Assessor Resource

MEA230C
Test and troubleshoot fixed wing aircraft automatic flight control systems and components

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit requires application of hand skills and the use of system/component knowledge and applicable maintenance publications to test and troubleshoot aircraft automatic flight control systems and components.

Applications include fixed wing aircraft that have automatic flight control systems.

This unit of competency is part of the Avionic Certificate IV (Aircraft Maintenance Stream) training pathways and is an alternative unit to MEA231C Inspect, test and troubleshoot rotary wing aircraft automatic flight control systems and components. It covers the competencies required to test and troubleshoot automatic flight control systems and components of fixed wing aircraft. The unit is used in workplaces that operate under the airworthiness regulatory systems of the ADF and CASA.

Where a CASA licensing outcome is sought this unit forms part of the CASA requirement for the granting of the B2 maintenance certification licence under CASR Part 66, in accordance with the licensing provisions in Section 3, Assessment Guidelines.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

MEA246C

Fabricate and/or repair aircraft electrical components or parts

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to test and troubleshoot automatic flight control systems and components while observing all relevant safety precautions.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The underlying skills inherent in this unit should be transferable across a range of testing and troubleshooting applications (including the timely involvement of supervisors or other trades) associated with fixed wing aircraft automatic flight control systems and components. It is essential that system testing procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions applicable to the system being maintained are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to testing and troubleshooting is essential. This is to be demonstrated through application across a range of aircraft automatic flight control systems and components listed in the Range Statement. The application of testing procedures should clearly indicate knowledge of system operation, the relationship of individual components and the links with other systems (if applicable) 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.

A person cannot be assessed as competent until it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the workplace assessor that the relevant elements of the unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on at least one item from each of Groups 1 to 4 listed in the Range Statement (Group 5 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.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace using tools and equipment specified in the maintenance manuals. It is also expected that general and special purpose tools, test and ground support equipment would be used where appropriate.

Method of assessment

Guidance information for assessment

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

component attachment methods

explaining the basic layout (block diagram level), function and operation of:

flight director components and interface

flight control components and interface

automatic throttle components and interface

automatic pilot system and interface

flight management system interface

navigation system interfaces

explaining basic principles/functions, relating to the above systems and associated with:

basic AC and DC circuit theory

digital fundamentals

analogue fundamentals

fixed wing flight theory

inner and outer loop control

fixed wing flight control system (mechanical, hydraulic and electro-mechanical types, trim and stabilisation)

flight control modes/channels

OHS requirements

system and component maintenance requirements and troubleshooting procedures

relevant maintenance manuals

relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

applying relevant OHS practices

using approved maintenance documentation and aircraft publications relating to the automatic flight control system being maintained

recognition of system and component defects/external damage, correct installation, connection of plugs, terminations, and attaching hardware (including cabling/harnesses) and security in:

flight director components and interface

flight control components and interface

automatic throttle components and interface

automatic pilot system and interface

applying logic processes, taking and interpreting system measurements, using test equipment and appropriate wiring diagrams and manuals to accurately and effectively isolate malfunctions in the above systems

performing system testing to isolate system malfunctions and assess post-maintenance serviceability

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Note

Range statements listed below are numbered to facilitate specification of the assessment requirements included in the Evidence Guide

Automatic flight control systems

Automatic flight control systems may include:

1. Automatic pilot

2. Flight director

3. Automatic trim

4. Yaw damper

5. Automatic throttle and automatic landing

Troubleshooting

Troubleshootinginvolves the use of fault-finding charts or similar, to line replacement level

Application

Application of this unit may relate to:

scheduled or unscheduled maintenance activities

individual or team-related activities

Procedures and requirements

Refer to industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including system defect reports, where relevant, are used to identify an unserviceability 
Aircraft and system are prepared in accordance with applicable maintenance manual for the application of power/system operation 
Automatic flight control system is functionally tested, in accordance with maintenance manual, for evidence of serviceability or malfunction 
System calibration or adjustments are performed in accordance with maintenance manual, as appropriate 
Available information from maintenance documents and inspection and test results is used, where necessary, to assist in fault determination 
Maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides and logic processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting 
Specialist advice is obtained, where required, to assist with the troubleshooting process 
Automatic flight control system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required 
Rectification requirements are determined 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MEA230C - Test and troubleshoot fixed wing aircraft automatic flight control systems and components
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

MEA230C - Test and troubleshoot fixed wing aircraft automatic flight control systems and components

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: