This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to pilot a helicopter during hoisting operations in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.

It includes planning hoisting operations, conducting pre-flight briefings for hoisting operations, and operating a helicopter during hoisting operations. It also includes managing abnormal and emergency situations during hoisting operations, and conducting post-flight briefings for hoisting 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 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

Plan hoisting operations

1.1

Tasking requirements are identified

1.2

Crew and equipment required to ensure safe achievement of task are determined

1.3

Helicopter performance data is interpreted and calculated to ensure suitability of aircraft for operations

1.4

Transit, hoisting operation communications and recovery are planned in accordance with workplace procedures

1.5

Operations at hoist site, including consideration of obstructions, terrain and any factors that may adversely affect lift, are planned

1.6

Abnormal and emergency hoisting situation contingency procedures are planned

2

Conduct pre-flight briefings

2.1

Hoisting operational requirements are briefed and confirmed with relevant personnel

2.2

Location, terrain features (sea state as required) and forecast weather conditions are obtained and confirmed with relevant personnel

2.3

Timings, route/s, airspeeds and altitudes are confirmed with relevant personnel

2.4

Relevant personnel are briefed about pilot, crew and hoisting personnel responsibilities and communication procedures

2.5

Abnormal and emergency hoisting situation contingency procedures are briefed

3

Operate a helicopter during hoisting operations

3.1

Adequacy of hover power margin and control limits to perform hoisting operations is checked and maintained

3.2

Site inspection, approach and hover heading are determined in accordance with operational requirements

3.3

Descent and approach are controlled to terminate over hoist site

3.4

Control is applied to helicopter to maintain position over hoist site

3.5

Obstacle clearances to obstructions, constructions and terrain are maintained during deployment and retrieval operation

3.6

Effective communications with crew and relevant personnel are maintained during operation

3.7

Safety and security of passengers and/or cargo is managed

3.8

Hoist cable is recovered and stowed, and site is vacated in accordance with workplace procedures

4

Manage abnormal and emergency situations

4.1

Helicopter control is maintained

4.2

Abnormal and/or emergency situations are identified and managed

4.3

Hoist cargo/personnel are safely jettisoned (as required) when flight safety or hover stability is compromised

5

Conduct post-flight briefings

5.1

Operating procedures and flight outcomes are reviewed and analysed

5.2

Effectiveness, efficiency and performance of equipment are analysed and reported

5.3

Inspection, servicing and stowage of hoist equipment are organised/confirmed

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