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

It includes conducting pre-flight operations, performing operational area evaluations, conducting an aerial survey, applying substances through aerial application, and conducting global navigation satellite system (GNSS) swath guidance equipment operations.

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

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

Work is performed in small teams or under limited supervision within a single-pilot or multi-crew 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

Conduct pre-flight actions

1.1

Own fitness for flight and planned operations is self-assessed

1.2

Operational aircraft type is determined for suitability for type of aerial application operation

1.3

Aircraft and role equipment are checked and assessed for serviceability prior to commencing flight operations

1.4

Required applicable maintenance documentation is compiled and checked for accuracy and completeness

1.5

Role equipment calibration is checked and adjusted as required

1.6

Planned aerial application operations are assessed for potential or actual hazards

1.7

Fuel/power requirements are determined and established within aerial application management plans

1.8

Logistical considerations are addressed within scope of application management plan

2

Conduct planning and risk management

2.1

Suitability of current and forecast weather is determined

2.2

Application management plan is developed and used as the basis for aerial application operations

2.3

Potential and actual hazards and operational requirements are identified, risks to aerial application operations are assessed and appropriate risk controls are implemented in accordance with the application management plan

2.4

Treatment area map is correctly interpreted

2.5

Pilot decision on the safety of the proposed application, including refusing to undertake an application where the risks are considered to be too high, is made as required

2.6

Appropriate selection of application pattern and direction of treatment is made taking into consideration safety, efficiency, hazards and terrain

2.7

Acceptable aircraft performance for aerial application operational conditions is confirmed through performance planning

2.8

Normal and abnormal operational communications and signals are confirmed

3

Perform operational area evaluation

3.1

Operational landing areas are assessed for condition, approach/landing direction, hazard identification and meteorological conditions

3.2

Issues relating to aircraft weight, performance, dimensions, load and meteorological conditions are identified and managed

3.3

Landing areas suitable for conducting aerial application operations are selected

3.4

Aircraft pre-landing/launch checks are performed in accordance with operational procedures

3.5

Appropriate landing and launch techniques are conducted during aerial application operations

3.6

Aerial application operations are performed in accordance with published regulations requirements

3.7

Appropriate aerial survey plans are developed for conducting safe aerial application operations

3.8

Operating area boundaries are established and environmentally sensitive areas are identified, including areas that are noise sensitive, biologically susceptible, populated and urban, and restricted or dangerous

3.9

Potential emergency or alternate landing areas are identified and/or established for contingency operations

3.10

Environmental hazard factors affecting aerial application operations are considered

3.11

Wind velocity and direction are assessed for effect on operations

3.12

Application management plans are amended or modified based on aerial survey assessment results as required

3.13

GNSS familiarity is applied to the appropriate level of operational requirement

3.14

Sound judgement is applied during application treatment area pattern selection

3.15

Aircraft is operated at maximum permissible weights for aerial application operations in accordance with manufacturer and regulatory requirements

3.16

Aircraft launch weight is determined within requirements relevant to operating conditions

4

Operate within the vicinity of power lines

4.1

Power lines within and outside the treatment area during an aerial survey are identified

4.2

Power line infrastructure cues are interpreted to aid wire run identification

4.3

Wire heights are accurately assessed to support safe operations in vicinity of power lines, including safe flying parallel to wires

4.4

Other hazards relevant to operations near power lines, such as pole stays, crop height, fences or machinery that may pose a risk, are identified and managed

4.5

Safe command decision whether to fly over or under a wire is made

4.6

Aerial application operations over wires, including adequate safety buffers for pull-up and let down and accurate cut-off and on-off application equipment, are conducted

4.7

Aerial application operations under wires, including assessment of safe clearance distances, are conducted

4.8

Application approaches towards power lines when passage beneath is unachievable are terminated safely

4.9

Human factors that may affect operations near power lines, particularly distraction, short-term memory limitations and inattention (perceptual) blindness are applied during aerial application operations

5

Apply substances through aerial application

5.1

Substances are applied safely in accordance with the application management plan

5.2

Correct application height relevant to terrain, application type and meteorological conditions is established and maintained

5.3

Appropriate airspeed and flight profile are controlled on entry or re-entry to operational areas

5.4

Aerial application equipment is operated within scope of the application management plan

5.5

Hazard areas are manoeuvred around with adequate safety margins during application operations

5.6

Application flow rates, pressure and product quantities are monitored during application operations

5.7

Decisions to suspend or continue safe aerial application operations are made based on planned or actual operating conditions

5.8

Clean-up operations and hazard safety checks are conducted on completion of aerial application

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