Assessor Resource

PUAFIR212B
Rappel from helicopter

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit applies to personnel required to rappel from a helicopter. This work is undertaken in accordance with rappelling policies, regulations, protocols and procedures required to safely rappel from a helicopter.

This unit covers the competency required to safely and effectively rappel from a hovering helicopter using a personal rappel line.

Aviation operations occur in a heavily regulated environment. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

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

Prerequisites

PUAFIR209B Work safely around aircraft

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, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

operate in accordance with work health and safety procedures, legislative and operational guidelines

implement correct procedures and techniques for sequencing and controlling rappelling, braking, landing and disconnecting

follow pre-rappel checks and equipment donning procedures

undertake appropriate communication processes with crew persons and rappel dispatcher including demonstration of emergency hand signals

apply equipment maintenance and inspection techniques for all rappel equipment

apply relevant workplace and organisational procedures including codes of practice, hazard policy and emergency procedures, procedures relating to safe use of equipment, housekeeping procedures

adhere to briefing instructions

take action promptly – report accidents and incidents within regulatory and organisational requirements

complete work systematically in accordance with safe operating procedures to minimise risk of injury to self, others or damage to equipment

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed verbally and by multiple practical demonstrations in a number of scenarios.

All rappel operations are conducted under pilot and rappel dispatcher supervision. Each rappel descent once commenced is conducted without supervision.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

rappelling equipment and materials

personal protective and safety equipment

area to conduct operations

helicopter/s

briefing reports and organisational procedural documentation

appropriate personnel

emergency information

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions

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.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

operate rappel equipment in accordance with organisational operational procedures

operate safely around a helicopter

Required Knowledge

characteristics and operating principles of rappel equipment

documentation requirements and reporting arrangements

emergency procedures

factors that can effect rappel descents including canopy height, slope, vegetation type, wind

helicopter rappelling for the purpose of remote area fire suppression and training

key roles and relevant responsibilities of helicopter crew including rappel dispatcher

organisational operational rappel policy

organisational requirements for rappel and safety equipment

relevant regulations

safe work practices when working in or around helicopters

types of helicopters used by the agency for conducting rappelling operations

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Rappel equipment must include:

agency coveralls, protective helmet, earmuffs, chin strap, goggles

agency specific descender devices and safety devices

full body harness

hook knife

rappel gloves

static Kernmantle rappel ropes

steel karabiner

Air crew may include:

co-pilot

rappel dispatcher

other member of the air crew

Emergency may include:

aborted operation

damaged or kinked rope

descent or landing injury

emergency retrieval

engine failure

loss of rappel control during descent

rappel rope caught in tree

rappeller caught in tree

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
Rappel equipment is selected and prepared in accordance with the organisation's requirements 
Appropriate rappel and safety equipment is donned in accordance with the organisation's requirements 
Pre flight checks on clothing and equipment are undertaken in accordance with the organisation's requirements 
Damage to rappel or safety equipment is reported to the relevant supervisor for repair, replacement or disposal 
Rappel personnel, rappel and operational equipment is weighed and recorded 
Pilot is informed of weights 
Equipment is secured into helicopter under pilot's or flight crew member's supervision 
Seat position is assumed and seatbelt secured 
Instructions are obtained from pre-mission brief with clarification of objectives and procedures sought where required 
Pre-flight safety brief is conducted 
Rappel rope is attached and checked by dispatcher 
Movement to helicopter skids is undertaken as directed by dispatcher 
Pre-descent checks are conducted in accordance with the organisation's requirements 
Emergencyprocedures are conducted as required 
Rappel rope is disconnected by rappeller and landing area is cleared in accordance with the organisation's requirements 
Dispatcher emergency commands are responded to in accordance with the organisation's requirements 
Departure from skids is performed as per dispatcher commands and the organisation's procedures 
Rappel rope descent is in accordance with the organisation's requirements 
Landing is conducted in accordance with the organisation's requirements 
Rappel rope is disconnected and landing area cleared in accordance with the organisation's requirements 
Emergency procedures are conducted as required 
Dispatcher emergency commands are responded to in accordance with the organisation's requirements 
Area is cleared in preparation for retrieval of rappel and firefighting equipment in accordance with the organisation's requirements 
Equipment is connected and retrieval is conducted in accordance with the organisation's requirements 
Equipment is inspected and required maintenance performed in accordance with the organisation's or manufacturer's requirements 
Damage to fire and rappel equipment is reported to relevant supervisor for repair, replacement or disposal 
Rappel personnel, rappel and operational equipment are weighed and recorded. 
Pilot is informed of weights. 
Equipment is secured into helicopter under pilot or flight crew member supervision. 
Seat position is assumed and seatbelt secured. 
Pre-mission briefing instructions are obtained from operations officer or rappel crew leader and clarification of objectives and procedures is sought where required. 
Pre-flight safety briefing is obtained from pilot or aircrew. 
Area is cleared in preparation for retrieval of rappel and firefighting equipment in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Equipment is connected and retrieval is conducted in accordance with organisational requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PUAFIR212B - Rappel from helicopter
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

PUAFIR212B - Rappel from helicopter

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: