This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to hook up externally slung loads to rotary wing aircraft.

It includes preparing for and hooking up external lift hook-up tasks/loads. It also includes responding to external load-lifting emergencies and/or abnormal situations and concluding external lift hook-up task.

This unit applies to persons working as part of an aerial delivery crew, often in conjunction with the crew of supporting aircraft, tasked for external lift operations in support of airmobile operations.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Persons undertaking this unit act in a broad range of contexts under supervision and as part of a team, and perform specific tasks.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Prepare for external lift hook-up tasks

1.1

Obtain and comply with task instructions

1.2

Assess risks associated with task instructions and apply relevant risk control measures

1.3

Inspect, fit and prepare personal protective equipment

1.4

Prepare landing pad/landing site/landing zone (LP/LS/LZ) areas

1.5

Undertake hook-up drills to ensure task readiness

1.6

Obtain, review and attach documentation to load

2

Hook up external lift loads

2.1

Complete external lift hook-ups in accordance with operational procedures

2.2

Instigate hook-up team movement to designated safe position and complete observation of rigged load being lifted

2.3

Use hand signals to communicate with aircrew in accordance with operational protocols

3

Respond to external load-lifting emergencies and abnormal situations

3.1

Identify external load-lifting risks and communicate potential load-lifting emergencies to aircrew, as required

3.2

Undertake risk and/or emergency remedial actions, as required, in accordance with operational procedures

4

Conclude external lift hook-up task

4.1

Identify and report damage to stores and equipment

4.2

Restore and return personal protective equipment

4.3

Complete task details documentation in accordance with task requirements

4.4

Refurbish LP/LS/LZ areas

4.5

Recover and return aerial delivery equipment

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:

applying relevant legislation, standards, and organisational policies and procedures

completing relevant documentation

identifying hazards, assessing risks and applying risk control measures to minimise, control, eliminate or report identified hazards

inspecting equipment prior to hooking up externally slung loads to rotary wing aircraft

reading, interpreting and complying with instructions, organisational procedures and regulations

securing, rigging and hooking up externally slung loads to rotary wing aircraft

selecting and using appropriate protective clothing and equipment

using equipment effectively in the operating environment.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

aircraft and airfield hazards and relevant control measures

capabilities of relevant rotary wing aircraft

external lift hook-up procedures and guidelines

principles of safe load lifts and static discharge

relevant emergency incident management plan, and organisational policies and procedures

relevant safe work practices when slinging loads to rotary wing aircraft

safe weight limits for externally slung loads to rotary wing aircraft

relevant manual lifting procedures, particularly related to refurbishing stores.

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 must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

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.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulations

relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry

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

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.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Not applicable.

Air Dispatch