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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Maintain parachute
   • Parachute is inspected for serviceability in accordance with standard procedures
   • Parachute is tested for serviceability in accordance with standard procedures and manufacturer’s specifications
   • Identified faults beyond own authority to rectify are reported to supervisor and faulty parachute is quarantined
   • Unserviceable parts of the parachute are replaced to render parachute serviceable in accordance with standard procedures while observing all relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including the use of material safety data sheets (MSDS) and items of personal protective equipment (PPE)
   • Basic parachute repairs are completed in accordance with standard procedures
   • Parachute is cleaned in accordance with standard procedures
   • Parachute is presented for inspection by supervisor in accordance with standard procedures
   • Maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
2. Pack parachute
   • Parachute is packed for use in accordance with standard procedures
   • Parachute is presented for inspection by supervisor in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
   • Relevant documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

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.
Standard procedures are found in any or all of:	Commonwealth/state/territory WHS legislation, regulations and codes Australian Standards Equipment manufacturers’ specifications and procedures Industry practices Safety manuals Maintenance schedules Work instructions Maintenance organisation manuals MSDS Defence regulations and instructions Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASRs) and advisory material Standing instructions
Faults include:	Broken stitching Broken quick release fitting springs Contamination Corrosion of metal parts Damaged hardware Damaged quick release fitting screws Excessive wear Expired parachute components Frayed lines Incorrect manufacture Pulled threads Incorrect rigging line sequence Seized quick release fitting lugs Stretched lines Tears in parachute Ultraviolet (UV) degradation
Parts of the parachute include:	Canopy Hardware (e.g. buckles, eyelets, connector links) Harness Parachute housing (e.g. pack) Quick release fitting Rigging lines
Basic parachute repairs include:	Broken stitching Corrosion (e.g. fittings) Damaged hardware Frayed lines Pulled threads Tears in parachute

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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 WHS practices relating to parachute maintenance processes, including the selection and correct use of PPE, where applicable

handling, storing and organising transport of equipment

delivering briefings to personnel in relation to operating parachutes

using MSDS

using maintenance publications, drawings and documentation relating to parachute maintenance

using applicable testing and measuring equipment, tools and maintenance documentation to:

test parachutes for serviceability

replace unserviceable components in accordance with approved procedures

select and use appropriate parachute cleaning materials

repair parachutes (both hand and machine sewing)

cleaning and maintenance of equipment and tools.

The underlying skills inherent in this unit should be transferable across a range of aircraft life support equipment maintenance activities. It is essential that parachute testing and inspection procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret maintenance and packing procedures and apply them in practice is critical.

This is to be demonstrated through demonstration of the ability to recognise faults, replace components and perform appropriate repairs that are within the bounds of the individual’s authority, and through the demonstration of correct packing procedures.

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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:

relevant regulations, standards, enterprise procedures and maintenance publications

WHS procedures relating to parachute maintenance, including the selection and use of PPE

how to obtain MSDS

critical nature of maintaining and packing parachutes, i.e. risk of death

approved cleaning methods for aviation life support equipment

components of a parachute and their function

parachute assembly materials of construction

environmental conditions that may affect parachutes and parachute assemblies including ultraviolet degradation

types of corrosion and contamination that may affect parachute assemblies

handling, storage and transit procedures relating to parachutes

physiological effects of flight

sequence of ejection

operation of person carrying parachutes

operation of ballistic parachutes in aircraft recovery

purpose of different types of canopies

modification requirements for parachutes

requirements for a parachute servicing facility

operation of testing and measuring equipment and tools used to maintain parachutes

repair limitations for parachutes

packing tools and measuring equipment required to pack parachutes.

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