Assessor Resource

PUAFIR315B
Navigate from an aircraft

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit applies to personnel required to obtain accurate intelligence information of fire activity and fire control progress from an aircraft.

This unit is required for roles within the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS) such as Air Observer, Air Operations Manager, Air Attack Supervisor and Incendiary Operations Supervisor. All of these roles have a responsibility for providing intelligence to support planning and operations.

This unit covers the competency required to navigate from an aircraft using visual techniques.

Aviation operations occur in a heavily regulated environment. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

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

Prerequisites

PUAFIR209B Work Safely around aircraft (Fire specific)

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



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.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

plot a navigational route

maintain accuracy within accepted tolerances when following route

maintain positional awareness

effectively react to changes in the operating environment necessitating re-planning of a course.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated in a number of simulated and actual situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in simulated environments followed by assessment by an accredited operator on-the-job.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

equipment used in operational navigation

support agencies such as meteorological bureaus

different maps including topographic, WAC (World Aeronautical Chart) and VEC (Visual Enroute Chart)charts for aerial navigation

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions

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.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

communicate effectively through verbal and written instructions, use of intercom and radio system and hand signals

conduct grid/magnetic north conversions

conduct latitude/longitude conversions

handle maps and undertake orientation using navigational aids

identify natural and cultural features

operate effectively in an aircraft for extended periods

solve problems

Required Knowledge

alternate route strategies such as diversion due to weather or aircraft tactical issues, implementing lost procedures, use of global positioning system (GPS) and aircraft navigational equipment

cartographic symbols and legends

communication processes

grid/magnetic conversion

map and chart types

marginal information on a map including contour interval, datum information, distance, grid references, latitude and longitude, legend, North point, scale

methods for determining current location

route planning techniques and calculations

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Incident and/or task information may include:

data gathering

establishing incident access

establishing radii

locating incident

plotting fire fronts

rates of fireline construction

Maps may include:

aerial photographs

aeronautical charts

digital maps

en route supplement (airfield orientation, contact information, runway information)

infrared line scan imagery

street directories

topographical maps

vegetation maps

Navigation equipment may include:

area plotters

communications equipment

computers

digital displays

GPS

magnetic compass

planimeters

protractors

romers

scale rules

watch/stopwatch

writing equipment

Plot positions on a map includes:

defining or plotting incident location

delineating search areas

planning access and egress routes

plotting proposed or alternate flight routes

plotting areas

Accepted tolerances may include:

prevailing weather and environmental conditions

relating the margin of error allowable as determined by the nature of the task/incident terrain

Performance capabilities will be determined by:

airstrip length

engine type

flight rules

load capability

persons on board

pilot ability

range

speed

weather

Hazards may include:

danger/prohibited/restricted areas

ground resources

lack of visibility

masts/aerials

other aircraft

smoke

spot fires

terrain

weather conditions

wires

Topographical features may include:

airfield location

altitudes for controlled airspace

cultural

dangerous/prohibited/restricted areas

elevation

flight corridors

hydrology

orientation

other aircraft

navigational aids (physical and electronic)

potential hazards

relief

vegetation

Other considerations may include:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sacred sites and other areas of cultural significance

controlled airspace/restricted airspace

hazardous areas

military areas

radio frequencies (mandatory broadcast zones or common traffic advisory)

seasonal factors

wilderness areas

Pilot briefing may include:

communications procedures

duration and flight to be flown

flight hazards

passengers

prominent terrain features

purpose of flight

route to be flown

Determining location may include:

aircraft instrument cross referencing

GPS

grid and latitude/longitude conversions

magnetic conversions

plotting

time and distance calculation

visual determination from map information

Environmental factors may include:

fire behaviour

need to match transportation mode to terrain

time of day

weather conditions

Reporting requirements may include:

assessment of safety procedures utilised

completion of logs

flight following

input to debriefs

journal records

pre-departure briefing

sitreps

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
Incident and/or task information is obtained. 
Relevant maps and navigationequipment are gathered and checked. 
Information and navigation techniques are applied to plot positions on a map or navigation chart, and to determine current location and destination within accepted tolerances. 
Aircraft is selected and performance capabilities are considered. 
Preliminary flight route is determined using available information. 
Assessment of hazards, topographical features and other considerations along proposed flight route and at destination is undertaken. 
Preliminary flight route is modified in accordance with outcomes of hazard assessment. 
Records are prepared in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Pilot is briefed on task requirements, planned flight route and relevant information in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Pilot is directed to follow planned route as required. 
Record of proposed route and navigation aids are used to maintain compliance with planned route. 
Location is determined by identification with ground features. 
Current location is regularly verified within accepted tolerances. 
Amendments to flight route are undertaken in accordance with changes in environmental factors, fire behaviour and operational requirements. 
Lost en route procedures are implemented when required. 
Unanticipated difficulties are reported in accordance with organisational procedures. 
En route and arrival reporting information is transmitted in accordance with organisational procedures. 
Report is completed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures. 
Navigational equipment is maintained according to operational standards and manufacturer specifications. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PUAFIR315B - Navigate from an aircraft
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

PUAFIR315B - Navigate from an aircraft

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: