This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to fast rope from a helicopter in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.

It includes applying aircraft safety procedures, preparing for fast roping operation, and emplaning and completing on-board procedures. It also includes fast roping from helicopter and de-servicing fast rope equipment.

This unit addresses aviation technical skill requirements (physical, mental and task-management abilities) related to equipment and system operations of flight or ground operations 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 as a single operator or within a team 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

Apply aircraft safety procedures

1.1

Dress and equipment are secured for operating in and around a helicopter

1.2

Helicopter is approached, entered and exited in a safe manner in accordance with workplace procedures and/or flight crew instructions

1.3

Individual seating is occupied and restraint devices applied

1.4

Identified hazards are communicated to fast rope team members

1.5

Flight crew instructions are followed

1.6

Environmental conditions and alternative routes to/from helicopter are identified

2

Prepare for fast roping operation

2.1

Fast roping descent instructions are received and confirmed as required

2.2

Workplace procedures, work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and safety control measures are applied

2.3

Operational and fast rope equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected and fitted in accordance with workplace procedures

2.4

Individual pre-flight check of fast rope equipment is conducted

2.5

Damage to operational, fast rope and safety equipment is reported and remedial action is taken in accordance with workplace procedures

3

Emplane and complete on-board procedures

3.1

Aircraft is approached and emplaned in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2

Fast ropes are secured to allocated rope attachment device, checked and prepared for flight

3.3

Ropers and operational equipment are secured prior to flight

3.4

Flight crew orders and instructions are complied with

3.5

Fast ropes and operational equipment are monitored during flight

3.6

Communications and directions are interpreted and relayed to ropers

3.7

Individual in-flight safety checks are conducted

4

Fast rope from helicopter

4.1

Fast rope exit positions are adopted under supervision of flight crew or safety officer

4.2

Positions are resumed in aircraft on abort instruction from flight crew

4.3

Fast ropes are deployed on instruction from flight crew or safety officer

4.4

Aircraft is exited on instruction of flight crew or safety officer

4.5

Aircraft emergency and fast rope contingency procedures are implemented as required

4.6

Fast rope is descended in a controlled manner

4.7

Landing and clearance of roping point is conducted in accordance with workplace procedures

4.8

Equipment is gathered and taken to designated team assembly point

5

De-service fast rope equipment

5.1

Area is cleared in preparation for de-servicing of fast rope equipment in accordance with workplace procedures

5.2

Fast rope and operational equipment are de-serviced and stowed in accordance with workplace 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.

W – Equipment and Systems Operations