This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to rappel 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 rappelling operations, and emplaning and completing on-board procedures. It also includes rappelling from a hovering helicopter and de-servicing rappelling 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 rappel team members

1.5

Flight crew instructions are followed

1.6

Environmental conditions and alternative routes to/from helicopter are identified

2

Prepare for rappelling operation

2.1

Rappelling 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 rappel equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), is selected and fitted in accordance with workplace procedures

2.4

Individual pre-flight check of rappel equipment is conducted

2.5

Damage to operational, rappel and safety equipment is reported and remedial action 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

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

3.3

Rappellers and operational equipment are secured prior to flight

3.4

Flight crew orders and instructions are complied with

3.5

Rappelling and operational equipment are monitored during flight

3.6

Communications and directions are interpreted and relayed to rappellers

3.7

Individual in-flight safety checks are conducted

4

Rappel from helicopter

4.1

Rappelling 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

Aircraft is exited on instruction of flight crew or safety officer

4.4

Descent is undertaken in a controlled manner in accordance with workplace procedures

4.5

Aircraft emergency and rappelling contingency procedures are implemented as required

4.6

Landing is conducted in a controlled manner in accordance with workplace procedures

4.7

Rappel signals are communicated to flight crew once descent is complete

4.8

On landing, rope is disconnected and landing area is cleared in accordance with workplace procedures

4.9

Equipment is gathered and taken to designated team assembly point

5

De-service rappel equipment

5.1

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

5.2

Rappelling and operational equipment is 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