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 establish and evaluate non-destructive tests for aircraft structure and components.

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

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor’s reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

Method of assessment

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with the research, analysis, development, approval and evaluation of non-destructive tests, or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

definition of structural terms, i.e. safe life, damage tolerant, failsafe, stress, strain, shear and cycles

inspection requirements for metal and composite structure, including:

ageing aircraft inspection requirements

safe life structure

damage tolerant structure

fail safe structure

potential causes of structural failure

metallurgical analysis to assess inspection areas and potential failure sites and modes

NDT methods, techniques and procedures

meaning and validity of relevant codes, standards, specifications and procedures

regulatory requirements of the ADF and CASA relating to the use of NDT for inspection of aircraft structure and components

test procedure for testing techniques and specimen

validation processes

process for approval of procedures

process for documentation/distribution of procedures

evaluation procedures

process for documentation of evaluation results

process for amending tests and distributing amendments

national/Australian standards, NOHSC guides, state/territory regulatory codes of practice/standards

use and application of personal protective equipment

safe work practices and procedures

relevant hazards and control measures related to the competency

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

conducting metallurgical assessment of inspection areas and identifying potential failure sites and modes

designating most appropriate method, technique or procedure

referencing aircraft maintenance information and regulatory requirements for inspection

developing and validating test procedures

applying safety procedures, standard operating procedures and legislative requirements to all work

reading/interpreting/applying relative testing standards

reading/interpreting/applying relative conformance standards

documenting procedure and results

submission of reports in accordance with standard enterprise 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.

Test methods, techniques and procedures

Test methods, techniques and procedures refer to standard techniques and procedures associated with:

penetrant testing

magnetic particle testing

eddy current testing

ultrasonic testing

radiographic testing

Codes, standards and specifications

Codes, standards and specifications include:

AAP7002.053 Technical airworthiness Maintenance Manual

CASR

overseas airworthiness regulators, such as FAA, EASA and Transport Canada

AS 3669-2006 Non-destructive testing – Qualification and approval of personnel – Aerospace

NAS410 Revision 2 Certification and qualification of non-destructive testing personnel (February 2003)

BS EN 4179:2009 Aerospace series. Qualification and approval of personnel for non-destructive testing

BS EN 473:2008 Non-destructive testing. Qualification and certification of NDT personnel. General principles

ISO 9712:2005 Non-destructive testing – Qualification and certification of personnel

Applicable materials and equipment specifications

Application of this unit may relate to:

scheduled or unscheduled maintenance activities

individual or team-related activities