Assessor Resource

MEA274
Maintain basic light aircraft electrical systems and components

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency requires application of hand skills and the use of maintenance documentation/publications in the maintenance of basic aircraft electrical systems and components involving inspection, limited testing and troubleshooting, and component removal and installation during scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Work may be performed individually or as part of a team.

Applications include fixed wing aircraft with fixed undercarriage and basic rotary wing aircraft with skids or floats and no powered flight controls powered by either a normally aspirated piston engine or small gas turbine.

The unit is part of the small aircraft maintenance Certificate III and IV Mechatronics training pathways.

Where a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) licensing outcome is sought this unit forms part of the CASA requirement for the granting of the chosen maintenance certification licence under Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 66, in accordance with the licensing provisions in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1.

Inspect basic aircraft electrical systems and components

1.1

Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including system defect reports where relevant, are used to identify specific inspection requirements

1.2

Isolation tags are checked and aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual

1.3

Direct current (DC) electrical system is visually or physically checked for external signs of defects in accordance with applicable maintenance manual while observing all relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements

1.4

Defects are correctly identified and reported

2.

Test/adjust basic aircraft electrical systems

2.1

Aircraft and system are prepared in accordance with applicable maintenance manual for the application of power/system operation

2.2

Electrical system is functionally tested in accordance with maintenance manual for evidence of serviceability or malfunction

2.3

System calibration or adjustments are performed in accordance with maintenance manual, as appropriate

3.

Troubleshoot basic aircraft electrical systems

3.1

Available information from maintenance documentation and inspection and test results is used, where necessary, to assist in fault determination

3.2

Maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides and logic processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting to line replacement level

3.3

Specialist advice is obtained, where required, to assist with the troubleshooting process

3.4

System faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required, and in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

3.5

Rectification requirements are determined

4.

Remove and install basic aircraft electrical system components

4.1

System is rendered safe and prepared in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual and isolation tags are fitted, where necessary, to ensure personnel safety

4.2

Electrical component removal is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual while observing all relevant WHS requirements

4.3

Required maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

4.4

Removed components are tagged and packaged in accordance with specified procedures

4.5

Electrical components to be installed are checked to confirm correct part numbers, modification status, serviceability and shelf life

4.6

Physical installation of electrical components is performed in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual, ensuring appropriate adjustment/alignment with mechanical interface is carried out

4.7

System is reinstated to correct operational condition in preparation for testing, as necessary

4.8

Required maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria under the specified conditions of assessment, and must include:

applying relevant WHS practices, including those relating to gas turbine engine high energy ignition units

using approved maintenance documentation and aircraft publications relating to DC electrical systems

identifying/locating:

DC power generation, regulation, distribution and control systems and components:

generators and starter/generators

regulators

bus bars

circuit breakers and fuses

wiring

piston engine ignition and starting systems and components

magnetos or coils

starter motors

ignition switches/start switches

ignition harnesses

low tension wiring

spark plugs

auxiliary starting devices

gas turbine engine ignition and starting systems (where applicable to the enterprise):

starter motors and starter/generators

high energy ignition units

control units

switches

batteries and associated mounting equipment, including related anti-vibration aids

motors and actuators in basic DC electrical systems

correctly connecting DC generators, alternator/rectifier generators and starter/generators

recognising system and component defects/external damage, correct installation, connection of plugs, terminations, attaching hardware (including cabling/harnesses) and security in:

DC power generation systems including regulation, distribution and control

battery installations

piston engine ignition and starting systems

gas turbine engine ignition and starting systems (where applicable to the enterprise)

internal/external lighting systems, including controls

motors and actuators in basic DC electrical systems

applying logic processes, taking and interpreting electrical measurements, using test equipment and appropriate wiring diagrams and manuals to isolate malfunctions in the above systems

performing system functional tests and checks to isolate system faults and assess post-maintenance serviceability.

It is essential that system testing procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions applicable to the electrical system being maintained are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice across a range of inspection, testing and troubleshooting applications (including the timely involvement of supervisors or other trades) is critical.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing and troubleshooting and component removal and installation is essential. This is to be demonstrated through application across a range of aircraft electrical systems and components listed in the Assessment Conditions.

Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

component attachment methods

connection of hardware and plugs

DC electrical principles:

properties of permanent magnets

precautions for the care and storage of permanent magnets

properties of electromagnets

primary and secondary cells

aircraft battery types, construction, care and safety

resistor characteristics

fuses and circuit breakers

fundamental DC circuits

inductive circuits

capacitive circuits

basic fault-finding principles

general construction, operating characteristics and applications for aircraft:

DC generators

alternator/rectifier generators

DC motors including starter motors

starter/generators

DC actuators (linear and rotary)

gas turbine high energy ignition system components and related safety precautions

lighting systems

the basic layout (block diagram level), function and operation of the systems listed in the Range of Conditions

electrical system maintenance requirements and troubleshooting procedures

relevant WHS practices, including those relating to gas turbine engine high energy ignition units

relevant maintenance manuals

relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures.

