This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to launch, control and recover a remote pilot aircraft system (RPAS) in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.

It includes conducting pre-launch procedures, maintaining straight and level flight, turning, controlling speed, and landing and recovering.

This unit addresses aviation technical skill requirements (physical, mental and task-management abilities) related to aircraft operational duties of flight crew and ground 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 RPAS 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

Carry out pre-launch procedures

1.1

Pre-launch briefing is conducted

1.2

Fail-safe checks are undertaken in accordance with relevant operations manual

1.3

Air traffic control (ATC) clearances are obtained as required

1.4

Approved pre-launch checklists are completed in accordance with relevant operations manual

1.5

RPAS is correctly positioned for launch

1.6

Airspace is determined as clear for launch

2

Launch RPAS

2.1

Launch power is applied and RPAS is maintained, aligned in the launch direction

2.2

RPAS is configured for nominated climb profile as required

2.3

Situational awareness, lookout and air traffic separation is maintained

2.4

Listening watch is maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements

2.5

Communication with others as appropriate is undertaken when launching an RPAS

2.6

After launch checks are performed in accordance with operational requirements

2.7

Situational awareness, lookout and air traffic separation are maintained in all phases of RPAS operation in accordance with regulatory requirements

3

Respond to launch emergencies

3.1

Abnormal RPAS operations are identified

3.2

Control is maintained to bring RPAS to a safe recovery

3.3

Associated emergency procedures are initiated, and checklists and other documentation are completed

4

Climb RPAS

4.1

Flight path is observed and risks mitigated in accordance with operational procedures

4.2

RPAS climb checks are completed in accordance with operational procedures

4.3

Adjustments are made to attitude and power to achieve safe flight

5

Maintain straight and level flight

5.1

Power, altitude and configuration are set to achieve straight and level flight as required

5.2

Indications of height change are identified and responded to appropriately

5.3

Indications of heading change are identified and responded to appropriately

5.4

Flight path is observed and risks mitigated in accordance with operational procedures

6

Turn RPAS in flight

6.1

RPAS operating limits are maintained during turns in accordance with manufacturer instructions

6.3

Potential hazards are identified and controlled during turns

7

Control RPAS speed in flight

7.1

Height awareness is maintained during high speed flight

7.2

Recovery to cruise speed is achieved while maintaining height during flight

8

Descend RPAS

8.1

Adjustments are made to altitude and power to achieve descent rates as required

8.2

RPAS is levelled from a descent position at a nominated altitude for operational requirements

8.3

Flight path is observed during RPAS descent and risks mitigated in accordance with operational procedures

8.4

RPAS operating limits are controlled during descent in accordance with manufacturer instructions

8.5

Descent checks are completed in accordance with operational and regulatory requirements

9

Perform RPAS landing procedure

9.1

Landings are conducted in accordance with operations manual procedures appropriate to the RPAS type, with allowance for wind velocity

9.2

All mandated checklists are completed

9.3

Traffic conflict is monitored to ensure safe landing

9.4

RPAS is configured for landing in accordance with manufacturer instructions

10

Recover RPAS

10.1

RPAS is recovered at a controlled rate of descent

10.2

Directional control is maintained at all times

10.3

Bouncing of RPAS is minimised appropriately

10.4

RPAS is stopped within the available area

10.5

Post-recovery checks are performed in accordance with approved checklist, manufacturer instructions and operational requirements

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.

Y – Aircraft Operation and Traffic Management