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

It includes climbing an aircraft, maintaining straight and level flight, descending an aircraft and turning an aircraft. It also includes controlling an aircraft at slow speed, performing circuits and approaches, and complying with airspace requirements.

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 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 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

Climb aircraft

1.1

Adjustments are made to attitude and power to achieve an increase of altitude at normal, maximum rate (VY), maximum angle (VX) and cruise conditions of flight during straight and turning manoeuvres

1.2

Aircraft is maintained in balanced flight

1.3

Aircraft is levelled off from climb at nominated altitude using standard aircraft procedures

1.4

Flightpath clearance is ensured

1.5

Climb checks are completed

2

Maintain straight and level flight

2.1

Power, attitude and configuration are set to achieve straight and level flight

2.2

Aircraft is maintained in balanced flight

2.3

Altitude and heading are maintained within tolerances

2.4

Flightpath clearance is ensured

3

Descend aircraft

3.1

Power, attitude and configuration are set to achieve descent during glide, power assisted flight and approach profiles

3.2

Aircraft is maintained in balanced flight

3.3

Aircraft is levelled from a descent at a nominated altitude

3.4

Flightpath clearance is ensured

3.5

RPAS altitude restrictions are observed

3.6

Aircraft operating limits are not exceeded during descent

3.7

Effects of undercarriage and flaps are managed

3.8

Descent checks are completed

4

Turn aircraft

4.1

Airspace cleared procedure is carried out

4.2

Heading is altered in balanced flight during level, climbing, descending and gliding manoeuvres and turns are performed at varying rates to achieve specified tracks

4.3

Turn on to nominated heading or geographical feature is achieved

4.4

Aircraft operating limits are maintained during turns

5

Control aircraft at slow speed

5.1

Pre-manoeuvre checks are completed in accordance with operating procedures

5.2

Aircraft is flown at minimum clean approach speed and at minimum landing configuration approach speed as specified in operations manual/pilot’s operating handbook (POH) in balanced flight

5.3

Height awareness is maintained during slow speed flight

5.4

Positive control responses are implemented and reduced control effectiveness recognised during slow flight manoeuvres

5.5

Stall warnings, cautions and indications are monitored during slow speed flight

5.6

Recovery to cruise speed is achieved while maintaining height

6

Perform circuits and approaches

6.1

Traffic patterns are conducted in accordance with aeronautical information package (AIP) procedures appropriate to the aircraft type with allowance for wind velocity on all legs of the circuit

6.2

All checklists are completed and radiotelephone procedures followed

6.3

Approach path is appropriately intercepted and maintained in a manner applicable to aircraft type while remaining clear of other traffic

6.4

Traffic conflict or adverse flight conditions are recognised when they arise and a go-around is performed from any position in the traffic pattern

6.5

Right of way rules are applied and complied with

6.6

Radio listening watch is maintained in accordance with established procedures

6.7

Aircraft is configured for landing

7

Comply with airspace requirements

7.1

While aircraft is maintained within a specified area, compliance is maintained with air traffic requirements and restricted, controlled and other appropriately designated airspace

7.2

Appropriate reactions are made to factors that may affect the safe progress of the flight

7.3

Awareness of aircraft position is maintained using charts and geographical features

7.4

Radio listening watch is maintained in accordance with established procedures

7.5

Weather conditions are monitored and appropriate action taken

7.6

Local and published noise abatement requirements and curfews are observed

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.