This unit involves the application of skills and knowledge required to operate an aircraft in the traffic pattern at night in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.

It includes controlling aircraft on the ground, activating pilot activated lighting (PAL) and taking off at night. It also includes managing emergency situations at night, performing a go-around, and landing at night, with and without the use of aircraft landing lights.

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 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

Control aircraft on the ground

1.1

Instrument and cockpit lighting are adjusted to an appropriate level for taxiing

1.2

Air traffic control (ATC) instructions and manoeuvres of an aircraft on the ground at night within the approved movement area as defined by aerodrome ground lighting, are complied with

1.3

Aircraft lighting to identify obstructions, other aircraft, and taxiway and runway limits is used as required

1.4

Aircraft is taxied at a speed that allows for an adequate lookout to be maintained to avoid obstructions

2

Activate PAL

2.1

Appropriate radiotelephone frequency is utilised to activate PAL system when within radio range

2.2

PAL system is activated using appropriate transmit sequence

2.3

Wind indicator lighting is monitored to determine end of activation period

3

Take off at night

3.1

Aircraft is lined up correctly in centre of runway in take-off direction

3.2

Line-up checks appropriate to night take-off are completed

3.3

Take-off by reference to flare path/runway lighting and aircraft instruments is executed

3.4

Aircraft is rotated at manufacturer recommended speed

3.5

Aircraft control and climb attitude is completed solely by reference to instruments

3.6

Alignment with runway by visual reference and lookout is established and maintained

3.7

Post-departure checks are performed at a safe height after take-off

4

Manage emergency situations at night

4.1

Control of aircraft flight path is maintained during implementation of emergency response procedures

4.2

Emergency situation is managed in accordance with the aircraft flight manual (AFM), pilot’s operating handbook (POH) and aeronautical information publication (AIP)

4.3

Electrical lighting and power sources are monitored

4.4

Electrical lighting and power source emergency procedures are implemented as required

5

Perform a go-around

5.1

Need to conduct a go-around is recognised

5.2

Go-around is performed from any point on base and final approach legs

6

Land at night, with and without the use of aircraft landing lights

6.1

Circuit entry and pattern are performed with reference to runway environment

6.2

Safe altitude is maintained by reference to aircraft instruments and runway lighting

6.3

Aircraft is safely landed at night with and without landing lights

6.4

After landing checks are performed

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