Application
This unit of competency requires application of skills and knowledge relating to the maintenance and fitment of helmets worn by aircrew and passengers. Maintenance involves inspection, testing, fault diagnosis, replacement of parts, cleaning and functional testing. Fitment involves adjusting the helmet to correctly fit an individual. Maintenance may be performed individually or as part of a team.
Maintaining and fitting ancillary helmet equipment, such as illumination systems, night vision equipment and oxygen masks, is not part of this unit.
This unit is part of the Aeroskills Life Support and Furnishing Certificate III and IV training pathways.
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).
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1. | Maintain helmet | 1.1 | Helmet is inspected for serviceability in accordance with standard procedures |
1.2 | Helmet is tested for serviceability in accordance with standard procedures and manufacturer’s specifications | ||
1.3 | Identified faults beyond own authority to rectify are reported to supervisor and faulty helmet is quarantined | ||
1.4 | Unserviceable parts of the helmet are replaced in accordance with standards procedures 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) | ||
1.5 | Communication system components are tested in accordance with standard procedures | ||
1.6 | Helmet is cleaned in accordance with standard procedures | ||
1.7 | Helmet is presented for inspection by supervisor in accordance with standard procedures | ||
1.8 | Maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures | ||
2. | Fit helmet | 2.1 | Fitting process is explained to the participant so that optimal fit can be achieved through relevant feedback |
2.2 | Participant is measured to select an appropriate size helmet | ||
2.3 | Components of helmet are adjusted to optimise fit | ||
2.4 | Helmet fit is verified through participant feedback and by the supervisor | ||
2.5 | Relevant documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures |
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 WHS practices relating to helmet maintenance processes, including the selection and correct use of PPE, where applicable
using MSDS
using applicable tools and maintenance documentation to:
solder helmet electronic/electrical components
test the operation of helmet electronic/electrical components
replace unserviceable components in accordance with approved procedures including hand sewing, the use of hazardous chemicals and adhesives and thermal oven operation
select and use appropriate helmet cleaning materials
correctly fit helmets to users
tying of knots, including:
reef knot
bowline
thumb knot
half hitch
cleaning and maintenance of equipment and tools
correctly disposing of hazardous waste.
The underlying skills inherent in this unit should be transferable across a range of aircraft life support equipment maintenance activities. It is essential that helmet testing and inspection procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions, including the correct use of PPE, are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret maintenance and fitting procedures and apply them in practice is critical.
This is to be demonstrated through demonstration of the ability to recognise faults and damage and perform appropriate repairs that are within the bounds of the individual’s authority, and through the demonstration of correct fitting procedures.
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:
relevant enterprise procedures and maintenance publications
WHS procedures relating to helmet maintenance including the selection and use of PPE
how to obtain MSDS
components of a helmet and their function
helmet operation in relation to flight
physiological effects of flight
aircraft crash dynamics
critical nature of maintaining and fitting helmets
need to regularly assess correct fitment of helmets
helmet fitting procedures
G forces
forces of ejection
basic electrical principles
environmental conditions that may affect helmets
approved cleaning methods for aviation life support equipment
handling, storage and transit procedures relating to life support equipment
types of corrosion and contamination that may affect helmets
modification requirements for helmets
helmet repair procedures and limitations
soldering techniques
operation of testing and measuring equipment and relevant specialist tools including thermal oven operation
use and storage of adhesives.
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace using materials, tools and equipment specified in the maintenance manuals and applicable procedures. It is also expected that general and special-purpose tools and ground support equipment would be used where appropriate.
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 three (3) unserviceable helmets providing a representative range of maintenance tasks and on the correct fitting of helmets to at least three (3) individuals.
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
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. | ||
Standard procedures are found in any or all of: | Commonwealth/state/territory WHS legislation, regulations and codes Australian Standards Equipment manufacturers’ specifications and procedures Industry practices Safety manual Maintenance schedules Work instructions Maintenance organisation manual MSDS Defence regulations and instructions Standing instructions | |
Faults include: | Contamination Corrosion Cracks Delamination Fraying Incorrect manufacture Intermittent communication Scores/scratches | |
Replaceable parts of the helmet include: | Comfort pads Ear cup Ear cup pads Liner Retention straps Visor | |
Communication system components include: | Earphones Microphone Electric cables Switches | |
Components adjusted for fitment include: | Communications system (e.g. ear cup and microphone where fitted) Comfort system (e.g. pads) Retention system (e.g. strap) Sizing system (e.g. liner) Visor system |
Sectors
Competency Field
Aircraft life support