Application
This unit of competency requires application of basic knowledge of aircraft system design and schematic layout, including the relative advantages of the different types of system.
The unit is part of Diploma and 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. | Select and lay out schematically aircraft mechanical systems | 1.1 | Mechanical system applications in aircraft design and their relative advantages and disadvantages compared to other system types are identified |
1.2 | Components of mechanical systems are identified | ||
1.3 | A mechanical system is selected for an application, the schematic layout is sketched and all components are labelled | ||
1.4 | Mechanical system maintenance requirements are identified | ||
2. | Select and lay out schematically aircraft hydraulic systems | 2.1 | Hydraulic system applications in aircraft design, their operation and their relative advantages and disadvantages compared to other system types are identified |
2.2 | Aircraft hydraulic fluids, their characteristics and handling precautions are identified | ||
2.3 | Components of hydraulic systems are identified and their operation is described in general terms | ||
2.4 | A hydraulic system is selected for an application, the schematic layout is sketched and all components are labelled | ||
2.5 | Hydraulic system maintenance requirements are identified | ||
3. | Select and lay out schematically aircraft pneumatic systems | 3.1 | Pneumatic system applications in aircraft design, their operation and their relative advantages and disadvantages compared to other system types are identified |
3.2 | Components of pneumatic systems are identified and their operation is described in general terms | ||
3.3 | A pneumatic system is selected for an application, the schematic layout is sketched and all components are labelled | ||
3.4 | Pneumatic system maintenance requirements are identified | ||
4. | Select and lay out schematically aircraft fuel storage and distribution systems | 4.1 | Typical fuel storage and distribution systems used in aircraft design are identified |
4.2 | Components of fuel storage and distribution systems are identified and their operation is described | ||
4.3 | A fuel storage and distribution system is selected for an application, the schematic layout is sketched and all components are labelled | ||
4.4 | Types of aircraft fuel, their characteristics and handling precautions are identified | ||
4.5 | Fuel storage and distribution system maintenance requirements are identified | ||
5. | Set up and operate a simple hydraulic system | 5.1 | The hydraulic system is sketched and all components are labelled |
5.2 | Required components are obtained | ||
5.3 | The system is assembled and operated 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) | ||
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:
laying out a typical aircraft mechanical system
laying out a typical aircraft hydraulic system
laying out a typical aircraft pneumatic system
laying out a typical fuel storage and distribution system
setting up and operating a basic hydraulic system that includes:
hydraulic rig
manual selector valve
filter
accumulator
check valve
linear actuators
rigid and flexible plumbing
applying relevant WHS precautions, including the use of PPE and MSDS.
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:
fluid power principles
plumbing identification marking
mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic aircraft systems, their components and maintenance requirements
the relative advantages and disadvantages of mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems
hydraulic fluid types, characteristics and handling precautions
aircraft fuel storage and distribution systems and components thereof
aircraft fuels, their characteristics and handling precautions
WHS precautions relating to aircraft systems and their operation.
Assessment Conditions
This unit may be assessed off the job in a training environment equipped to provide exposure to the range of system types and provide for the layout, set-up and operation of basic hydraulic systems. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, 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. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, teacher’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. | ||
Mechanical system applications include: | Flight controls Flap operation Nose wheel steering Landing gear door operation Entrance door mechanisms | |
Components of mechanical systems include: | Cables Chains Sprockets Pulleys Fairleads Cable tensioners Gearboxes Screwjacks Rods Universal joints Constant velocity joints Clutches Bearings and bushes | |
Hydraulic system applications include: | Flight controls Flap and spoiler operation Landing gear retraction and extension Brakes (including anti-skid) Nose wheel steering Shimmy damping Door operation | |
Components of hydraulic systems include: | Pumps Plumbing Valves (manual and electrically operated) Actuators Motors Check valves Pressure gauges (direct reading and electrical) Electrical control circuit micro switches Reservoirs Accumulators Filters | |
Pneumatic system applications include: | Landing gear retraction and extension Pneudraulic emergency systems for landing gear extension and brakes Engine bleed air Engine starting Anti-icing De-icing Pressurisation Air cycle air conditioning | |
Components of pneumatic systems include: | Precoolers Pressure regulator and shutoff valves Temperature modulating valve Check valves Over-pressure valves Temperature regulating valves Underloading valves Shuttle valves Back pressure valves Outflow valves Heat exchangers Moisture separators Chemical driers Filters Mechanical compressors Compressed air bottles De-icing boots Ducting | |
Components of fuel storage and distribution systems include: | Integral fuel cells Rigid and flexible fuel cells External fuel tanks Rigid and flexible plumbing and couplings Manifolds Selector valves Anti-surge valves Anti-gravity valves Fuel quantity indication Fuel flow indication Boost pumps Transfer pumps Filters Strainers Fuel heaters | |
Sectors
Competency Field
Aeronautical engineering