AVIH4001B
Navigate aircraft - VFR

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to navigate an aircraft including completing pre-flight planning; obtaining, acting on and complying with air traffic information and clearances; departing from and arriving at an aerodrome; navigating under normal and abnormal conditions; and carrying out emergency procedures. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

Application

Work must be carried out in compliance with the relevant licence and aircraft rating requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and/or ADF; airspace control requirements and Day Visual Flight Rules (Day VFR); and aircraft control principles, regulations, safety codes, protocols and procedures related to the navigation of an aircraft.

Operations are conducted as part of commercial and military aircraft activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian aviation industry.

Use for ADF Aviation is to be in accordance with relevant Defence Orders and Instructions and applicable CASA compliance.

Work is performed under limited supervision.

This unit is nominally packaged at Certificate IV.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Prepare chart and flight plan

1.1 Charts suitable for the intended flight are selected and prepared

1.2 Applicable information is obtained, analysed and applied to produce a flight plan which details tracks, distances, times and fuel requirements to reach a destination

1.3 Pre-flight planning is used to minimise in-flight navigational work load

1.4 A decision to proceed with the cross country flight is made after analysis of meteorological and air traffic control conditions

1.5 Hazards are marked on charts where applicable

2Comply with airspace procedures

2.1 Air traffic clearances are obtained and compliance with them is maintained

2.2 Compliance is maintained with airspace procedures

2.3 Controlled airspace is only entered with a clearance

2.4 Traffic separation is maintained

3Conduct departure procedures

3.1 Pre-flight planning and cockpit organisation is conducted to ensure charts, documentation and navigational equipment are accessible from the control seat

3.2 Departure administration and communication is conducted

3.3 Track is intercepted within five nautical miles of airfield and departure time is recorded

3.4 Orientation is always maintained

3.5 Priority is given to controlling the aircraft before conducting navigation administration or communication

3.6 Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain

3.7 Local and published noise abatement requirements and curfews are observed

4Navigate aircraft en route

4.1 Planned route is maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements and procedures

4.2 In-flight documentation and communication is completed in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

4.3 Estimated Time of Arrivals (ETAs) are checked and revised as required

4.4 Fuel consumption is monitored and reserves are revised

4.5 Pre-descent or navigation turning point checks are executed

4.6 A navigation cycle which ensures accurate navigation is used

4.7 Separation with air traffic is maintained

4.8 Emphasis is placed on controlling the aircraft before conducting navigation administration or communication

4.9 Deteriorating meteorological and navigation situations are recognised and early corrective action is taken

4.10 Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain

5Navigate at low level and in reduced visibility

5.1 Compliance with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) is maintained during navigation at low level or in reduced visibility

5.2 Pre-descent and/or navigation turning point checks are executed in accordance with regulatory requirements

5.3 Planned route is maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements and procedures

5.4 In-flight documentation is completed

5.5 ETAs are checked and revised as required and a safe alternate plan is formulated and applied if required

5.6 Aircraft is operated and configured to maintain minimum height AGL and safe separation from terrain

5.7 Awareness of current and forecast weather conditions is maintained

5.8 Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain

5.9 Low flying hazards and threats are identified and avoided

5.10 Effects of wind velocity, false horizons, rising ground, adverse environmental conditions (e.g. setting sun) and mountainous terrain are managed, and contingency actions are planned where appropriate

5.11 Situation awareness is maintained at all times

6Perform lost procedure

6.1 Position is fixed and new track to destination attainable within limits of fuel and daylight is determined

6.2 Track to destination is re-established or replanned with consideration of fuel usage and reserves

6.3 ETAs are re-calculated

6.4 Radio, navigation aids, transponder and ATC services are used for assistance

6.5 A timely precautionary search and landing is planned for possible circumstances of being lost or having no fuel or no light

6.6 Emotional stability is maintained

7Perform diversion procedure

7.1 Requirement to perform diversion is identified and a decision is made in accordance with procedures, regulatory requirements, and current and forecast weather conditions

7.2 New route is determined and maintained

7.3 ETAs are calculated

7.4 Fuel requirements are recalculated

7.5 Operational information is reviewed

7.6 Compliance with airspace procedures is maintained

7.7 Air traffic control is advised of action where possible

7.8 All required 'airways clearances' are obtained

7.9 SARWATCH is cancelled after arrival

8Use navigation aids

8.1 Navigation aids/systems are utilised to confirm position, track and navigation information

8.2 ATC radar is used for position information and tracking assistance

8.3 Integrity of navigation aid/systems information is monitored and maintained

9Execute arrival procedures

9.1 Applicable aviation weather and traffic information is obtained and applied

9.2 Radio communications are established and maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements

9.3 Descent point is calculated

9.4 Arrivals and circuit procedures are executed at aerodromes in accordance with airspace and regulatory requirements

9.5 Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain

9.6 Airfield markings/lights/signals/indicators are interpreted, applied and followed

9.7 Situation awareness is maintained

9.8 Local and published noise abatement requirements and curfews are observed

9.9 SARWATCH is cancelled

Required Skills

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

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

Required knowledge:

Relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders

In ADF context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions

Relevant OH&S and environmental procedures and regulations

The characteristics of different chart types

Flight planning requirements

Use of the navigational computer

The aircraft fuel usage rates

Relevant sections of CAAP 234-1 (Civil Aviation Advisory Publication)

Traffic rules and procedures

Air navigation techniques

Factors affecting en route performance, range and endurance

Critical point and point of no return

DR navigation technique

Identification by shape, dimensions, contrast and colour, and uniqueness of ground features

Low level navigation techniques

Allowances for changed visual aspects of ground features at low level

En route navigation technique

Chart reading techniques

Procedures for requesting clearances from and into controlled airspace

Identification of CTA, CTR, Prohibited, Restricted and Danger areas

The principles of operation of navigation aids/systems

The limitations of navigation aids/systems

Controlled airspace requirements

Circuit and circuit joining procedures

The potential impacts of specific weather phenomena on aviation operations

Required skills:

Perform the navigational functions within the parameters of the applicable regulations, orders and operations manual procedures

Prepare charts and flight plans

Plan applicable altitudes/flight levels and tracking tolerances to avoid controlled airspace when required

Carry out DR navigation technique

Determine DR position

Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements

Maintain Navigation Log

Select and use appropriate navigational instruments and aids

Source and interpret aviation weather forecast products and services appropriate to flight planning and navigation procedures

Adjust aircraft performance to achieve desired timings

Calculate fuel endurance

Calculate distance and rate of closure rates to/from ground features

Fix aircraft position

Apply air safety practices and regulations

Recognise significant variances from forecast meteorological conditions and take appropriate actions, including the issue of an AIREP

Maintain construction, communication and execution of a traffic deconfliction plan

Communicate effectively with others when navigating aircraft

Read and interpret instructions, regulations, procedures and other information relevant to the navigation of an aircraft

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise workload

Complete documentation related to navigating aircraft

Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

Work collaboratively with others when navigating aircraft

Adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions with others

Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems that may occur when navigating aircraft in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Implement contingency plans for unexpected events that may arise when navigating aircraft

Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during the navigation of an aircraft

Monitor and anticipate operational problems and hazards and take appropriate action

Monitor work activities in terms of planned schedule

Modify activities dependent on differing workplace contingencies, situations and environments

Work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment

Adapt to differences in equipment and operating environment in accordance with standard operating procedures

Select and use required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and OH&S standards

Implement OH&S procedures and relevant regulations

Identify and correctly use equipment required to navigate an aircraft

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:

the underpinning knowledge and skills

relevant legislation and workplace procedures

other relevant aspects of the range statement

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts

Resources for assessment include:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or

access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and

applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation

As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests

Practical assessment must occur:

through activities in an appropriately simulated environment at the registered training organisation, and/or

in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Tasks may be undertaken in:

variable weather conditions in accordance with Day Visual Flight Rules

Performance may be demonstrated in:

single engine aircraft

multi engine aircraft

variable air traffic conditions

variable flight situations

abnormal situations

classes of airspace as designated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Aircraft may include:

fixed wing

helicopter

other commercial or military aircraft

Crew may include:

single pilot

multi crew

Instruments may be:

fitted flight instruments

head up displays

Limitations may be imposed by:

local noise abatement requirements and curfews

airspace endorsements

Classes of airspace may be:

as designated by the regulator

restricted and danger areas

military control zones

Air Defence Identification Zones

Production methods for flight plans may utilise:

manual planning methods, and

Automated Flight Planning Systems

Navigation aids may include electronic, mechanical and/or radio systems such as:

ADF (Automatic Direction Finder)

VOR (VHF Omni-directional Radio Range)

DME (Distance Measuring Equipment)

RADAR

GPS (Global Positioning System)

FMS (Flight Management Systems)

Moving Map Displays

TACAN

INS

Operation of navigation aids/systems may include:

normal mode

degraded mode

Low flying hazards and threats may include:

man-made e.g. power lines, masts

terrain

birds/wildlife

environmental

other airspace operations

Circuits procedures at an aerodrome may include:

upwind

crosswind

downwind

base

finals

joining/departing

Dependent on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:

company procedures

enterprise procedures

organisational procedures

established procedures

standard operating procedures

Information/documents may include:

relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders pertaining to the navigation of an aircraft

in ADF context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions

Flight Manual/Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)

Manual of Standards - Pilot Licensing (MOS-PL)

Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP)

En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA) or equivalent

relevant sections of the Civil Aviation Advisory Publications (CAAP)

charts

operations manuals

approved checklists

workplace procedures and instructions and job specification

induction and training materials

conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards

relevant Bureau of Meteorology, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and/or World Meteorology Organization (WMO) publications

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:

relevant Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders

in ADF context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions

relevant state/territory OH&S legislation

relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation

relevant Australian Standards

Performance includes tolerances specified in either of:

relevant licence and aircraft rating requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) such as:

Day VFR Syllabus

Manual of Standards

relevant Defence documentation such as:

Defence Orders and Instructions

approved curricula and training documentation


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

H - Route Planning and Navigation


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.