Assessor Resource

MEA321C
Test and troubleshoot aircraft fixed wing 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 maintenance publications and knowledge of system theory to test and troubleshoot aircraft flight control systems and components.

Applications include fixed wing aircraft.

This unit of competency is part of the Mechanical Certificate IV (Aircraft Maintenance Stream) training pathways and must be taken with MEA318C Inspect aircraft hydro-mechanical, mechanical gaseous and landing gear systems and components. It covers the competencies required to test and troubleshoot fixed wing aircraft flight control systems and components. 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 chosen B1 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

MEA318C

Inspect aircraft hydro-mechanical, mechanical, gaseous and landing gear systems and components

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 and use maintenance publications and system theory knowledge to test and troubleshoot fixed wing aircraft flight control systems and components 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 testing and troubleshooting applications (including the timely involvement of supervisors or other trades) associated with the aircraft fixed wing flight systems. It is essential that testing procedures take into account all safety precautions associated with flight control system operation, in particular where system operation/switching interrelates with other systems being maintained, and that knowledge be demonstrated of dual inspection requirements associated with work on flight controls and systems.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to testing and troubleshooting is essential. This may be demonstrated through application across a number of aircraft types. The application of ground 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 5 in the Range Statement. 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 aircraft 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

Individuals being assessed who have already attained MEA312C Inspect, test and troubleshoot aircraft fixed wing flight control systems and components, will have met the requirements for the Performance Criteria for Element 1. The requirements for Elements 2 and 3 will also be met if recorded experience for MEA312C Inspect, test and troubleshoot aircraft fixed wing flight control systems and components, involved aircraft with powered flight controls. If experience was gained on aircraft types with only mechanical flight controls the recorded experience will partially meet the requirements for this unit. Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement records relating to MEA312C Inspect, test and troubleshoot aircraft fixed wing flight control systems and components, may be accepted as also meeting the evidence requirements for this unit in the applicable 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.

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

OHS precautions relevant to flight control system maintenance

standard trade practices relating to tool and test/rigging equipment usage and installation/securing of system components

flight control system layout and operation

theory of flight:

airflow

conditions of flight

lift and forces

drag

wings, tailplane and vertical stabiliser

lift augmentation (flaps, slats and slots)

aircraft control surfaces and their function (elevator, ailerons, rudder, elevons and trim tabs)

spoilers and speed brakes

flight control balancing and flutter

stability and control and flight control rigging

mechanical system layout and operation:

cockpit controls

cables and cable tensioning

pulleys and fairleads

bellcranks

levers

control surface horns

screwjacks

push/pull rods

powered flight controls:

system layout and operation

component construction and operation

electrical and instrument interfaces:

flaps

trim

position indication

flight control system maintenance procedures and troubleshooting methods

flight control system rigging equipment and procedures

flight control system interfaces with automatic pilot systems and automatic flight control systems

relevant maintenance manuals

relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

applying all relevant OHS procedures

using relevant maintenance documentation and aircraft manuals to:

recognise defects during visual inspection of fixed wing flight control systems and system components

rig fixed wing flight control systems

functionally test the operation of fixed wing flight control systems and recognise system/component malfunction or evidence of incorrect rigging

to the extent permitted by applicable fault diagnosis guides, troubleshoot unserviceabilities in fixed wing flight control systems and clearly record the causes of the unserviceabilities

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

Fixed wing flight control system and components

Flight control systems and system components may include:

Elevator, aileron and rudder primary flight control systems and associated trim systems

Speed brake, spoiler, flap and high lift systems

Ailerons, elevators, rudders, trim tabs, speed brakes, spoilers, flaps, slats

Actuators – mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or electric

Mechanical flight control components including cables, pulleys, guides, fairleads, tension regulators, control rods, bellcranks, torque tubes, chains, sprockets, control sticks (or wheels or columns), trim wheels or handles, and rudder pedals.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting involves 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 interpreted to identify an unserviceability 
Powered controls of the aircraft and system are prepared, in accordance with maintenance manual, for the application of electrical and hydraulic power 
Power is applied, if necessary, and system is functionally tested, in accordance with applicable maintenance manual, for malfunction or evidence of incorrect rigging 
System rigging is performed in accordance with applicable maintenance manual 
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 
Fixed wing flight control 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 or adjustment 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MEA321C - Test and troubleshoot aircraft fixed wing 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

MEA321C - Test and troubleshoot aircraft fixed wing 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: