Assessor Resource

MEA315C
Inspect, test and troubleshoot propeller systems and components

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit requires application of hand skills, the use of maintenance publications and knowledge of propeller and propeller system theory to inspect, test and troubleshoot propellers and propeller system components.

Applications include propeller driven fixed wing aircraft.

This unit of competency is part of the Mechanical Certificate IV (Aircraft Maintenance Stream) training pathway. It covers the competencies required to inspect, test and troubleshoot propeller systems and components. This 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 chosen Aircraft Maintenance Engineer 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

MEA307C

Remove and install propeller systems and components

Co-Requisites

Not applicable

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 apply hand skills, use maintenance publications and propeller and propeller system theory knowledge to inspect, test and troubleshoot propellers and their systems on propeller driven fixed wing aircraft while applying 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 inspection, testing and troubleshooting applications (including the timely involvement of supervisors or other trades) associated with propeller systems. It is essential that system test procedures take into account all safety precautions associated with propeller system operation, and that awareness be demonstrated of dual inspection requirements associated with work on propeller control systems.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing and troubleshooting is essential. This may be demonstrated through application across a number of aircraft systems or aircraft types. Ability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical. The application of testing procedures should also clearly indicate knowledge of system operation. System operation knowledge, the relationship of individual components and the links with other systems will be necessary to supplement evidence of ability to troubleshoot the system 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 work environment or simulated work environment using tools and equipment specified in maintenance manuals. It is also expected that general purpose tools, test and ground support equipment found in most routine situations would be used where appropriate. The level of troubleshooting is limited in its application to the use of fault diagnosis guides or other similar information.

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.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

applying relevant OHS practices, including the lifting and handling of heavy components

using relevant maintenance documentation and aircraft manuals to:

through visual/physical inspection, recognise external signs of defects or rigging abnormalities in propellers and propeller system components

functionally test propellers and propeller systems and recognise any indication of malfunction or incorrect rigging or adjustment

rig and adjust propeller controls and systems

using fault diagnosis guides and equivalent data, to accurately and efficiently troubleshoot the causes of unserviceabilities in propellers and propeller systems, clearly record details and identify the required rectification actions

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

fault diagnosis techniques

propeller system layout and operation:

propeller types

propeller terminology

forces acting on a propeller

propeller construction

propeller operation

pitch changing mechanisms

governors and beta control

controls and rigging of propeller controls

maintenance requirements and troubleshooting procedures

ancillary systems and system component operation, including electrical and instrument system interfaces:

de-icing and anti-icing

multi-engine synchronising and synchrophasing

feathering and unfeathering, including auto feathering

pitch reversal

negative torque sensing and protection

de-coupling

braking

thrust and torque measuring and indication

maintenance requirements and troubleshooting procedures

relevant OHS practices, including the requirements for the lifting and handling of heavy components

relevant maintenance manuals

relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures

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

Propeller and propeller systems

Propeller and systems may include:

1. Propellers, including spinners, where fitted

2. Constant speed, feathering and reversing propeller drives

3. Beta control systems and governors

4. Controls and linkages

5. De-ice/anti-ice equipment

Troubleshooting

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

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
Isolation tags already attached to the system or related systems are checked and aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with applicable maintenance manual 
Propeller system is visually or physically checked for rigging and external signs of defects in accordance with applicable maintenance manual 
Aircraft and system are correctly prepared in accordance with maintenance manual for the operation of engine and propeller system 
Propeller and system are functionally tested in accordance with applicable maintenance manual for evidence of malfunction or defects 
System calibration or adjustments are performed in accordance with applicable maintenance manual 
Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including system defect reports, where relevant, are interpreted to identify an unserviceability 
Available information from maintenance documentation and inspection and test results is used, where necessary, to assist in fault determination 
Maintenance manual fault diagnosis guide and logical processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting 
Specialist advice is obtained, where required, to assist with the troubleshooting process 
Propeller system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required 
Fault rectification requirements are determined to assist in planning the repair 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MEA315C - Inspect, test and troubleshoot propeller 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

MEA315C - Inspect, test and troubleshoot propeller 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: