Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners
MEA352A Mapping and Delivery Guide Maintain basic rotary wing aircraft systems
Version 1.0 Issue Date: May 2024
Qualification
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Unit of Competency
MEA352A - Maintain basic rotary wing aircraft systems
Description
This unit of competency is part of the Mechanical Certificate IV (Aircraft Maintenance Stream) training pathway. It covers the competencies required to maintain basic rotary wing aircraft rotors, rotor control systems, airframe systems and components. Where a CASA licensing outcome is sought this unit forms part of the CASA requirement for the granting of the applicable Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence under CASR Part 66, in accordance with the licensing provisions in Section 3, Assessment Guidelines.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application
This unit requires application of hand skills and the use of system/component knowledge and applicable maintenance publications and test equipment to inspect, test and troubleshoot, and replace components of rotor, rotor control systems and airframe systems of basic rotary wing aircraft.Applications include rotary wing aircraft that have mechanical control systems, either skids or floats and a normally aspirated engine.
Duration and Setting
X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
MEA101B Interpret occupational health and safety practices in aviation maintenanceMEA103B Plan and organise aviation maintenance work activitiesMEA105C Apply quality standards applicable to aviation maintenance processesMEA107B Interpret and use aviation maintenance industry manuals and specificationsMEA108B Complete aviation maintenance industry documentationMEA109B Perform basic hand skills, standard trade practices and fundamentals in aviation maintenance Not applicable
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners
Student Learning Resources
Handouts Activities
Slides PPT
Assessment 1
Assessment 2
Assessment 3
Assessment 4
Elements of Competency
Performance Criteria
Element: Inspect rotor and rotor control systems and components
Isolation and warning signs are fitted/installed to the system or related systems and the aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations orders and standards and practices
Rotor and rotor control system is visually or physically checked/inspected for external signs of defects in accordance with relevant aircraft publications maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Defects are identified and recorded in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
Element: Inspect basic rotary wing airframe systems
Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including system defect reports, where relevant, are used to identify specific inspection requirements
Isolation tags are checked and aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual
Airframe system components are visually or physically checked for external signs of defects in accordance with applicable maintenance manual
Defects are correctly identified and reported
Element: Ground test rotor and rotor control systems
Aircraft and system prepared in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations orders and standards and practices, for the operation of engine and rotor system
Rotor and rotor control system are functionally tested in accordance with relevant aircraft publications maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices for evidence of malfunction
System calibration or adjustments are performed in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Element: Test/adjust basic rotary wing airframe systems and components
Aircraft and system are prepared in accordance with applicable maintenance manual for the application of power/system operation
Airframe system is functionally tested, in accordance with maintenance manual, for evidence of serviceability or malfunction
System adjustment is performed in accordance with maintenance manual
Element: Troubleshoot rotor and rotor control systems
Available information from aircraft maintenance documentation, inspection and test results is used to assist in fault determination
Relevant aircraft publication fault diagnosis guide and logical processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting
Specialist advice is obtained to assist with the troubleshooting process
Rotor and rotor control system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and recorded in aircraft maintenance documentation in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
Fault rectification requirements are determined
Element: Troubleshoot basic rotary wing airframe systems
Available information from maintenance documentation, inspection and test results is used, where necessary, to assist in fault determination
Maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides and logic processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting
Specialist advice is obtained, where required, to assist with the troubleshooting process
Airframe system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required, in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
Rectification requirements are determined
Element: Remove and install rotary wing rotor and rotor system components
System is rendered safe and prepared in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices, and isolation and warning signs are installed/fitted to ensure personnel safety
Rotor and rotor system component removal is carried out in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Required aircraft maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
Removed components are labelled, sealed and packaged in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Rotor or rotor system component to be installed is checked to confirm correct part or model numbers, modification status and serviceability
Mass balance of rotor blades/head is checked in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Installation is carried out in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Support/safety equipment is removed at the appropriate time to ensure personnel safety and freedom from structural damage
Element: Remove and install rotor control system components
System is rendered safe and prepared in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices, and isolation and warning signs are installed/fitted to ensure personnel safety
Rotary wing flight control system component removal is carried out in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Required aircraft maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
Removed components are labelled, sealed and packaged in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Rotary wing flight control system components to be installed are checked to confirm correct part or model numbers, modification status and serviceability
Installation is carried out in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Support/safety equipment is removed at the appropriate time to ensure personnel safety and freedom from structural damage
Element: Remove and install basic rotary wing airframe system components
System is rendered safe in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual and isolation tags are fitted, where necessary, to ensure personnel safety
Airframe system component removal is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual.
