Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

PUAFIR409B Mapping and Delivery Guide
Develop air attack strategies

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PUAFIR409B - Develop air attack strategies
Description This unit covers the competency required to plan air attack strategies to suppress fires with firebombing aircraft. Aviation operations occur in a heavily regulated environment. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to personnel required to develop air attack strategies, to access the resources to support their implementation and to achieve the incident objective.This unit is required by Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS) such as Air Attack Supervisor and Air Operations Manager. Both of these roles work together to develop the air operations section of the Incident Action Plan (IAP). Both collaborate to assess the incident and develop the air attack strategies to achieve the incident objectives.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites PUAFIR408B Plan aircraft operationsPUAOPE013A Operate communications systems and equipment
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: Assess the fire situation
  • Incident briefing is obtained from operations personnel and clarification is sought as required.
  • Hazards impacting on the fire situation are identified and assessed for effect on firebombing strategies and tactics on type of fuel.
  • Fire incident is monitored and changes are identified and reported to relevant personnel.
       
Element: Obtain aviation resources to implement strategy
  • Information related to firebombing strategies is obtained in accordance with the IAP.
  • Aviationresources required to implement firebombing strategies are identified, prioritised and deployed in accordance with identified objectives and strategies.
  • Factors impacting on operating procedures are assessed and considered in planning for operational support.
  • Operational supportrequirements are determined and activated.
       
Element: Review air attack strategies
  • Contact using approved communication methods is established and maintained with fireground and support personnel.
  • Changes in operational conditions are communicated between operations personnel.
  • Changes in operational strategies are conveyed to operational personnel.
  • Priorities for managing hazards are identified through consultation with organisational personnel.
  • Ongoing review of air attack strategies is undertaken through consultation with appropriate personnel.
  • Factors affecting performanceand effectiveness of aviation resources and operational support are monitored and strategies modified if required.
  • Documentation related to air attack strategies is completed and reported in accordance with 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, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

assess wildfire behaviour and its impact on and for, air attack strategies and tactics

deploy appropriate resources to undertake wildfire suppression

select and implement firebombing strategies and tactics in consideration of availability of resources, operational conditions, and safety of personnel, resources and property

react strategically to changes in operational conditions in consultation with relevant personnel

apply relevant workplace and emergency procedures including codes of practice; hazard policy and procedures; planning and deployment of firebombing aircraft and related resources; guidelines relating to safe and effective use of equipment, resources and facilities

take action promptly – report accidents and incidents within regulatory and agency requirements

complete work systematically in accordance with safe operating procedures to minimise risk of injury to self, others or damage to equipment

Information relation to the incident is documented accurately

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time and in a range of contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in a simulated environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

access to, or simulation of, wildfire suppression situations

resources relating to equipment, personnel, facilities etc. appropriate to the fire situation

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions

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.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

read maps

use communications equipment effectively

work as a member of a team

Required Knowledge

characteristics, application and effectiveness of various types of fire suppressants

documentation and reporting procedures

effect of various topographical environments and meteorological conditions on fire containment activities

tactics and strategies for containment of wildfire and support activities

types and capabilities of firebombing systems

types and capabilities of various firebombing aircraft

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Hazards may include:

adverse fire behaviour

ground resources

masts/aerials

other aircraft

smoke

spot fires

terrain

weather conditions

wires

Fire situation must include:

structural fire

wildfire

Strategies may include:

direct attack

indirect attack

head attack

flank attack

parallel attack

line building

asset protection

crew protection

Type of fuel may include:

forest

grass

plantations

scrub

Aviation resources may include:

aerial attack platform:

light or large helicopter

light or medium fixed wing aircraft

aerial suppressants:

foam

retardant

water

firebombing aircraft:

fixed wing firebombers

rotary wing firebombers

single engine airtankers (seats)

multi engine aircraft

firebombing systems:

buckets

bellytank

scoopers

operational personnel:

air attack supervisor

operations officer

sector commander

aircraft officer

incident controller

Factors impacting on operating procedures may include:

agency operational procedures

civil aviation regulations and orders

SAR procedures

weather

Operational support requirements may be:

communications facility

refuelling equipment

security

support personnel

suppressant loading and mixing gear

Approved communication methods may include:

air to air radio

air to ground radio

data communication systems

phone

verbal instructions

written instructions

Factors affecting performance of aviation resource may include:

engine type – piston, turbine

landing/take off area characteristics

load capability

pilot ability

range

temperature/humidity

terrain

type – high/low wing/low wing – multi/ single engine

wind

Factors affecting effectiveness of aviation resource may include:

availability of ground resources

canopy height

distance from water source or airstrip

firebombing system

fire intensity

hazards

flight rules

pilot ability

speed

vegetation type

visibility

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
Incident briefing is obtained from operations personnel and clarification is sought as required. 
Hazards impacting on the fire situation are identified and assessed for effect on firebombing strategies and tactics on type of fuel. 
Fire incident is monitored and changes are identified and reported to relevant personnel. 
Information related to firebombing strategies is obtained in accordance with the IAP. 
Aviationresources required to implement firebombing strategies are identified, prioritised and deployed in accordance with identified objectives and strategies. 
Factors impacting on operating procedures are assessed and considered in planning for operational support. 
Operational supportrequirements are determined and activated. 
Contact using approved communication methods is established and maintained with fireground and support personnel. 
Changes in operational conditions are communicated between operations personnel. 
Changes in operational strategies are conveyed to operational personnel. 
Priorities for managing hazards are identified through consultation with organisational personnel. 
Ongoing review of air attack strategies is undertaken through consultation with appropriate personnel. 
Factors affecting performanceand effectiveness of aviation resources and operational support are monitored and strategies modified if required. 
Documentation related to air attack strategies is completed and reported in accordance with procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PUAFIR409B - Develop air attack strategies
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

PUAFIR409B - Develop air attack strategies

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

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: