This unit of competency requires application of hand skills, test equipment and knowledge of pulse, analogue and digital theory to repair or overhaul pulse system components from aircraft control and distribution systems during scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Work may be performed individually or as part of a team.

Applications include control and distribution system components from fixed and rotary wing aircraft that are repaired or overhauled in aviation maintenance workshops.

The unit is part of the Avionic Certificate IV (Component Workshop Maintenance Stream) training pathway.

Repair of circuit boards is covered by MEA262 Modify/repair aircraft component single layer printed circuit boards and MEA263 Modify/repair aircraft component multi-layer printed circuit boards.

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).

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 repair/overhaul manuals, procedures and processes relating to aircraft display, control and distribution system components

recognising the serviceability state and repair or overhaul requirements for components from:

digital electronic instruments/display systems

digital flight controllers and directors

digital AFCS/autopilot systems

flight management systems

analogue components of control and distribution systems

applying logic processes, using test equipment and appropriate wiring diagrams and manuals to isolate component faults

performing component testing to isolate/confirm component fault and assess post-repair/overhaul serviceability

correctly aligning components listed above to operate within prescribed specifications

correctly interpreting digital instrument display indications, information and symbols.

It is essential that system testing procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions applicable to the display, control and distribution system components 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, alignment and troubleshooting applications (including the timely involvement of supervisors or other trades) is critical.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to testing, aligning and troubleshooting is essential. This may be demonstrated through application across a representative range of the 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 and system operation

the basic function and operation of components as follows to enable testing for fault isolation/confirmation, to determine repair or overhaul requirements, and serviceability status post-repair or overhaul:

digital electronic instruments/display system components

digital flight controllers and directors

digital AFCS/autopilot system components

flight management system components

analogue components of control and distribution systems

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

advanced analogue fundamentals, including video display generation techniques

digital fundamentals

alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) electrical systems.

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 and special-purpose tools and test equipment would be used where appropriate.

The application of testing procedures should also clearly indicate knowledge of system operation before undertaking any action. Knowledge of system operation and the relationship of individual components will be necessary to supplement evidence of ability to troubleshoot component faults. The work plan should take account of applicable safety and quality requirements in accordance with the industry and regulatory standards. Use of high precision, high reliability soldering techniques and handling of components, including application of anti-static equipment, must be demonstrated.

Assessment should be made across a sufficient number of components to establish the ability to apply attained skills and knowledge across the full range of display, control and distribution system components with the aid of applicable maintenance manuals and data.

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 a representative range of components, that are applicable to the enterprise, from the following systems:

display systems, including EFIS, EICAS and ECAM

AFCS

autopilots (digital and analogue)

flight director (digital and analogue)

flight management.

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).

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

Aviation maintenance