Required maintenance documentation is accurately completed and correctly processed
Removed components are tagged, sealed and packaged in accordance with specified procedures
Components to be installed are checked to confirm correct part numbers, serviceability and modification status
Mass balance of control surfaces to be installed is checked in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual, if required
Installation is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual
Required maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
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, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to inspect, test and troubleshoot basic rotary wing aircraft rotor, rotor control and airframe systems and remove and install rotors, and a range of rotor control and airframe system components that is representative of the scope of the listed variables in accordance with relevant maintenance manual instructions while applying all relevant OHS procedures and standard processes.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The underlying skills inherent in this unit should be transferable across a range of inspection, testing and troubleshooting applications (including the timely involvement of supervisors or other trades) associated with the, rotors, rotor control systems, airframe systems and components of basic rotary wing aircraft. It is essential that relevant procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical.
Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing, troubleshooting and component removal and installation is essential. This may be demonstrated through application across a range of rotors, rotor control systems, airframe systems and components as listed in the Range Statement. The application of testing procedures should clearly indicate knowledge of system operation, the relationship of individual components and the links with other systems (if applicable) within the limits of the aircraft/system fault-finding guide before undertaking any action. The work plan should take account of applicable safety and quality requirements in accordance with the industry and regulatory standards.
A person cannot be assessed as competent until it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the workplace assessor that the relevant elements of this unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on groups listed in the Range Statement, as follows:
at least one component from each of Groups 1 to 7
a representative range of components from Groups 8 and 9.
This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement or, where appropriate, an equivalent Industry Evidence Guide.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency should be assessed in the work environment or simulated work environment using tools and equipment specified in maintenance documentation. It is also expected that general purpose tools and test equipment found in most routine situations would be used where appropriate.
Method of assessment
Guidance information for assessment
Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.
Required skills
Look for evidence that confirms skills in:
using hand skills, tools and test equipment in the testing, adjustment and troubleshooting of:
rotary wing mechanical control systems
helicopter airframe systems and components, including rotors and rotor system
recognising system and component defects/external damage, correct installation and security for the range of airframe systems listed in the Range Statement
removing, installing and rigging of rotor systems and rotor/flight controls
removing and installing the range of airframe components listed in the Range Statement
checking rotor mass balance
performing system functional tests and checks to isolate system faults and assess post-maintenance serviceability
effectively using maintenance documentation and relevant fault diagnosis guides in the troubleshooting process and for component removal and installation
applying standard procedures
observing all relevant OHS procedures, including the use of MSDS and PPE
Required knowledge
Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:
OHS precautions relevant to airframe system maintenance, including the lifting and handling of heavy components and how to obtain MSDS and PPE
standard trade practices relating to tool and test/rigging equipment usage and installation/securing of system components
theory of flight:
airflow
conditions of flight
lift and forces
drag
rotary flight principles:
terminology relating to:
aerofoils
main rotor blades
rotor discs
rotors (main and tail)
aerodynamic characteristics:
aerofoil design
forces
rotor thrust and power requirements
vortex ring
autorotation
helicopter stability
helicopter dynamic components:
main rotors:
blades
heads
linkages
tail rotors
swash plates
transmissions and drive shafts
helicopter structure and airframe systems:
structure and layout
engine and transmission
flight control system layout and operation
cabin heater system layout and operation
fuel system layout and operation
helicopter maintenance procedures and troubleshooting
relevant maintenance manuals
relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures, including requirements for engine and rotor system operation
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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Note
Range statements listed below are numbered to facilitate specification of the assessment requirements included in the Evidence Guide
Rotor and rotor control system
Rotor and rotor control system components may include:
1. Main rotor blades and tail rotor blades
2. Rotor heads, swash plates and tail rotor pitch control assemblies
3. Mechanical flight control components (collective and cyclic pitch levers, rudder pedals, cables, pulleys, guides, fairleads, bellcranks, rods, torque tubes, chains and sprockets)
4. Main rotor, intermediate or tail rotor gearboxes
5. Drive shafts and couplings
Engine and rotor system operation
The operation of engine and rotor system:
must be performed by a qualified pilot
Airframe systems and components
Airframe systems may include:
6. Fuel systems
7. Cabin heating systems
Airframe system components may include:
8. Rigid or flexible fuel tanks, selector/shutoff valves and rigid or flexible plumbing
9. Cabin heater ducting and control valves
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting involves the use of test sets, downloaded maintenance data and fault-finding charts or similar, to line replacement level
Application of this unit may relate to:
scheduled or unscheduled maintenance
individual or team-related activities
Procedures and requirements
Refer to industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise
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
Isolation and warning signs are fitted/installed to the system or related systems and the aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations orders and standards and practices
Rotor and rotor control system is visually or physically checked/inspected for external signs of defects in accordance with relevant aircraft publications maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Defects are identified and recorded in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including system defect reports, where relevant, are used to identify specific inspection requirements
Isolation tags are checked and aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual
Airframe system components are visually or physically checked for external signs of defects in accordance with applicable maintenance manual
Defects are correctly identified and reported
Aircraft and system prepared in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations orders and standards and practices, for the operation of engine and rotor system
Rotor and rotor control system are functionally tested in accordance with relevant aircraft publications maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices for evidence of malfunction
System calibration or adjustments are performed in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Aircraft and system are prepared in accordance with applicable maintenance manual for the application of power/system operation
Airframe system is functionally tested, in accordance with maintenance manual, for evidence of serviceability or malfunction
System adjustment is performed in accordance with maintenance manual
Available information from aircraft maintenance documentation, inspection and test results is used to assist in fault determination
Relevant aircraft publication fault diagnosis guide and logical processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting
Specialist advice is obtained to assist with the troubleshooting process
Rotor and rotor control system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and recorded in aircraft maintenance documentation in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
Fault rectification requirements are determined
Available information from maintenance documentation, inspection and test results is used, where necessary, to assist in fault determination
Maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides and logic processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting
Specialist advice is obtained, where required, to assist with the troubleshooting process
Airframe system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required, in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
Rectification requirements are determined
System is rendered safe and prepared in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices, and isolation and warning signs are installed/fitted to ensure personnel safety
Rotor and rotor system component removal is carried out in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Required aircraft maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
Removed components are labelled, sealed and packaged in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Rotor or rotor system component to be installed is checked to confirm correct part or model numbers, modification status and serviceability
Mass balance of rotor blades/head is checked in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Installation is carried out in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Support/safety equipment is removed at the appropriate time to ensure personnel safety and freedom from structural damage
System is rendered safe and prepared in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices, and isolation and warning signs are installed/fitted to ensure personnel safety
Rotary wing flight control system component removal is carried out in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Required aircraft maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
Removed components are labelled, sealed and packaged in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Rotary wing flight control system components to be installed are checked to confirm correct part or model numbers, modification status and serviceability
Installation is carried out in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices
Support/safety equipment is removed at the appropriate time to ensure personnel safety and freedom from structural damage
System is rendered safe in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual and isolation tags are fitted, where necessary, to ensure personnel safety
Airframe system component removal is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual.
Required maintenance documentation is accurately completed and correctly processed
Removed components are tagged, sealed and packaged in accordance with specified procedures
Components to be installed are checked to confirm correct part numbers, serviceability and modification status
Mass balance of control surfaces to be installed is checked in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual, if required
Installation is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual
Required maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
MEA352A - Maintain basic rotary wing aircraft systems
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
MEA352A - Maintain basic rotary wing aircraft systems
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