This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage aircraft sensor systems, in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards

It includes initialising aircraft sensor systems and optimising aircraft sensor performance.

This unit addresses aviation technical skill requirements (physical, mental and task-management abilities) related to equipment and system operations of flight crews, and contributes to safe and effective performance in complex aviation operational environments.

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

Work is performed independently or under limited supervision within a single-pilot or multi-crew environment.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

Use for Defence Aviation is to be in accordance with relevant Defence Orders, Instructions, Publications and Regulations.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Initialise aircraft sensor systems

1.1

Equipment is enabled in accordance with manufacturer instructions, and organisational policy and procedures

1.2

Equipment functional checks are performed in accordance with manufacturer instructions, and organisational policy and procedures

1.3

Hazards are identified, risks are assessed and hazard management is implemented

1.4

System parameters are initialised for anticipated meteorological and/or oceanographic conditions

2

Optimise aircraft sensor performance

2.1

Sensor output is monitored and operational information is used to support operational task requirements

2.2

Real time environmental conditions are monitored

2.3

System parameters are modified to maintain optimal sensor performance

2.4

Abnormal or emergency aircraft sensor system situations are handled in accordance with organisational and regulatory requirements

2.5

System faults are identified, diagnosed and appropriate responses are undertaken

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

applying precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards

applying relevant aeronautical knowledge

applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures

communicating effectively with others

completing relevant documentation

determining and implementing appropriate counter measures

giving and receiving instructions related to managing aircraft sensors

identifying and using required communications technology

implementing contingency plans

implementing work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures and relevant regulations

interpreting and compiling sensor data

interpreting and following aircraft documentation

interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work

maintaining situational awareness

modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule

operating and adapting to differences in communications equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

planning own work, predicting consequences and identifying improvements

reading, interpreting and following relevant regulations, instructions, procedures, information and signs

recognising sensor jamming

reporting and/or rectifying problems, faults or malfunctions promptly, in accordance with workplace procedures

working collaboratively with others

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

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

abnormal/emergency conditions and responses

communications emission control

effects of environmental variations on data received from sensors

magnetic anomaly detection theory

organisational policy and procedures for managing aircraft sensors

radar theory

relevant WHS/OHS responsibilities

sensor capabilities and limitations

sensor characteristics and operation

sonar theory

typical problems that may occur when managing aircraft sensor, actions and appropriate solutions.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

acceptable means of simulation assessment

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

relevant materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry.

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

Sensor systems must include one or more of the following:

airborne surveillance radar

acoustics

communications systems

electro optical systems

electronic support measures

forward looking infra-red (FLIR)

magnetic anomaly detection systems

visual observations

Environmental conditions must include one or more of the following:

atmospheric conditions

currents

local weather conditions

salinity

sea state

Southern Oscillation Index (SOI)

water depth and temperature

Abnormal or emergency aircraft sensor system situations must include one or more of the following:

avionics malfunction

equipment damage

fire on-board

instrument failure

operator/crew incapacitation

sensor system malfunction and/or failure