This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate an aircraft push-out tug, in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.

It includes conducting pre-operational checks on a tug, operating tug, and conducting post-operational checks of tug.

This unit addresses aviation technical skill requirements (physical, mental and task-management abilities) related to equipment and system operations of 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.

Use for Defence Aviation is to be in accordance with relevant Defence Orders, Instructions, Publications and Regulations.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Conduct pre-operational checks on a tug

1.1

Personal protective equipment is selected and used in accordance with workplace procedures

1.2

Pre-operational checks of tug are conducted in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions

1.3

Fluid levels are topped up as required

1.4

Equipment faults and malfunctions identified during pre-operational checks are rectified or reported in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

2

Operate tug

2.1

Tug is manoeuvred to aircraft and positioned in preparation for aircraft ground manoeuvres or push-out operations in accordance with workplace procedures

2.2

Tug is coupled to aircraft in accordance with workplace procedures

2.3

Tug is operated in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions

2.4

Hazards associated with operating tug are identified and appropriate precautions are taken in accordance with work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations and workplace hazard management strategies

2.5

Aircraft ground manoeuvres and/or push-out of aircraft are conducted in accordance with directions of ground maintenance personnel and aircrew

2.6

Tug is uncoupled from aircraft at completion of required operations

2.7

Tug is manoeuvred to allocated parking or storage area at completion of scheduled haulage activities and is shut down

3

Conduct post-operational checks of tug

3.1

Post-operational checks of tug are conducted in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions

3.2

Equipment faults and malfunctions identified during post-operational checks are rectified or reported in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

3.3

Tug is refuelled and fluid levels are topped up in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions

3.4

Equipment log or operational documentation is completed in accordance with workplace procedures, local instructions and regulatory requirements

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

adapting to differences in equipment and operating environment in accordance with standard operating procedures

applying precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards

applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures

communicating effectively with others

completing relevant documentation

identifying and correctly using relevant equipment

implementing contingency plans

implementing work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures and relevant regulations

interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritise work

modifying activities depending on workplace contingencies, situations and environments

monitoring and anticipating operational problems and hazards and taking appropriate action

monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule

operating electronic and radio communications equipment to required protocol

reading, interpreting and following relevant regulations, instructions, procedures, information and signs

reporting and/or rectifying identified problems promptly, in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

selecting and using required personal protective equipment (PPE) conforming to industry and WHS/OHS standards

working collaboratively with others

working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

emergency procedures

features and differences in operating characteristics for various types of aircraft push-out tugs in operation at Australian airports

layout of airport and location of aircraft gates and equipment storage areas

manufacturer instructions for checking and operating tug concerned

people to consult about tug operations:

aircrew

aircraft schedulers

ground support staff

other members of baggage handling and ramp teams

supervisors, team leaders and managers

technical staff

principles of tug operation as required by relevant licensing authority

problems that may occur when operating a tug and appropriate action that should be taken in each case

relevant Australian Standards

relevant information/documents:

conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards

flight schedules and gate allocations

induction and training materials

licence requirements of relevant authorities

local instructions relevant to aircraft tug operations

manufacturer specifications and instructions for tug being operated

pre- and post-operation checklists

tug logs/records

tug operational checklists

workplace instructions and job specification

relevant local instructions for tug operation

relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASRs) and Civil Aviation Orders related to ground operations

relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations

risks that exist when operating a tug and related risk control procedures and precautions

selection and correct fitment of PPE

workplace procedures for operating an aircraft push-out tug.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

acceptable means of simulation assessment

applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

relevant materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry.

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

Aircraft push-out tug must include:

diesel engine tugs

electric battery-operated tugs

Aircraft push-out tugs must include one or more of the following:

aircraft push-back tug

aircraft tow motor

aircraft tow tractor

push back power unit (PPU)

tow tug (aircraft)

Aircraft ground manoeuvres must include one or more of the following:

movement of a defective aircraft

movement of an aircraft around an airport

push-out of an aircraft from a gate

transport of an aircraft to/from a hanger

Hazard must include:

dust

jet blast

noise

other vehicles in the vicinity of aircraft

personnel in the vicinity of aircraft

Personal protective equipment must include:

hearing protection

protective clothing

safety gloves

safety footwear

Pre-operational checks must include:

battery charge

fluid levels

fuel level

visual inspection for faults or defects