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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for external load operations
2. External load tasking requirements are identified
3. External load is secured, stabilised and rigged in accordance with workplace procedures
4. External load procedure, equipment and personnel required for task are determined
5. Helicopter performance data is interpreted and calculated to ensure suitability of aircraft for external load operations
6. Outbound and return flight routes are planned
7. Secure and stable load preparations are arranged
8. Load-lifting equipment strength and suitability are assessed
9. Conduct pre-flight briefings
10. Requirements of load task are explained and confirmed
11. Personnel responsible for inspecting load-lifting equipment for serviceability and security are identified
12. Communication and hook-up procedure is explained
13. Hook-up person and hook-up procedure is specified
14. Departure, transit, approach, termination and load release procedures are explained
15. Emergency procedures are explained and confirmed
16. Pilot vertical reference (long line) procedure is explained
17. Crew and ground support personnel are briefed on all aspects of external load operation
18. Seating is adjusted to ensure full exercise of flight controls and ability to scan instrument panel
    • Helicopter performance data is interpreted and calculated to ensure suitability of aircraft for operations
    • Aircraft is configured for external load operations and security of internal equipment is arranged as required
19. Operate helicopter
20. Functional and safety checks on role equipment are performed, and defects are reported
21. Fuel and cargo load combinations to achieve task are calculated
22. Adequacy of power margin and directional control are determined
23. Stable hover over load during hook-up/delivery procedures is maintained
24. External load is lifted and transported to a separate location and placed at a specified position
25. External load is monitored and appropriate actions are taken to ensure load security and stability during flight
26. Manage abnormal and emergency situations
27. Helicopter control is maintained
28. Abnormal and/or emergency situations are identified and managed
29. Load is jettisoned when flight safety is compromised or load stability is uncontrollable
30. Conduct post-flight activities
31. Operating procedures and outcomes of flight are reviewed and analysed
32. Effectiveness, efficiency and performance of equipment is analysed and reported
33. Inspection, servicing and stowage of equipment is organised

Range Statement

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

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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 communicating effectively with others completing relevant documentation following relevant legislation and workplace procedures identifying and assessing vertical, horizontal and relative spatial distances in relation to aircraft fuselage, rotor system, mission and/or operational stores and equipment with regard to potential obstacles to flight safety identifying and correctly using equipment required when operating a helicopter during external load operations implementing contingency plans implementing work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures and relevant regulations interpreting hover performance and power available/power required from graphs/charts maintaining situational awareness managing abnormal and emergency situations: load instability: controllable uncontrollable inadvertent load release single engine failure (single/multi-engine) double engine failure (multi-engine only) external load aircraft system failure 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 performing external load scan techniques preparing and rigging sling load including all sub-tasks in accordance with workplace procedures and the aircraft flight manual (AFM)/ pilot’s operating handbook (POH) reading and interpreting relevant instructions, procedures and information reporting and/or rectifying identified problems promptly, in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures 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 using instruments to monitor helicopter performance during external load operations working collaboratively with others working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment.

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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:

aerial delivery equipment inspection, operation, safe working loads and limitations aerial inspections for external load operations aircraft dimensions aircraft performance calculations (for all phases of flight) awareness of load rigging and preparation for flight cargo hook limitations, problems and hazards CASR Part 61 Manual of Standards Schedule 3 Aeronautical Knowledge relevant to helicopter external load operations communication procedure and terminology applicable to external load operations control effectiveness in all phases of flight engine performance checks for helicopter type to be flown external load operational planning and risk control external load operations on, or in vicinity of, non-controlled and controlled aerodromes or airstrips flight rules applicable to external load operations hazards that exist and problems that can occur when operating an aircraft during external load operations helicopter dimensions and operating weights: helicopter landing site (HLS) requirements all up weight (AUW) maximum all up weight (MAUW) human factors applicable to external load operations: dehydration and its impact on pilot cognitive function and reaction time fatigue and its impact on pilot cognitive function and situational awareness stress and its short-term and long-term impact drugs (particularly over the counter) impact on pilot cognitive function, reaction time and coordination spatial disorientation and illusions: night external load operations in a Defence context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions internal and external load limitations for helicopter type to be flown load rigging and preparation for flight low-level flight techniques for external load operations meteorological requirements for external load operations operational planning requirements for external load operations: pre-flight and after-flight inspections operational inspections principles of aerodynamics privileges and limitations of a low-level rating procedures to address problems associated with a helicopter during external load operations relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations vertical reference (long line) operation procedures.

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