Competency should be assessed in the work environment or simulated work environment using tools and equipment specified in maintenance documentation. It is also expected that general-purpose tools and test equipment found in most routine situations would be used where appropriate.

The application of testing procedures should clearly indicate knowledge of system operation, the relationship of individual components and the links with other systems (if applicable) within the limits of the aircraft/system fault-finding guide before undertaking any action. The work plan should take account of applicable safety and quality requirements in accordance with the industry and regulatory standards.

The following conditions of assessment represent the requirements of the Regulators (ADF and CASA) and maintenance stakeholders and must be rigorously observed.

A person cannot be assessed as competent until it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the workplace assessor that the relevant elements and performance criteria of the unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on electrical looms, cables and connection hardware, and on each of the following systems and on at least one (1) major component/line replaceable unit (LRU) in each case:

DC power generation, regulation and distribution systems

piston engine and gas turbine engine ignition and starting systems (gas turbine may be omitted where not applicable to the enterprise)

DC electrical systems, such as flaps, including related motors and actuators

aircraft lighting

aircraft main battery (competency may be demonstrated through the performance of a battery check).

Component removal and installation competencies are to be demonstrated on at least one (1) component from each of:

DC generators, and alternator/rectifier generators, and components of related single generator regulation and distribution systems

motors

actuators

piston engine and gas turbine engine ignition and starting system components (gas turbine may be omitted where not applicable to the enterprise)

aircraft batteries

aircraft lighting components such as bulbs, lenses, switches and rheostats .

This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement or, where appropriate, an equivalent Industry Evidence Guide (for details refer to the Companion Volume Assessment Guidelines).

Assessors must satisfy the requirements of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (Australian Skills Quality Authority, or its successors).

Where the unit is to be used for CASA licensing purposes the Assessor must also meet the criteria specified in the CASR Part 147 Manual of Standards.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1.

Inspect basic aircraft electrical systems and components

1.1

Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including system defect reports where relevant, are used to identify specific inspection requirements

1.2

Isolation tags are checked and aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual

1.3

Direct current (DC) electrical system is visually or physically checked for external signs of defects in accordance with applicable maintenance manual while observing all relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements

1.4

Defects are correctly identified and reported

2.

Test/adjust basic aircraft electrical systems

2.1

Aircraft and system are prepared in accordance with applicable maintenance manual for the application of power/system operation

2.2

Electrical system is functionally tested in accordance with maintenance manual for evidence of serviceability or malfunction

2.3

System calibration or adjustments are performed in accordance with maintenance manual, as appropriate

3.

Troubleshoot basic aircraft electrical systems

3.1

Available information from maintenance documentation and inspection and test results is used, where necessary, to assist in fault determination

3.2

Maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides and logic processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting to line replacement level

3.3

Specialist advice is obtained, where required, to assist with the troubleshooting process

3.4

System faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required, and in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

3.5

Rectification requirements are determined

4.

Remove and install basic aircraft electrical system components

4.1

System is rendered safe and prepared in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual and isolation tags are fitted, where necessary, to ensure personnel safety

4.2

Electrical component removal is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual while observing all relevant WHS requirements

4.3

Required maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

4.4

Removed components are tagged and packaged in accordance with specified procedures

4.5

Electrical components to be installed are checked to confirm correct part numbers, modification status, serviceability and shelf life

4.6

Physical installation of electrical components is performed in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual, ensuring appropriate adjustment/alignment with mechanical interface is carried out

4.7

System is reinstated to correct operational condition in preparation for testing, as necessary

4.8

Required maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Applicable electrical systems include:

DC power generation, regulation and distribution systems

Piston engine and gas turbine engine ignition and starting systems (where applicable to the enterprise)

DC electrical systems, such as flaps, including related motors and actuators

Aircraft lighting

Aircraft main battery

Applicable electrical components include:

DC generators, and alternator/rectifier generators, and components of related single generator regulation and distribution systems

Motors

Actuators

Piston engine and gas turbine engine ignition and starting system components

Aircraft batteries

Aircraft lighting components, such as bulbs, lenses, switches and rheostats

Procedures and requirements include:

Industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise

Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria under the specified conditions of assessment, and must include:

applying relevant WHS practices, including those relating to gas turbine engine high energy ignition units

using approved maintenance documentation and aircraft publications relating to DC electrical systems

identifying/locating:

DC power generation, regulation, distribution and control systems and components:

generators and starter/generators

regulators

bus bars

circuit breakers and fuses

wiring

piston engine ignition and starting systems and components

magnetos or coils

starter motors

ignition switches/start switches

ignition harnesses

low tension wiring

spark plugs

auxiliary starting devices

gas turbine engine ignition and starting systems (where applicable to the enterprise):

starter motors and starter/generators

high energy ignition units

control units

switches

batteries and associated mounting equipment, including related anti-vibration aids

motors and actuators in basic DC electrical systems

correctly connecting DC generators, alternator/rectifier generators and starter/generators

recognising system and component defects/external damage, correct installation, connection of plugs, terminations, attaching hardware (including cabling/harnesses) and security in:

DC power generation systems including regulation, distribution and control

battery installations

piston engine ignition and starting systems

gas turbine engine ignition and starting systems (where applicable to the enterprise)

internal/external lighting systems, including controls

motors and actuators in basic DC electrical systems

applying logic processes, taking and interpreting electrical measurements, using test equipment and appropriate wiring diagrams and manuals to isolate malfunctions in the above systems

performing system functional tests and checks to isolate system faults and assess post-maintenance serviceability.

