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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Climb helicopter
  2. Adjustments are made to attitude and power to achieve an increase of altitude at normal, maximum rate (VY), maximum angle (VX) and cruise climb flight configurations from straight and level flight
  3. Appropriate altimeter settings are set
  4. Helicopter is maintained in balanced flight during adjustments to attitude and power
  5. Power is maintained as altitude increases
  6. Helicopter is levelled off from climb at nominated altitude
  7. Lookout is maintained during climb using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain
  8. Situational awareness is maintained
  9. Maintain straight and level flight
  10. Attitude and power are adjusted to achieve a constant height, heading and speed while remaining in balanced flight
  11. Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility or terrain
  12. Natural horizon is used as primary attitude reference
  13. Altitude is maintained within allocated height band
  14. Descend helicopter
  15. Attitude and power are adjusted to enter and maintain a descent from straight and level flight
  16. Helicopter is levelled from a descent at a nominated altitude
  17. Clearance ahead and below is maintained
  18. Air traffic control (ATC) altitude restrictions are observed
  19. Design limits are not exceeded during helicopter descent
  20. Situation awareness is maintained at all times during helicopter descent
  21. Turn helicopter
  22. Attitude and power are adjusted to enter and maintain turns at varying rates from level, climbing and descending flight to achieve nominated tracks
  23. Helicopter is rolled out from the turn to achieve nominated heading or geographical feature alignment
  24. Helicopter balance and trim are ensured as required
  25. Lookout is maintained in direction of turn and above or below using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain
  26. Engine operating limits are not exceeded
  27. Control helicopter at any speed
  28. Attitude and power are adjusted, accelerated or decelerated to manoeuvre helicopter at any specified airspeed within the flight envelope while maintaining balanced flight
  29. Height awareness is maintained at all times and appropriate adjustments are made as required
  30. Wind conditions are monitored and appropriate allowance is made
  31. Helicopter is suitably controlled to ensure it is operated within its design limits
  32. Perform circuits and approaches
  33. Circuits are joined and conducted in accordance with aeronautical information publication (AIP) and/or local procedures at normal and low altitude appropriate to the helicopter type
  34. Due allowance is made for wind and all appropriate checklist items are completed when performing circuits and approaches
  35. Radiotelephone procedures are followed during circuit operations
  36. Approach path applicable to helicopter type is intercepted and maintained while remaining clear of other traffic
  37. Lookout is maintained during circuits and approaches using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain
  38. Conflicting traffic is recognised and appropriate responses are made
  39. Right of way rules are applied and compliance with these rules is maintained
  40. Weather conditions are monitored and appropriate responses are made
  41. Fuel status is monitored and appropriate responses are made
  42. Comply with airspace requirements
  43. Suitable aeronautical charts are interpreted and used to maintain airspace compliance requirements
  44. Circuit departure is performed
  45. Helicopter is maintained within a specified area and/or track while complying with air traffic requirements, controlled or restricted airspace conditions or limitations and reacting to factors that affect the safe progress of a flight
  46. Orientation is maintained to geographical features with the aid of suitable charts and maps
  47. Circuit join is performed

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 helicopter aeronautical knowledge

applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures

communicating effectively with others when controlling helicopter in normal flight

completing relevant documentation

identifying and correctly using relevant equipment

implementing contingency plans

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

interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritise work

modifying activities depending on workplace contingencies, situations and environments

monitoring and anticipating operational problems and hazards and taking appropriate action

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

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

selecting and using relevant controls, including throttle, rotor controls, anti-torque pedals and collective and cyclic pitch controls

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

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

solving problems associated with controlling a helicopter in normal flight

turning a helicopter with the following parameters:

level turns

climbing turns with 20° bank angle

powered descending turn with 30° bank angle

using instruments to monitor helicopter performance

working collaboratively with others when controlling helicopter in normal flight

working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or 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 and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

application of a height/velocity diagram/graph

application of heading and track

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

cause and effects of retreating blade stall

circuit patterns and procedures

circumstances and procedures for the use of carburettor heat

conditions leading to loss of tail rotor/anti-torque control during descent

dangers of wind shear, turbulence and wake turbulence

effect of turning and acceleration on magnetic compass accuracy

forces and moments acting on a helicopter and precautions to manage their effects

functions, and primary and secondary effects of all helicopter controls

hazards and risks when controlling a helicopter in normal flight and precautions for controlling the risks:

in a climb

in a turn

in straight and level flight

helicopter instruments and monitoring helicopter performance

managing non-normal and emergencies in the circuit area

principles of aerodynamics

problems that may occur when controlling a helicopter in normal flight and appropriate action that should be taken in each case

procedures for setting power in normally aspirated, turbocharger, supercharged or turbine engines

procedures for the use of trim controls if appropriate

recognition and avoidance of settling with power/vortex ring state

relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders

relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations

rotational and induced airflow

theory and application of best rate and angle of climb

use of instruments to monitor helicopter performance and significance of colour coding

vortex ring state

wind shear, turbulence and wake turbulence.