Application
This unit of competency requires application of hand skills and the use of system/component knowledge and applicable maintenance publications and test equipment to inspect, test and troubleshoot flight management system computers, control display units, database units and the interface with flight control and navigation systems during scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Work may be performed individually or as part of a team.
Applications include fixed and rotary wing aircraft that have flight management systems.
The unit is part of the Avionic Certificate IV (Aircraft Maintenance Stream) training pathway.
Where a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1. | Inspect flight management systems and components | 1.1 | Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including system defect reports, where relevant, are used to identify specific inspection requirements |
1.2 | Isolation tags are checked and aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual while observing all relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements | ||
1.3 | Flight management system components are visually or physically checked for external signs of defects in accordance with applicable maintenance manual | ||
1.4 | Defects are correctly identified and reported | ||
2. | Test flight management systems and components | 2.1 | Aircraft and system are prepared in accordance with applicable maintenance manual for the application of power/system operation |
2.2 | Flight management system is functionally tested in accordance with maintenance manual for evidence of serviceability or malfunction | ||
3. | Troubleshoot flight management systems | 3.1 | Available information from maintenance documentation, inspection and test results is used, where necessary, to assist in fault determination |
3.2 | Maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides and logic processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting using test sets, downloaded maintenance data and fault-finding charts or similar, to line replacement level | ||
3.3 | Specialist advice is obtained, where required, to assist with the troubleshooting process | ||
3.4 | Flight management system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required, in accordance with standard enterprise procedures | ||
3.5 | Rectification requirements are determined | ||
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, and must include:
using hand skills, tools and test equipment in the testing and troubleshooting of flight management systems
recognising system and component defects/external damage, correct installation, connection of plugs, terminations, attaching hardware (including cabling/harnesses) for the system components listed in the Range of Conditions
interpreting the information presented on control display units
applying logic processes and using appropriate wiring diagrams and manuals to isolate flight management system malfunctions
performing system functional tests and checks to isolate system faults and assess post-maintenance serviceability
effectively using maintenance documentation and relevant fault diagnosis guides in the troubleshooting process
applying standard procedures
observing all relevant WHS procedures.
It is essential that system testing procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions applicable to the flight management 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.
This may be demonstrated through application across the components of a flight management system as listed in the Assessment Conditions.
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:
standard trade practices relating to tool and test equipment usage and installation/securing of system components
electrical principles and digital electronic theory
the basic layout (block diagram level) of flight management systems
the operating principles of flight management computers, control display units and database units, including the interface with flight control, engine control and navigation systems
the interface with Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System and relevant Aeronautical Radio Incorporated (ARINC) specifications (avionic data bus)
the operation of integral GPS sensors
WHS procedures relating to flight management systems and components
relevant maintenance manuals
relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures, including software management control
maintenance requirements and troubleshooting procedures.
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in the work environment or simulated work environment using tools and equipment specified in maintenance documentation. It is also expected that general-purpose tools and test equipment found in most routine situations 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 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, including software management control.
Where the flight management system includes integral GPS, consideration may be given to concurrent assessment of MEA234 Inspect, test and troubleshoot aircraft global navigation systems and components.
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 this unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on a system and on at least one (1) major system component of each of:
flight management computer
control display unit
database unit
GPS sensor (may be omitted if not applicable to enterprise)
GPS antenna (may be omitted if not applicable to 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
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. | ||
Flight management systems include: | Flight management computer Control display unit Database unit Global positioning system (GPS) sensor (where applicable to the enterprise) GPS antenna (where applicable to the enterprise) | |
Procedures and requirements include: | Industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise | |
Sectors
Competency Field
Aviation maintenance