This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to navigate remote pilot aircraft systems (RPAS) in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.

It includes preparing charts and flight plans, complying with airspace procedures, conducting departure procedures and maintaining RPAS in operational areas. It also includes navigating RPAS in visual line of sight (VLOS), applying lost link and radio communication procedures, and executing arrival procedures.

This unit addresses aviation technical skill requirements (physical, mental and task-management abilities) related to route planning and navigation duties of aviation personnel and contributes to safe and effective performance in complex aviation operational environments.

Operations are conducted as part of recreational, commercial and military aircraft activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian aviation industry.

Work is performed independently or under limited supervision within a single-pilot or multi-crew remote pilot aircraft (RPA) environment.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Prepare charts and flight plan

1.1

Suitable maps, aeronautical charts and weather briefings for intended operation are selected and flight plan is prepared

1.2

Pre-operations information and Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is accessed, analysed and applied to flight plan

1.3

Hazards are clearly indicated on charts and risk controls are implemented

1.4

Effects of wind velocity, adverse environmental conditions and contingency actions are planned for

2

Comply with CASA standard operating conditions

2.1

CASA standard operating conditions are complied with and air traffic regulations are maintained

2.2

Airspace awareness is maintained

3

Conduct departure procedures

3.1

Remote pilot station is organised and essential information is accessed

3.2

Departure administration tasks and communications are conducted

3.3

Orientation to ground level is maintained

3.4

Control of RPAS is given precedence over conducting navigation and communication tasks

3.5

Situational awareness and lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique

3.6

Local and published noise abatement requirements and curfews are observed

3.7

Separation with other air traffic is maintained

4

Maintain RPAS in operational area

4.1

Planned route is followed

4.2

Communication tasks are complied with

4.3

RPAS endurance is monitored and energy reserve needs are revised

4.4

Pre-descent or navigation turning point checks are executed if required

4.5

Air traffic separation is maintained at all times

4.6

RPAS is controlled

4.7

Deteriorating visual meteorological conditions are recognised and appropriate RPAS corrective actions are taken

4.8

Situational awareness and lookout is undertaken using a systematic scan technique

5

Navigate RPAS within VLOS

5.1

VLOS of RPAS is maintained at all times

5.2

Awareness of current and forecast weather conditions is maintained

5.3

Systematic scan technique is implemented at all times

5.4

Hazards and threats are identified and appropriately controlled

5.5

Effects of wind velocity, adverse environmental conditions and contingency actions are responded to as required

5.6

Situational awareness is maintained at all times

6

Apply abnormal and emergency situation response procedures

6.1

Remote piloted aircraft is configured to maintain safe operating conditions within defined airspace requirements during abnormal and emergency situations

6.2

Remote piloted aircraft position and intention broadcasts are made to local and area traffic, including air traffic services

6.3

Appropriate radio communication failure procedures during abnormal or emergency situations are selected

7

Perform arrival and landing

7.1

Aircraft separation, lookout and tracking tolerances are maintained within the control area

7.2

Wind velocity and direction are assessed to confirm clearance instructions and landing direction

7.3

Aircraft is landed in the defined landing zone in accordance with documented procedures

7.4

Perform documented shutdown procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

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

Not applicable.

H – Route Planning and Navigation