This unit involves the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to apply situational awareness in remote pilot aircraft systems (RPAS) operations in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

It includes maintaining situational awareness, assessing situations and making decisions, setting priorities and managing tasks, and working with others in managing situational awareness.

This unit addresses aviation non-technical skill requirements (mental, social and personal-management abilities) of aviation 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 at time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Maintain situational awareness

1.1

Continuous monitoring of all critical factors relevant to the safe progress of an RPAS flight is undertaken

1.2

Effective visual scan is applied, during RPAS operations

1.3

Trends towards unsafe situations are recognised and appropriate corrective action employed in accordance with operational workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

1.4

Breakdown in situational awareness is identified and rectified promptly

2

Assess situations and make decisions

2.1

Operational problems are identified

2.2

Operational risks are assessed and reported in accordance with regulatory requirements

2.3

Potential solutions are identified and control measures decided and implemented

2.4

Determined plan of action is communicated and tasks allocated to others as appropriate

2.5

Plan of action is implemented and monitored to achieve safe outcomes

3

Set priorities and manage tasks

3.1

Priorities and workload are organised to ensure completion of all tasks relevant to flight safety

3.2

Safe and effective operation of the RPAS is prioritised ahead of competing tasks

3.3

Critical events and tasks are anticipated and managed to ensure completion within available time constraints

3.4

Technology is used to reduce workload and to improve ability to perform mental and manipulative activities safely

3.5

Signs and symptoms of fatigue are identified and appropriate actions taken to manage fatigue of self or in others

4

Work with others in managing situational awareness

4.1

Collaboration with others is undertaken to ensure safe completion of flight

4.2

Effective communications and interpersonal relationships are established and maintained with all stakeholders to ensure safe flight outcome

4.3

Crew members are encouraged to participate in and contribute to safe flight outcome

4.4

Appropriate action is taken in conjunction with others to cooperatively correct any identified unsafe situations that may develop during an RPAS flight

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.

Z – Situational Awareness