Assessor Resource

MEA316
Inspect, test and troubleshoot rotary wing rotor and control systems and components

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency requires application of hand skills, the use of maintenance publications, and knowledge of rotors and rotor control system theory to inspect, test and troubleshoot rotary wing aircraft rotors and rotor control systems during the performance of scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Maintenance may be performed individually or as part of a team.

The unit is part of the Mechanical Certificate IV (Aircraft Maintenance Stream) training pathway.

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).

Where a CASA licensing outcome is sought this unit forms part of the CASA requirement for the granting of the chosen maintenance certification licence under Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 66, in accordance with the licensing provisions in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

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



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.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1.

Inspect rotor and rotor control systems and components

1.1

Isolation and warning signs are fitted/installed to the system or related systems and the aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations orders and standards and practices

1.2

Rotor and rotor control system is visually or physically checked/inspected for external signs of defects in accordance with relevant aircraft publications maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices while observing all relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements

1.3

Defects are identified and recorded in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

2.

Ground test rotor and rotor control systems

2.1

Aircraft and system prepared in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations orders and standards and practices for the operation of engine and rotor system

2.2

Rotor and rotor control system are functionally tested in accordance with relevant aircraft publications maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices for evidence of malfunction

2.3

System calibration or adjustments are performed in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices

3.

Prepare for troubleshooting

3.1

Relevant aircraft publications and modification status, including system defect reports, are interpreted to identify an unserviceability

4.

Troubleshoot rotor and rotor control systems

4.1

Available information from aircraft maintenance documentation, inspection and test results is used to assist in fault determination

4.2

Relevant aircraft publication fault diagnosis guide and logical processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting to line replacement level

4.3

Specialist advice is obtained to assist with the troubleshooting process

4.4

Rotor and rotor control system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and recorded in aircraft maintenance documentation in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

4.5

Fault rectification requirements are determined

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 relevant WHS procedures

using relevant maintenance documentation and aircraft manuals to:

recognise through visual/physical inspection external signs of defects in the rotor, rotor head, tail rotor and flight control mechanical system components

ground test the rotor and control system and recognise correct function

rig and adjust rotor controls and systems

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

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 the rotor control systems. It is essential that testing procedures take into account all safety precautions associated with ground testing of rotor and rotor control systems, and that awareness be demonstrated of dual inspection requirements associated with work on control systems.

Ability to interpret system performance specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical and shall be demonstrated through application across the range of systems listed in the Assessment Conditions.

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:

fault diagnosis techniques

standard trade practices relating to tool and test/rigging equipment usage

theory of flight:

airflow

conditions of flight

lift and forces

drag

rotary flight principles:

terminology relating to:

aerofoils

main rotor blades

rotor discs

rotors – main and tail

aerodynamic characteristics:

aerofoil design

forces

rotor thrust and power requirements

vortex ring

autorotation

helicopter stability

helicopter dynamic components:

main rotors:

blades

heads

linkages

tail rotors

swash plates

transmissions and drive shafts

clutches and freewheeling units

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

cyclic pitch control

collective pitch control

tail rotor control

mechanical and powered control systems

engine control interface

torque reaction and anti-torque devices

engine indication

vibration monitoring

helicopter maintenance procedures and troubleshooting

relevant maintenance manuals

relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures including requirements for engine and rotor system operation

relevant WHS practices.

Competency should be assessed in the work environment or simulated work environment, using tools and equipment specified in aircraft maintenance manuals. It is also expected that applicable general-purpose tools, test and ground support equipment found in most routine situations would be used where appropriate.

The application of ground testing procedures should 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.

Functional testing of rotors and rotor control systems with engine/s running may be carried out with the applicant directing a pilot qualified on type.

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 one (1) item from each of the following groups:

main rotor blades and tail rotor blades

rotor heads, swash plates and tail rotor pitch control assemblies

mechanical, powered flight control components

main rotor, intermediate or tail rotor gearboxes

drive shafts and couplings.

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).

Where the unit is to be used for CASA licensing purposes the Assessor must also meet the criteria specified in the CASR Part 147 Manual of Standards.

Individuals being assessed who have already attained MEA352 Maintain basic rotary wing aircraft systems will have satisfied the requirements of this unit with regard to common Range of Conditions variables. The Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement records relating to MEA352 Maintain basic rotary wing aircraft systems may be accepted as also meeting the evidence requirements for this unit in the applicable common areas.


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.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1.

Inspect rotor and rotor control systems and components

1.1

Isolation and warning signs are fitted/installed to the system or related systems and the aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations orders and standards and practices

1.2

Rotor and rotor control system is visually or physically checked/inspected for external signs of defects in accordance with relevant aircraft publications maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices while observing all relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements

1.3

Defects are identified and recorded in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

2.

