MEA138
Perform aviation technical publication management activities


Application

This unit of competency requires application of skills and knowledge relating to the application of editorial and management knowledge and skills in the production, publication, distribution and amendment of technical publications, including maintenance manuals, operating instructions, parts catalogues, procedures manuals and related technical publications used in scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Work may be performed individually or as part of a team.

The unit is part of the Aeroskills Advanced Diploma training pathways. It is used in workplaces that operate under the airworthiness regulatory systems of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1.

Manage the drafting and publication of technical publications

1.1

The required style for technical publications is determined and specified

1.2

Technical publication drafts are edited

2.

Manage the amendment of technical publications

2.1

The requirement for publication amendment action is identified

2.2

Amendment action is initiated

2.3

Draft amendments are edited

3.

Manage the distribution and control of technical publications

3.1

A publication distribution and amendment status database is established

3.2

Publications are managed in accordance with regulatory requirements, and organisational policies and procedures

3.3

The operation of the publication distribution and control system is monitored

Evidence of Performance

Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria under the specified conditions of assessment on at least one occasion, and must include:

specifying the style and layout of technical publications

determining the need for amendment action

effective control of technical publication distribution

oral communication

written communication.


Evidence of Knowledge

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

layout, content, production and use of technical publication style guides

applicable publication standards and systems, including Air Transport Association (ATA)100 and Australian Air Publications

copyright legislation

graphics conventions and techniques

desktop publishing software systems

printing methods

binder systems

regulations governing the production, amendment, custody and distribution of technical publications

version control procedures.


Assessment Conditions

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is, the candidate is not in productive work, an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations associated with aviation technical publication management, including all elements and performance criteria.

The candidate must have access to all materials and documentation required and must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. The preferred method is the records in the Maintenance Management Competency Log. Where the individual does not have a Competency Log evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways, including direct observation, supervisor’s reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.

Assessors must satisfy the requirements of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (Australian Skills Quality Authority, or its successors).


Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.


Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Specifying style for technical publication includes:

Determination of the client’s requirements

Identification of applicable standards and specifications for publications within the industry

Identification of any applicable regulatory requirements

Selection of an appropriate publishing system

Development and issue of a style guide that specifies:

writing style

layout

fonts

graphics selection and conventions

procedures for dealing with copyright issues

requirements for processing of drafts

Preparation for publication

The requirement for publication amendment action includes:

Publication user feedback

Modifications to systems or components

Test procedure development or refinement

Quality system audits

Service bulletins

Compliance with regulatory requirements

The editing process includes checking for:

Compliance with the style guide

Completeness and ease of understanding

Appropriate use of graphics

Observance of applicable regulations and legislation including copyright

Final draft mark-up for desktop publishing

Application of version control procedures

Regulatory requirements, and organisational policies and procedures are found in:

Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs) and associated Advisory Circulars (ACs)

Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASRs), Manuals of Standards and associated Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material

Maintenance organisation expositions

Continuing airworthiness management organisation expositions

Organisational policy manuals

Procedures manuals

Quality manuals

AAP 7001.053 Technical Airworthiness Management Manual

Defence Regulations and instructions

Maintenance management plan

Standing instructions


Sectors


Competency Field

Integrated logistic support