MEA512
Maintain general aviation recovery devices with ballistic parachute systems


Application

This unit of competency is required by individuals seeking approval within Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 145 and Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR) 30 maintenance organisations to maintain general aviation recovery devices that have ballistic parachute systems. Coverage does not include the maintenance and re-packing of the parachute which is covered by unit MEA505 Maintain and pack parachutes.

The unit requires the application of hand skills and knowledge of general aviation recovery devices (GARD) with ballistic parachute systems to remove, install and maintain the system when fitted to small aircraft.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element

1.

Inspect GARD ballistic parachute system

1.1

Ballistic parachute container is inspected in accordance with applicable maintenance data

1.2

Parachute deployment rocket and operating cable is inspected in accordance with applicable maintenance data 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)

1.3

Remaining installed life is verified from aircraft documentation

1.4

Maintenance documentation is completed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

2.

Remove GARD ballistic parachute system

2.1

Operating cable is disconnected and rocket is removed in accordance with applicable maintenance data and explosives handling safety precautions

2.2

Parachute container is removed from the aircraft in accordance with applicable maintenance data while observing all relevant WHS requirements, including the use of MSDS and items of PPE

2.3

Maintenance documentation is completed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

3.

Install GARD ballistic parachute system

3.1

Parachute container is installed in accordance with applicable maintenance data

3.2

Rocket is fitted and operating cable connected in accordance with applicable maintenance data and explosives handling safety precautions

3.3

Maintenance documentation is completed 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 hand skills and using maintenance data to inspect ballistic parachute systems

using aircraft maintenance records to confirm the remaining installed life of ballistic parachute systems

observing explosive ordnance handling safety precautions and maintenance data to:

disconnect the rocket and remove the ballistic parachute system

install the ballistic parachute system and connect the operating cable to the rocket.

It is essential that the relevant procedures are interpreted and applied to ensure quality and safety standards are achieved.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to maintenance is essential. This shall be demonstrated through application across a number of ballistic parachute systems.


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:

ballistic parachute:

operation

hazards and safety precautions

parachute and rocket installed lives

maintenance data

completion of an approved GARD system maintenance course that includes coverage of ballistic parachute systems.


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.

Ability to assess system serviceability and interpret remaining installed life will be necessary 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 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 an approved maintenance course has been successfully completed and the relevant elements and the performance criteria of the unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on the ballistic parachute systems maintained by the organisation.

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).

CAO 100.5 requires that training be delivered in the form of a maintenance course approved by a CAR 30 or CASR Part 145 maintenance organisation. Evidence of course completion forms part of the assessment criteria.

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.

Maintenance data includes:

Aircraft maintenance manuals

Manufacturer maintenance manuals

Regulatory requirements

Procedures and requirements include:

Industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise


Sectors


Competency Field

Aviation maintenance