Application
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to control remote pilot aircraft systems (RPAS) on the ground. It includes starting an engine, taxiing and/or positioning the RPAS, and performing an RPAS shutdown. This unit addresses aviation technical skill requirements (physical, mental and task-management abilities) related to RPAS operational duties of flight crew and ground personnel, 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 RPAS environment. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit. Use for Defence Aviation is to be in accordance with relevant Defence Orders, Instructions, Publications and Regulations. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA | ||
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Start engine | 1.1 | Pre-start and after-start checks are completed in accordance with aircraft flight manual (AFM)/pilot’s operating handbook (POH) |
1.2 | RPAS is positioned to ensure safety when starting engine | ||
1.3 | Manufacturer limitations and report deviations are complied with as required | ||
1.4 | Engine/s are started in accordance with AFM/POH | ||
1.5 | Emergencies are managed in accordance with AFM/POH and regulatory requirements | ||
2 | Taxi and/or position RPA | 2.1 | Automatic terminal information service (ATIS) reports and taxi clearance are obtained as required |
2.2 | RPAS is taxied at a safe speed and in accordance with prevailing location, traffic, surface and weather conditions | ||
2.3 | Instrument checks are performed clear of conflicting traffic and other hazards to confirm serviceability | ||
2.4 | Handling and braking on ground is in accordance with AFM/POH | ||
2.5 | Airfield markings/lights/signals/indicators are interpreted and complied with as required | ||
2.6 | Lookout and right-of-way rules are complied with as required | ||
2.7 | Adverse effects on other aircraft, facilities and personnel is avoided | ||
2.8 | Inspection of taxi path is carried out when surface conditions are obscured as required | ||
2.9 | RPAS (and launch system) is positioned in accordance with launch point requirements and applicable safety precautions | ||
3 | Perform RPA shutdown | 3.1 | Pre-and post shutdown checks are completed in accordance with AFM/POH |
3.2 | Engine is shut down in accordance with AFM/POH | ||
3.3 | Required documentation is completed in accordance with workplace procedures |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include: |
adapting to differences in equipment and operating environment in accordance with standard operating procedures applying precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures communicating effectively with others completing relevant documentation complying with regulatory requirements and local air traffic control instructions controlling and managing RPAS taxi emergencies controlling remote pilot aircraft systems (RPAS) on the ground in accordance with aircraft flight manual (AFM)/pilot’s operating handbook (POH) identifying and correctly using relevant equipment implementing contingency plans implementing work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures and relevant regulations interpreting and communicating operational information interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work manoeuvring RPAS on the ground without incident modifying activities depending on workplace contingencies, situations and environments monitoring and anticipating operational problems and hazards and taking appropriate action monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule operating electronic communications equipment to required protocol performing various on-ground functions simultaneously as required reading, interpreting and following relevant regulations, instructions, procedures, information and signs reporting and/or rectifying identified problems promptly, in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures responding appropriately to cultural preferences selecting and using relevant equipment selecting and using required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and WHS/OHS standards using instruments to monitor aircraft taxi performance working collaboratively with others working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment. |
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and include knowledge of: |
aeronautical decision making processes airfield markings, indicators and lights automatic terminal information service (ATIS) reports effective communication error management, including error types, causes and consequences fatigue risk management human performance and its limitations, including the senses, memory and situational awareness in a Defence context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions on-ground control procedures relevant aircraft/equipment type characteristics relevant sections of AFM/POH relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations stress, workload and time pressure management taxi clearance information weather information. |
Assessment Conditions
As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment. As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment. Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate. Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions. Resources for assessment must include access to: a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations acceptable means of simulation assessment applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals relevant materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry. |
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.
Sectors
Not applicable.
Competency Field
Y – Aircraft Operation and Traffic Management