It is essential that system testing procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions applicable to the electrical system being maintained are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice across a range of inspection, testing and troubleshooting applications (including the timely involvement of supervisors or other trades) is critical.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing and troubleshooting and component removal and installation is essential. This is to be demonstrated through application across a range of aircraft electrical systems and components listed in the Assessment Conditions.

Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

component attachment methods

connection of hardware and plugs

DC electrical principles:

properties of permanent magnets

precautions for the care and storage of permanent magnets

properties of electromagnets

primary and secondary cells

aircraft battery types, construction, care and safety

resistor characteristics

fuses and circuit breakers

fundamental DC circuits

inductive circuits

capacitive circuits

basic fault-finding principles

general construction, operating characteristics and applications for aircraft:

DC generators

alternator/rectifier generators

DC motors including starter motors

starter/generators

DC actuators (linear and rotary)

gas turbine high energy ignition system components and related safety precautions

lighting systems

the basic layout (block diagram level), function and operation of the systems listed in the Range of Conditions

electrical system maintenance requirements and troubleshooting procedures

relevant WHS practices, including those relating to gas turbine engine high energy ignition units

relevant maintenance manuals

relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures.

Competency should be assessed in the work environment or simulated work environment using tools and equipment specified in maintenance documentation. It is also expected that general-purpose tools and test equipment found in most routine situations would be used where appropriate.

The application of testing procedures should clearly indicate knowledge of system operation, the relationship of individual components and the links with other systems (if applicable) within the limits of the aircraft/system fault-finding guide before undertaking any action. The work plan should take account of applicable safety and quality requirements in accordance with the industry and regulatory standards.

The following conditions of assessment represent the requirements of the Regulators (ADF and CASA) and maintenance stakeholders and must be rigorously observed.

A person cannot be assessed as competent until it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the workplace assessor that the relevant elements and performance criteria of the unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on electrical looms, cables and connection hardware, and on each of the following systems and on at least one (1) major component/line replaceable unit (LRU) in each case:

DC power generation, regulation and distribution systems

piston engine and gas turbine engine ignition and starting systems (gas turbine may be omitted where not applicable to the enterprise)

DC electrical systems, such as flaps, including related motors and actuators

aircraft lighting

aircraft main battery (competency may be demonstrated through the performance of a battery check).

Component removal and installation competencies are to be demonstrated on at least one (1) component from each of:

DC generators, and alternator/rectifier generators, and components of related single generator regulation and distribution systems

motors

actuators

piston engine and gas turbine engine ignition and starting system components (gas turbine may be omitted where not applicable to the enterprise)

aircraft batteries

aircraft lighting components such as bulbs, lenses, switches and rheostats .

This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement or, where appropriate, an equivalent Industry Evidence Guide (for details refer to the Companion Volume Assessment Guidelines).

Assessors must satisfy the requirements of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (Australian Skills Quality Authority, or its successors).

Where the unit is to be used for CASA licensing purposes the Assessor must also meet the criteria specified in the CASR Part 147 Manual of Standards.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including system defect reports where relevant, are used to identify specific inspection requirements 
Isolation tags are checked and aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual 
Direct current (DC) electrical system is visually or physically checked for external signs of defects in accordance with applicable maintenance manual while observing all relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements 
Defects are correctly identified and reported 
Aircraft and system are prepared in accordance with applicable maintenance manual for the application of power/system operation 
Electrical system is functionally tested in accordance with maintenance manual for evidence of serviceability or malfunction 
System calibration or adjustments are performed in accordance with maintenance manual, as appropriate 
Available information from maintenance documentation and inspection and test results is used, where necessary, to assist in fault determination 
Maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides and logic processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting to line replacement level 
Specialist advice is obtained, where required, to assist with the troubleshooting process 
System faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required, and in accordance with standard enterprise procedures 
Rectification requirements are determined 
System is rendered safe and prepared in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual and isolation tags are fitted, where necessary, to ensure personnel safety 
Electrical component removal is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual while observing all relevant WHS requirements 
Required maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures 
Removed components are tagged and packaged in accordance with specified procedures 
Electrical components to be installed are checked to confirm correct part numbers, modification status, serviceability and shelf life 
Physical installation of electrical components is performed in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual, ensuring appropriate adjustment/alignment with mechanical interface is carried out 
System is reinstated to correct operational condition in preparation for testing, as necessary 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MEA274 - Maintain basic light aircraft electrical systems and components
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

MEA274 - Maintain basic light aircraft electrical systems and components

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: