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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Inspect vapour cycle air conditioning systems
   • Isolation tags already attached to the system or related systems are checked and aircraft/engine configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with applicable maintenance manual
   • Vapour cycle air conditioning systems are visually or physically checked for external and internal signs of defects in accordance with applicable maintenance manual while observing all relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including the use of material safety data sheets (MSDS) and items of personal protective equipment (PPE)
2. Test vapour cycle air conditioning systems
   • Aircraft and system are correctly prepared in accordance with applicable maintenance manual
   • Vapour cycle air conditioning system is tested in accordance with prescribed test procedures to establish serviceability and correct function in accordance with applicable maintenance manual
3. Troubleshoot vapour cycle air conditioning systems
   • Available information from maintenance documentation and inspection and test results is used, where necessary, to assist in fault determination
   • Maintenance manual fault diagnosis guide and logical processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting to line replacement level
   • Specialist advice is obtained, where required, to assist with the troubleshooting process
   • Vapour cycle air conditioning system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required
   • Fault rectification requirements are determined to assist in planning the repair
4. Remove vapour cycle air conditioning system components
   • Aircraft and vapour cycle air conditioning system is rendered safe in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual and isolation tags are fitted, where necessary, to ensure the safety of personnel and freedom from damage during component removal
   • Where refrigerant evacuation is necessary, evacuation is performed in accordance with regulatory requirements and maintenance manual procedures
   • Component removal is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual while observing all relevant WHS requirements, including the use of MSDS and items of PPE
   • Component is tagged and prepared for transport or storage in accordance with the specified procedures
   • Required maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
5. Install vapour cycle air conditioning system components
   • Component to be installed is checked to confirm correct part or model numbers, modification status and serviceability
   • Installation is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual while observing all relevant WHS requirements, including the use of MSDS and items of PPE
   • Vapour cycle air conditioning system is recharged with refrigerant, where necessary, in accordance with maintenance manual procedures and regulatory requirements
   • Vapour cycle air conditioning system is tested for correct function and freedom from refrigerant leaks if system recharging has been performed
   • Required maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.
Vapour cycle air conditioning systems include:	Refrigeration system compressor, condenser, receiver dryer, thermal expansion valve and evaporator Magnetic clutch and drive system (belt, power take-off, electric motor, hydraulic motor or pneumatic as applicable) Condenser extension and retraction system Blower Throttle system shutoff Temperature control system
Procedures and requirements include:	Industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise

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Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria under the specified conditions of assessment, and must include:

applying relevant WHS procedures, including the selection and use of applicable PPE and MSDS

complying with regulatory requirements regarding the de-gassing of vapour cycle air conditioning systems

using relevant maintenance documentation and aircraft manuals

recognising external and internal signs of defects in vapour cycle air conditioning systems and system components through visual/physical inspection

testing of vapour cycle air conditioning system operation, be able to operate systems and leak testing equipment, monitor indications and recognise correct function

using specialist equipment to evacuate and recharge refrigerant

using fault diagnosis guides and equivalent data to accurately and efficiently troubleshoot the causes of unserviceabilities in vapour cycle air conditioning systems, clearly recording details and identifying the required rectification actions

correctly removing and installing vapour cycle air conditioning system electrical and mechanical components.

The underlying skills inherent in this unit should be transferable across a range of inspection, testing, troubleshooting and removal and installation tasks (including the timely involvement of supervisor or other trades) associated with vapour cycle air conditioning systems and components. It is essential that system testing procedures take into account all safety precautions associated with vapour cycle air conditioning system operation and testing, and that regulations relating to the evacuation and recharging of refrigerant be strictly observed. Ability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical.

This shall be demonstrated through application across a number of aircraft vapour cycle air conditioning systems.

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Knowledge Evidence

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

WHS procedures associated with vapour cycle air conditioning system maintenance, including the selection and use of PPE

how to obtain applicable MSDS

regulations applying to the evacuation and recharging of refrigerant

fault diagnosis techniques

vapour cycle air conditioning system layout and operation

vapour cycle air conditioning system electrical and mechanical component operation:

compressor

condenser

receiver dryer

thermal expansion valve

evaporator

magnetic clutch and drive system:

belt

power takeoff

electric motor

hydraulic motor

pneumatic

condenser extension and retraction system

blower

throttle system shutoff

temperature control system

refrigerant used in aircraft vapour cycle air conditioning systems

lubricants used in compressors

equipment used to test systems and evacuate and recharge refrigerant

procedures for evacuating and recharging system refrigerant

refrigerant leak testing techniques and equipment

removal and installation procedures for vapour cycle air conditioning system components

vapour cycle air conditioning system maintenance requirements

relevant maintenance manuals

relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures.

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