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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Plan a formation flight
  2. Brief and debrief formation flight crew
  3. Lead a formation
  4. Manage abnormal and emergency situations

Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

adapting to differences in equipment and operating environment in accordance with standard operating procedures

applying precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards

applying relevant aeroplane or helicopter aeronautical knowledge

communicating effectively with others

completing relevant documentation

determining that formation members possess appropriate qualifications and currency

following relevant legislation and workplace procedures

identifying and correctly using relevant equipment

implementing contingency plans

implementing work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures and relevant regulations

maintaining control and formation while leading aircraft

managing abnormal and/or emergency situations as formation flight leader:

lost aircraft and formation rejoin procedures

individual aircraft incident or accident

manoeuvring formation safely by anticipating and allowing for all aspects of formation flying including compliance with regulatory requirements

modifying activities depending on workplace contingencies, situations and environments

monitoring and anticipating operational problems and hazards and taking appropriate action

monitoring formation aircraft performance

monitoring formation member flight performances and appropriate reactions to problems

monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule

operating electronic communications equipment to required protocol

reading, interpreting and following relevant regulations, instructions, procedures, information and signs

recognising environmental conditions that impact on formation performance

reporting and/or rectifying identified problems promptly, in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

selecting and using required personal protective clothing and equipment conforming to industry and WHS/OHS standards

setting local or area barometric pressure adjusted for sea level (QNH) at appropriate stages of flight

working collaboratively with others

working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self, others or damage to goods or equipment.


Knowledge Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and include knowledge of:

air traffic, area limitations and navigation requirements for formation flight

CASR Part 61 Manual of Standards Schedule 3 Aeronautical Knowledge relevant to aeroplane or helicopter operations

deputy formation flight lead responsibilities

formation briefing and debriefing procedures

formation flight lead responsibilities

formation manoeuvre safety limits considering formation size, proximity to obstructions, terrain, airspace limitations, weather conditions, air traffic and regulatory requirements

in a Defence context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions

planning and briefing requirements for formation flight

post-flight debriefing techniques

relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders

relevant WHS/OHS and environmental protection procedures and regulations

standard operating procedures for abnormal or emergency situations for formation flight

verbal and non-verbal formation communication procedures:

commence take off roll

position changes

radio receiver failure

radio transmitter failure.