DAFI21-101 — Aircraft And Equipment Maintenance Management

DAFI21-101 governs aircraft and equipment maintenance management, including maintenance of weapon systems and support equipment.

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  • Publication number: DAFI21-101
  • Title: AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT
  • Date: 2023-12-20

View DAFI21-101 on armypubs.army.mil


DAFI21-101 provides guidance and procedures for safely and effectively maintaining, servicing, and repairing weapon systems and support equipment. It addresses aircraft grounding, initial investigations, and pre-flight safety inspections for certain internationally scheduled charter missions.

Applies to: This publication applies to all military and civilian members of the United States Air Force (USAF), United States Space Force (USSF), Air Force Reserve (AFR), and Air National Guard (ANG) as well as those with contractual obligation to comply with Air Force publications.

Topics covered

  • AFSC applicability
  • Aircraft grounding
  • Initial investigation
  • Grounding authority
  • Ramp inspection program

Questions and answers

How must units communicate a grounding event to deployed forces?

Communication of a grounding, or a potential grounding event (TCTO, OTI, PM event) to weapon systems operating in a deployed environment and/or under the authority of an operational command must follow the grounding procedures outlined in DAFMAN 11-401 and 63-101/20-101. (paragraph 21-101)

What must the OTI inspect during an initial investigation?

The OTI will require an inspection of a representative number of systems or units (aircraft, engines, missiles, or munitions) of the same mission and design to determine if the condition exists on other aerospace equipment within the wing’s assigned aircraft/systems or equipment. (paragraph 7)

What is required when a discrepancy may cause injury or equipment damage?

If initial sampling indicates the discrepancy is widespread and has the potential for personal injury and/or further equipment damage, wings will coordinate with MAJCOM. (paragraph 7)

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