Application
This unit of competency requires application of hand skills, the use of maintenance publications, and knowledge of propeller and propeller system theory to inspect, test and troubleshoot fixed wing aircraft propellers and propeller system components during the performance of scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Maintenance may be performed individually or as part of a team.
The unit is part of the Mechanical Certificate IV (Aircraft Maintenance Stream) training pathway.
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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1. | Inspect propeller systems and components | 1.1 | Isolation tags already attached to the system or related systems are checked and aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with applicable maintenance manual |
1.2 | Propeller system is visually or physically checked for rigging and external signs of defects in accordance with applicable maintenance manual while observing all relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including the use of material safety data sheets (MSDS) and items of personal protective equipment (PPE) | ||
2. | Test propeller systems | 2.1 | Aircraft and system are correctly prepared, in accordance with maintenance manual, for the operation of engine and propeller system |
2.2 | Propeller and system are functionally tested in accordance with applicable maintenance manual for evidence of malfunction or defects | ||
2.3 | System calibration or adjustments are performed in accordance with applicable maintenance manual | ||
3. | Prepare for troubleshooting | 3.1 | Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including system defect reports, where relevant, are interpreted to identify an unserviceability |
4. | Troubleshoot propeller systems | 4.1 | Available information from maintenance documentation and inspection and test results is used, where necessary, to assist in fault determination |
4.2 | Maintenance manual fault diagnosis guide and logical processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting to line replacement level | ||
4.3 | Specialist advice is obtained, where required, to assist with the troubleshooting process | ||
4.4 | Propeller system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required | ||
4.5 | Fault rectification requirements are determined to assist in planning the repair |
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:
applying relevant WHS practices, including the lifting and handling of heavy components
using relevant maintenance documentation and aircraft manuals to:
recognise, through visual/physical inspection, external signs of defects or rigging abnormalities in propellers and propeller system components
functionally test propellers and propeller systems and recognise any indication of malfunction or incorrect rigging or adjustment
rig and adjust propeller controls and systems
using fault diagnosis guides and equivalent data to accurately and efficiently troubleshoot the causes of unserviceabilities in propellers and propeller systems, clearly record details and identify the required rectification actions.
The underlying skills inherent in this unit should be transferable across a range of inspection, testing and troubleshooting applications (including the timely involvement of supervisors or other trades) associated with propeller systems. It is essential that system test procedures take into account all safety precautions associated with propeller system operation, and that awareness be demonstrated of dual inspection requirements associated with work on propeller control systems.
This shall be demonstrated through application across a number of propeller systems or propeller types. Ability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical.
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:
fault diagnosis techniques
propeller system layout and operation:
propeller types
propeller terminology
forces acting on a propeller
propeller construction
propeller operation
pitch changing mechanisms
governors and beta control
controls and rigging of propeller controls
maintenance requirements and troubleshooting procedures
ancillary systems and system component operation, including electrical and instrument system interfaces:
de-icing and anti-icing
multi-engine synchronising and synchrophasing
feathering and unfeathering, including auto feathering
pitch reversal
negative torque sensing and protection
de-coupling
braking
thrust and torque measuring and indication
maintenance requirements and troubleshooting procedures
relevant WHS practices, including the requirements for the lifting and handling of heavy components
relevant maintenance manuals
relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures.
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in the work environment or simulated work environment using tools and equipment specified in maintenance manuals. It is also expected that general-purpose tools, test and ground support equipment found in most routine situations would be used where appropriate.
The application of testing procedures should clearly indicate knowledge of system operation. System operation knowledge, the relationship of individual components and the links with other systems will be necessary to supplement evidence of ability to troubleshoot the system 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 (1) item from each of the following groups:
propellers, including spinners, where fitted
constant speed, feathering and reversing propeller drives
beta control systems and governors
controls and linkages
de-ice/anti-ice equipment (may be omitted where it is 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
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. | ||
Propeller and propeller systems include: | Propellers, including spinners, where fitted Constant speed, feathering and reversing propeller drives Beta control systems and governors Controls and linkages De-ice/anti-ice equipment (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