ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1 | Conduct pre-flight actions | 1.1 | Own fitness for flight and planned operations is self-assessed |
1.2 | Operational aircraft type is determined for suitability for type of aerial application operation |
1.3 | Aircraft and role equipment are checked and assessed for serviceability prior to commencing flight operations |
1.4 | Required applicable maintenance documentation is compiled and checked for accuracy and completeness |
1.5 | Role equipment calibration is checked and adjusted as required |
1.6 | Planned aerial application operations are assessed for potential or actual hazards |
1.7 | Fuel requirements are determined and established within aerial application management plans |
1.8 | Logistical considerations are addressed within scope of application management plan including airstrip/aerodrome status, ground support requirements, personal supplies and air traffic service requirements |
2 | Conduct planning and risk management | 2.1 | Suitability of current and forecast weather is determined |
2.2 | Application management plan is developed and used as the basis for aerial application operations |
2.3 | Potential and actual hazards and operational requirements are identified, risks to aerial application operations are assessed and appropriate risk controls are implemented in accordance with the application management plan |
2.4 | Treatment area map is correctly interpreted |
2.5 | Command decision on the safety of the proposed application, including refusing to undertake an application where the risks are considered to be too high is made as required |
2.6 | Appropriate selection of application pattern and direction of treatment is made, taking into consideration safety, efficiency, hazards and terrain |
2.7 | Acceptable aircraft performance for aerial application operational conditions is confirmed through performance planning |
2.8 | Normal and abnormal operational communications and signals are confirmed |
3 | Perform operational area evaluation | 3.1 | Aircraft is flown to aerial application operational area using appropriate flight and navigational techniques |
3.2 | Operational landing areas are assessed for length, condition, approach/landing direction, hazard identification and meteorological conditions |
3.3 | Issues relating to aircraft weight, performance, dimensions, load and meteorological conditions are identified and managed |
3.4 | Landing areas suitable for conducting aerial application operations are selected |
3.5 | Aircraft pre-landing/take off checks are performed in accordance with operational procedures |
3.6 | Appropriate landing and take-off techniques are conducted during aerial application operations |
3.7 | Appropriate dumping point for each take-off, including adequate safety buffers, is identified |
3.8 | Oneway airstrip operations are safely applied, as required |
3.9 | Safe helicopter operations from a marginal helicopter landing site (HLS) are demonstrated, as required |
4 | Fly between operational and application areas | 4.1 | Low-level navigation techniques from an operational area to an application area are used as required |
4.2 | Most appropriate routes and heights between operational and application areas with considerations to terrain, stock, populated areas, housing and hazards are selected |
4.3 | Operations at a certified or registered aerodrome are conducted as required |
4.4 | Aerial application operations are performed in accordance with published regulations requirements |
5 | Conduct an aerial survey | 5.1 | Appropriate aerial survey plans are developed for conducting safe aerial application operations |
5.2 | Operating area boundaries are established and environmentally sensitive areas are identified including areas that are noise sensitive, biologically susceptible, populated and urban, and restricted or dangerous |
5.3 | Potential emergency or alternate landing areas are identified and/or established for contingency operations |
5.4 | Environmental hazard factors affecting aerial application operations are considered |
5.5 | Wind velocity and direction are assessed for effect on operations |
5.6 | Application management plans are amended or modified based on aerial survey assessment results as required |
6 | Operate within the vicinity of power lines | 6.1 | Power lines within and outside the treatment area during an aerial survey are identified |
6.2 | Power line infrastructure cues are interpreted to aid wire run identification |
6.3 | Wire heights are accurately assessed to support safe operations in vicinity of power lines, including safe flying parallel to wires |
6.4 | Other hazards relevant to operations near power lines, such as pole stays, crop height, fences or machinery that may pose a risk are identified and managed |
6.5 | Safe command decision whether to fly over or under a wire is made |
6.6 | Aerial application operations over wires, including adequate safety buffers for pull-up and let down and accurate cut-off and on-off application equipment are conducted |
6.7 | Aerial application operations under wires, including assessment of safe clearance distances are conducted |
6.8 | Application approaches towards power lines when passage beneath is unachievable, are terminated safely |
6.9 | Human factors that may affect operations near power lines, particularly distraction, short-term memory limitations and inattention (perceptual) blindness are applied during aerial application operations |
7 | Apply substances through aerial application | 7.1 | Substances are applied safely in accordance with the application management plan |
7.2 | Correct application height relevant to terrain, application type and meteorological conditions is established and maintained |
7.3 | Appropriate airspeed and flight profile is controlled on entry or re-entry to operational areas |
7.4 | Aerial application equipment is operated within scope of the application management plan |
7.5 | Hazard areas are manoeuvred around with adequate safety margins during application operations |
7.6 | Aircraft smoke dispersal equipment is routinely utilised to establish accurate wind velocity and direction |
7.7 | Application flow rates, pressure and product quantities are monitored during application operations |
7.8 | Decisions to suspend or continue safe aerial application operations are taken based on planned or actual operating conditions |
7.9 | Clean up operations and hazard safety checks are conducted on completion of aerial application |
8 | Conduct GNSS swath guidance equipment operations | 8.1 | GNSS familiarity is applied to the appropriate level of operational requirement |
8.2 | Sound judgement is applied during application treatment area pattern selection |
8.3 | Correct swath relevant to aircraft, configuration and substance to be applied is selected |
8.4 | AB line and C point is accurately placed as required |
8.5 | Aircraft is accurately manoeuvred on correct swath line with reference to light bar and natural features |
8.6 | Aircraft is operated at maximum permissible weights for aerial application operations in accordance with manufacturer and regulatory requirements |
8.7 | Aircraft take-off weight is determined within requirements relevant to strip length and operating conditions |
8.8 | Aircraft is operated safely and effectively at maximum weights during all phases of flight including taxi, take off and climb, approach and landing, application, turns and obstacle avoidance manoeuvres |
9 | Jettison a load | 9.1 | Full liquid load is jettisoned during take-off and control of aircraft is maintained |
9.2 | Full liquid load is jettisoned during flight and aircraft pitch, roll, yaw and speed changes are controlled |