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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan low-level flight operations
   • Low-level flight hazards are identified, evaluated and treated in accordance with aviation risk management processes
2. Task requirements are confirmed through consultation with stakeholders involved in low-level operations
3. Aeroplane type and performance capability are confirmed as appropriate for task
4. Effects of fatigue and physical health on pilot performance are assessed and allowed for when planning low-level operations
5. Actual and forecast weather conditions are analysed and applied to low-level operations
6. Area of operations is identified using chart and geographical features
7. Geographical characteristics of area of flying operations are assessed to ensure safe completion of task
8. Location of ground support personnel is confirmed
9. Appropriate reconnaissance and pre-manoeuvre or other relevant checks are conducted prior to descending below 500 feet AGL
10. Operate aeroplane safely during low-level flight operations
    • Pre-flight inspections are performed and aircraft serviceability determined prior to flight
11. Navigation systems are initialised and data validity checks conducted
12. Aeroplane is operated correctly and safely in accordance with aircraft operating requirements
13. Aeroplane take-off is conducted within authorised operational conditions and limitations
14. Manoeuvre aeroplane at lowlevel
    • Low-level flight manoeuvres are performed safely using pre-planned manoeuvres at planned altitudes
15. Effects of wind velocity, false horizons, rising ground and mountainous terrain are managed and control of aeroplane correctly maintained
16. Pilot’s visual attention is focused outside the cockpit
17. Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and/or terrain
18. Natural horizon is used as primary attitude reference
19. Nose of aircraft is cleared to ensure forward visibility when appropriate
20. Situational awareness is maintained at all times during low-level manoeuvres
21. Aeroplane is safely manoeuvred adjacent to power lines and wires
22. Obstacles are identified and are appropriately and safely avoided
23. Personnel, animals, vehicles and buildings are identified and are appropriately and safely avoided
24. Height is maintained by visual reference to the earth’s surface when below 500 AGL
25. Weather conditions are monitored and appropriate responses made
26. Fuel status is monitored and appropriate responses made
27. Local and published noise abatement requirements and curfews are observed
28. Undertake low-level, straight and level flight
    • Aircraft energy state and inertia is managed to maintain safe low-level flight
29. Wind velocity is estimated and is appropriately taken into account during low-level manoeuvres
30. Height is adjusted and effects of rising and descending terrain are considered during low level, straight and level flight
31. Aircraft drift is recognised and compensated for during low-level flight
32. Obstructions are identified and are appropriately and safely avoided
33. Execute low-level turns
    • Aeroplane is turned at normal cruise speed at angles of bank up to 60 degrees (45 degrees for multi-engine aircraft)
34. Clearance scan is performed prior to manoeuvre commencement
35. Power is adjusted to maintain required height over terrain
36. Effects of flight over water or featureless terrain are managed
37. Height is adjusted and effects of rising and descending terrain are considered during low-level turns
38. Effects of gradient wind are compensated for and rollout is anticipated to complete low-level turn
39. Execute simulated forced landing from below 500 feet AGL
    • Emergency situations requiring a forced landing are identified
40. Immediate actions are performed in accordance with aircraft flight manual (AFM) and/or pilot’s operating handbook (POH)
41. Aircraft control is maintained during simulated aircraft forced landing
42. Landing area within safe emergency flight distance is selected and appropriate action plan formulated
43. Emergency procedures are performed in accordance with AFM/POH and established action plan
44. Air traffic service and other traffic are advised of intentions during emergency
45. Aeroplane is landed in accordance with the AFM/POH and established action plan
46. Operate at low level in hilly terrain
    • Aeroplane is safely manipulated at low level in hilly terrain
47. Safe operating heights relevant to low-level flight operation type are established and maintained
48. Safe contour flying techniques are applied
49. Appropriate natural markers to aid situational awareness are identified and selected
50. Safe approaches to higher ground, including identification of escape routes, are used during low-level flight operations
51. Safe turns in hilly terrain are conducted in accordance with accepted flight handling techniques
52. Situational awareness of effects of wind and turbulence in hilly terrain, including lee effects, is maintained and managed during low-level flight operations
53. Situational awareness of illusions in hilly terrain, including false horizon effect and shadows, are maintained and managed during low-level flight operations

Range Statement

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

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