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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Inspect fixed wing autopilot systems and components
   • 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
   • Autopilot systems and components are 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
2. Test/adjust fixed wing autopilot systems and components
   • Aircraft and system are prepared in accordance with applicable maintenance manual for the application of power/system operation
   • Autopilot systems are 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
3. Troubleshoot fixed wing autopilot systems
   • Available information from maintenance documentation, 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
   • Autopilot system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required, in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
   • Rectification requirements are determined

Range Statement

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.
Autopilot systems and components include:	Three axis autopilot systems and components, including those incorporating a radio-coupled flight director
Procedures and requirements include:	Industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise

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Performance Evidence

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

using approved maintenance documentation and aircraft publications relating to the autopilot and flight director system being maintained

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

flight director components and interface

multi-axis autopilot system components

applying logic processes, taking and interpreting system measurements, use test equipment and appropriate wiring diagrams and manuals, to accurately and effectively isolate malfunctions in the above systems

testing listed systems to isolate system malfunctions and assess post-maintenance serviceability.

It is essential that system testing procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions applicable to the autopilot 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 is essential. This is to be demonstrated through application across an autopilot system and its components.

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Knowledge Evidence

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

the basic layout (block diagram level), function and operation of:

flight director components and interface

multi-axis autopilot system components

integration with other avionic systems, e.g. flight management systems and navigation systems

flight director and autopilot system maintenance requirements and troubleshooting procedures

relevant WHS practices

basic principles/functions, relating to the listed systems and associated with:

basic alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) circuit theory

digital fundamentals

analogue fundamentals

fixed wing flight theory

inner and outer loop control

flight control modes/channels

relevant maintenance manuals

relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures.

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