-based, video, wireless voice and data communications network that provides near global coverage allowing a commander near real time situational awareness.

14 AMS employs approximately 263 personnel, including regular force, reservists and civilians. The Squadron is organized into three sections working out of various locations including 10 hangar, the Hornell Centre, and the Explosive Storage Area.

The Deputy Commanding Officer Organization (DCO) organization is comprised of approximately 66 personnel and is led by an AERE major. This section is divided into five diverse sub-sections:

• Aircraft Maintenance Control and Records Organization (AMCRO)
• Engineering Projects Organization (EPO)
• Squadron Development Organization (SDO)
• Armament Organization (ArmO)
• Squadron Logistics Organization (SLogO)

14 AMS AMCRO performs a review of all maintenance documentation for all CP-140 maintenance activities performed by 14 Wing units as well as fulfilling the role of CP-140 Fleet AMCRO managing the CP-140 fleet stagger. The AMCRO has responsibility for log control, the aircraft maintenance management information system, the automated data for aircraft maintenance system, the 14 AMS Master Technical Library (MTL), and the Wing Tool Control Centre (WTCC). The MTL provides technical document control support to 14 AMS and 405 (LRP) Squadron SAMEO. The WTCC provides tool control support to 14 Wing including procurement of new tools, replacement of broken tools, coordination of all required tool calibration and the audit of tool boards and tool pouches.

Under the ArmO, the ordnance sub-sections consists of the Explosives Storage Area (ESA) responsible for the storage and handling of ammunition and explosives used at the Wing, the Armament Repair Shop that repairs aircraft armament equipment, and the Explosive Disposal Flight (EDF) responsible for the retrieval and disposal of military explosive devices or improvised explosives devices (IED) found within their area of responsibility.

14 AMS SDO is responsible for a number of critical support functions, including Flight Safety (UFSO), General Safety (UGSO), Quality Management (QM), and 14 Wing Imaging.

The QM is responsible for the entire fleet manual of aerospace procedures as the Fleet QM and maintenance of the 14 AMS-specific work instructions. This includes auditor training, coordinating all external audits, coordinating and conducting internal audits and managing the performance measurement and continuous improvement processes. 14 Wing Imaging provides comprehensive digital photographic support and video production services to the Wing covering operational, engineering, and public affairs imagery activities.

The Fleet EPO is the centre of expertise for the management of all CP-140 and equipment-related projects, modifications, special inspections, and engineering support and it is the point of contact for external agencies such as 1 Canadian Air Division headquarters and the Weapon System Manager.

The varied maintenance support functions of the DCO organization are vital to maintaining the quality and standard of maintenance at 14 AMS.

The Aircraft Maintenance Support Organization (AMSO) organization is comprised of approximately 185 personnel and is led by an AERE Major. The AMSO organization is responsible for all second-line and limited third-line repair activities and is comprised of two sub-sections:

• Aircraft Repair Organization (ARO)
• Mechanical Support Organization (MSO)

The ARO provides second-line aircraft maintenance via two sub-sections: periodic inspection and periodic planning. Under the periodic inspection sub-section, the crew conducts CP-140 periodic maintenance, special inspections, the embodiment of modifications and pre and post-third line inspection and repair work. The periodic planning sub-section provides a longer term management function for the overall second-line program and provides fuel cell repairs and confined space training.

The MSO provides second-line aircraft maintenance via two sub-sections: the Aircraft Structures (ACS) Shops and the Aircraft Repair (AR) Shops. The ACS Shops provide machining, welding, sewing, stenciling, metal work along with many other non-standard repair capabilities. They also manage and support aviation life support equipment (ALSE). The AR Shops provide propulsion maintenance and expertise on CP-140 engines and propellers through Engine Bay, support for numerous avionics and mission support air and ground-based systems through the AVS Shop, support for various aircraft mechanical components such as brakes, wheel and seats through the Component Shop and a wide range of inspection techniques for the Wing through the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Shop.

The Squadron Chief Warrant Officer (SCWO) organization is comprised of approximately 10 personnel and is led by a Chief Warrant Officer. The SCWO is responsible for maintaining standards and advising the Commanding Officer on matters related to dress, deportment, discipline, morale and welfare of the Squadron’s personnel.

The Fleet Employment and Training Organization (ETO) reports to the SCWO and is responsible for the coordination of all training and employment of all personnel within 14 AMS and is the principal contact with the career managers with regards to air tech career development, postings and internal rotations.The Fleet ETO liaises with 19 Wing and 14 Wing CP-140 units through their ETOs to develop training and employment strategies, described in the Fleet Employment Training Plan (FETP) for CP-140 maintenance technicians. Under the banner of the Air Technician Career Development Plan (ATCDP), the 14 AMS SCWO is the Fleet CWO and, as such, is responsible for the succession and progression planning for the CP-140 technicians.