Ground test rotor and rotor control systems

2.1

Aircraft and system prepared in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations orders and standards and practices for the operation of engine and rotor system

2.2

Rotor and rotor control system are functionally tested in accordance with relevant aircraft publications maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices for evidence of malfunction

2.3

System calibration or adjustments are performed in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices

3.

Prepare for troubleshooting

3.1

Relevant aircraft publications and modification status, including system defect reports, are interpreted to identify an unserviceability

4.

Troubleshoot rotor and rotor control systems

4.1

Available information from aircraft maintenance documentation, inspection and test results is used to assist in fault determination

4.2

Relevant aircraft publication fault diagnosis guide and logical processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting to line replacement level

4.3

Specialist advice is obtained to assist with the troubleshooting process

4.4

Rotor and rotor control system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and recorded in aircraft maintenance documentation in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

4.5

Fault rectification requirements are determined

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.

Rotor and rotor control systems include:

Main rotor blades and tail rotor blades

Rotor heads, swash plates and tail rotor pitch control assemblies

Mechanical, powered flight control components

Main rotor, intermediate or tail rotor gearboxes

Drive shafts and couplings

Procedures and requirements include:

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

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 relevant WHS procedures

using relevant maintenance documentation and aircraft manuals to:

recognise through visual/physical inspection external signs of defects in the rotor, rotor head, tail rotor and flight control mechanical system components

ground test the rotor and control system and recognise correct function

rig and adjust rotor controls and systems

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

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 the rotor control systems. It is essential that testing procedures take into account all safety precautions associated with ground testing of rotor and rotor control systems, and that awareness be demonstrated of dual inspection requirements associated with work on control systems.

Ability to interpret system performance specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical and shall be demonstrated through application across the range of systems listed in the Assessment Conditions.

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:

fault diagnosis techniques

standard trade practices relating to tool and test/rigging equipment usage

theory of flight:

airflow

conditions of flight

lift and forces

drag

rotary flight principles:

terminology relating to:

aerofoils

main rotor blades

rotor discs

rotors – main and tail

aerodynamic characteristics:

aerofoil design

forces

rotor thrust and power requirements

vortex ring

autorotation

helicopter stability

helicopter dynamic components:

main rotors:

blades

heads

linkages

tail rotors

swash plates

transmissions and drive shafts

clutches and freewheeling units

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

cyclic pitch control

collective pitch control

tail rotor control

mechanical and powered control systems

engine control interface

torque reaction and anti-torque devices

engine indication

vibration monitoring

helicopter maintenance procedures and troubleshooting

relevant maintenance manuals

relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures including requirements for engine and rotor system operation

relevant WHS practices.

Competency should be assessed in the work environment or simulated work environment, using tools and equipment specified in aircraft maintenance manuals. It is also expected that applicable general-purpose tools, test and ground support equipment found in most routine situations would be used where appropriate.

The application of ground testing procedures should 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.

Functional testing of rotors and rotor control systems with engine/s running may be carried out with the applicant directing a pilot qualified on type.

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 one (1) item from each of the following groups:

main rotor blades and tail rotor blades

rotor heads, swash plates and tail rotor pitch control assemblies

mechanical, powered flight control components

main rotor, intermediate or tail rotor gearboxes

drive shafts and couplings.

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).

Where the unit is to be used for CASA licensing purposes the Assessor must also meet the criteria specified in the CASR Part 147 Manual of Standards.

Individuals being assessed who have already attained MEA352 Maintain basic rotary wing aircraft systems will have satisfied the requirements of this unit with regard to common Range of Conditions variables. The Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement records relating to MEA352 Maintain basic rotary wing aircraft systems may be accepted as also meeting the evidence requirements for this unit in the applicable common areas.

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 and warning signs are fitted/installed to the system or related systems and the aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations orders and standards and practices 
Rotor and rotor control system is visually or physically checked/inspected for external signs of defects in accordance with relevant aircraft publications maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices while observing all relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements 
Defects are identified and recorded in accordance with standard enterprise procedures 
Aircraft and system prepared in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations orders and standards and practices for the operation of engine and rotor system 
Rotor and rotor control system are functionally tested in accordance with relevant aircraft publications maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices for evidence of malfunction 
System calibration or adjustments are performed in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices 
Relevant aircraft publications and modification status, including system defect reports, are interpreted to identify an unserviceability 
Available information from aircraft maintenance documentation, inspection and test results is used to assist in fault determination 
Relevant aircraft publication fault diagnosis guide and logical processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting to line replacement level 
Specialist advice is obtained to assist with the troubleshooting process 
Rotor and rotor control system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and recorded in aircraft maintenance documentation in accordance with standard enterprise procedures 
Fault rectification requirements are determined 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MEA316 - Inspect, test and troubleshoot rotary wing rotor and 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

MEA316 - Inspect, test and troubleshoot rotary wing rotor and 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: