1

Climb RPA

1.1

Adjustments are made to attitude and power to achieve an increase of altitude at shallow, normal and steep rates and cruise conditions of flight during straight and turning manoeuvres

1.2

RPA is maintained in ‘trim’ condition

1.3

RPA is leveled off not above 400’ AGL using standard RPA climb procedures

1.4

Flight path clear of obstacles 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

RPA is maintained in ‘trim’ condition

2.3

No visible signs or electronic indications of height change

2.4

No visible signs or electronic indications of heading change

2.5

Flight path clear of obstacles is ensured

3

Descend RPA

3.1

Adjustments are made to attitude and power to achieve an decrease of altitude at shallow, normal and steep rates

3.2

RPA is maintained in ‘trim’ condition

3.3

RPA is leveled from a descent at a nominated altitude

3.4

Flight path clear of obstacles is ensured

3.5

RPA does not exceed operating limits during descent

3.6

Descent checks are completed

4

Turn RPA

4.1

'Airspace cleared' procedure is carried out

4.2

Heading is altered during level, climbing, descending and gliding manoeuvres and turns are performed to achieve specified tracks

4.3

Turn on to nominated heading or geographical feature is achieved

4.4

RPA does not exceed operating limits during turns

5

Control RPA at slow speed

5.1

Height awareness is maintained during slow speed flight

5.2

Recovery to cruise speed is achieved whilst maintaining height

6

Perform approaches

6.1

Approach patterns are conducted in accordance with Operators Manual procedures appropriate to the RPA type with allowance for wind velocity

6.2

All checklists are completed and communications procedures followed

6.3

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

6.4

Radio listening watch is maintained in accordance with established procedures, if required

6.5

RPA is configured for landing

7

Comply with airspace requirements

7.1

While RPA is maintained within a specified area, compliance is maintained with air traffic requirements and controlled or restricted airspace conditions or limitations

7.2

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

7.3

Awareness of RPA position is maintained

7.4

Radio listening watch is maintained in accordance with established procedures, if required

7.5

Weather conditions are monitored and an appropriate action is taken

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge:

Relevant sections of Civil Aviation Regulations and Orders

In Defence context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions

Relevant OH&S and environmental procedures and regulations

Principles of aerodynamics

Functions and effects of all RPA controls

Procedures for setting power in engines as applicable

Use of instruments to monitor RPA performance

Use of trim controls

Use of autopilot/flight director functions where applicable

'Airspace cleared' procedure to be carried out before all turns

The effect of angle of bank and load factor on stall speeds

Circuit patterns and procedures

Go-around procedures from base leg and final approach

Pre-landing checks

After launch checks

The effect of wind on flight path

Day VFR criteria

Required skills:

Apply the techniques of straight and level, climbing and descending flight to achieve a consistent approach to landing

Perform various functions simultaneously as required

Maintain separation between aircraft

Remain within a designated area whilst complying with airspace and air traffic requirements

Use instruments to monitor RPA performance, if applicable

Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements

Communicate effectively with others when controlling a RPA in normal flight, including use of radio, if applicable

Read and interpret instructions, regulations, procedures and other information relevant to controlling a RPA in normal flight

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

Work collaboratively with others when controlling a RPA in normal flight

Adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions with others

Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems that may occur when controlling a RPA in normal flight in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Implement contingency plans for unexpected events that may arise when controlling a RPA in normal flight

Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist when controlling a RPA in normal flight

Monitor and anticipate operational problems and hazards and take appropriate action

Monitor work activities in terms of planned schedule

Modify activities dependent on differing workplace contingencies, situations and environments

Work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment

Adapt to differences in equipment and operating environment in accordance with standard operating procedures

Select and use required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and OH&S standards

Implement OH&S procedures and relevant regulations

Identify and correctly use equipment required when controlling a RPA in normal flight

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:

the underpinning knowledge and skills

relevant legislation and workplace procedures

other relevant aspects of the range statement

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts

Resources for assessment include:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or

access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and

applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation

As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests

Practical assessment must occur:

through activities in an appropriately simulated environment at the registered training organisation, and/or

in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Tasks must be undertaken in:

in accordance with Day Visual Flight Rules

Performance may be demonstrated in:

single engine RPA

multi engine RPA

Performance may be demonstrated on a RPA with:

fully functioning dual controls

with the use of a suitable simulator

RPA may include:

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA)/Unmanned aircraft

Crew may include:

Remote Pilot

Observer

Instruments may be:

instrumentation associated with the particular system

Limitations may be imposed by:

prevailing visibility

Class of airspace is:

Class G airspace, as designated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Turns may include:

level

climbing

descending

Checklists may include:

climb

cruise

approach

descent

pre-landing

final

Circuit height may include:

standard

low-level

Dependent on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:

company procedures

enterprise procedures

organisational procedures

established procedures

standard operating procedures

Procedures maintaining compliance with airspace requirements are:

geographical limits of the flight area is demonstrated on a chart or electronic display

prominent geographical features are identified using a chart

the position of controlled airspace is determined using a chart and geographical features

restricted areas are identified using a chart and geographical features

Information/documents may include:

relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders including Day Visual Flight Rules (Day VFR)

in Defence context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions

Flight Manual/Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)

RPA Level 1 Syllabus

Manual of Standards

Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP)

En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA)

charts

operations manuals

approved checklists

workplace procedures and instructions and job specification

induction and training materials

conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:

relevant Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders

in Defence context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions

relevant state/territory OH&S legislation

relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation

relevant Australian Standards

Performance includes tolerances specified in either of:

relevant licence requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) such as:

RPA Level 1 Syllabus

Manual of Standards

relevant Defence documentation such as:

Defence Orders and Instructions