This unit of competency requires application of hand skills and the use of system/component knowledge and applicable maintenance publications to test and troubleshoot aircraft automatic flight control systems and components of fixed wing aircraft that have automatic flight control systems during scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Work may be performed individually or as part of a team.

The unit of competency is part of the Avionic Certificate IV (Aircraft Maintenance Stream) training pathways and is an alternative unit to MEA231 Inspect, test and troubleshoot rotary wing aircraft automatic flight control systems and components.

The unit is used in workplaces that operate under the airworthiness regulatory systems of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Civil Aviation safety Authority (CASA).

Where a CASA licensing outcome is sought this unit forms part of the CASA requirement for the granting of the chosen maintenance certification licence under Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 66, in accordance with the licensing provisions in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

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, and must include:

applying relevant WHS practices

using approved maintenance documentation and aircraft publications relating to the automatic flight control system being maintained

recognition of system and component defects/external damage, correct installation, connection of plugs, terminations, and attaching hardware (including cabling/harnesses) and security in:

flight director components and interface

flight control components and interface

automatic throttle components and interface (where applicable to the enterprise)

automatic pilot system and interface

applying logic processes, taking and interpreting system measurements, using test equipment and appropriate wiring diagrams and manuals to accurately and effectively isolate malfunctions in the above systems

performing system testing to isolate system malfunctions and assess post-maintenance serviceability.

It is essential that system testing procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions applicable to the automatic flight control system being maintained are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice across a range of inspection, testing and troubleshooting applications (including the timely involvement of supervisors or other trades) is critical.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to testing and troubleshooting is essential. This is to be demonstrated through application across a range of aircraft automatic flight control systems and components listed in the Assessment Conditions.

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:

component attachment methods

explaining the basic layout (block diagram level), function and operation of:

flight director components and interface

flight control components and interface

automatic throttle components and interface

automatic pilot system and interface

flight management system interface

navigation system interfaces

explaining basic principles/functions, relating to the above systems and associated with:

basic AC and DC circuit theory

digital fundamentals

analogue fundamentals

fixed wing flight theory

inner and outer loop control

fixed wing flight control system (mechanical, hydraulic and electro-mechanical types, trim and stabilisation)

flight control modes/channels

WHS requirements

system and component maintenance requirements and troubleshooting procedures

relevant maintenance manuals

relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures.

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace using tools and equipment specified in the maintenance manuals. It is also expected that applicable general and special purpose tools, and test and ground support equipment would be used where appropriate.

The application of testing procedures should clearly indicate knowledge of system operation, the relationship of individual components and the links with other systems (if applicable) within the limits of the aircraft/system fault-finding guide before undertaking any action. The work plan should take account of applicable safety and quality requirements in accordance with the industry and regulatory standards.

The following conditions of assessment represent the requirements of the Regulators (ADF and CASA) and maintenance stakeholders and must be rigorously observed.

A person cannot be assessed as competent until it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the workplace assessor that the relevant elements and performance criteria of the unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on at least one item from each of the following groups:

automatic pilot

flight director

automatic trim

yaw damper

automatic throttle and automatic landing (may be omitted where not applicable to the enterprise).

This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement or, where appropriate, an equivalent Industry Evidence Guide (for details refer to the Companion Volume Assessment Guidelines).

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

Where the unit is to be used for CASA licensing purposes the Assessor must also meet the criteria specified in the CASR Part 147 Manual of Standards.

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

Aviation maintenance