Application
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate air traffic control equipment and workstations, in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and national operating standards. It includes operating communications, surveillance and ancillary equipment; and using flight progress strips (FPSs) and flight data records (FDRs). This unit assesses an air controller’s ability to interact with a workstation human machine interface (HMI) and to operate the functions of the workstation that are critical to providing safe and efficient air traffic services. This unit addresses aviation technical skill requirements (physical, mental and task-management abilities) related to air traffic control duties that complement the non-technical skills of air traffic controllers, and contribute to safe and effective performance in complex aviation operational environments. Operations are conducted as part of commercial and military air traffic services across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian aviation industry. Work is performed independently or under limited supervision as a single operator or within a team 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 and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA | ||
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Operate communications equipment | 1.1 | Air-ground communications channels are operated |
1.2 | Selective call and priority channels are operated | ||
1.3 | Communications equipment is appropriately configured | ||
1.4 | Communications malfunctions are recognised, reported and/or rectified | ||
1.5 | Communications alarms and warning messages are actioned | ||
2 | Operate surveillance equipment | 2.1 | Surveillance system data is interpreted for pertinent operational information |
2.2 | Surveillance malfunctions are recognised, reported and/or rectified | ||
2.3 | Surveillance alarms and warning messages are actioned | ||
3 | Use flight progress strips or flight data records | 3.1 | FPSs or FDRs are manipulated to reflect current and future air traffic situation |
3.2 | FPSs or FDRs are archived in accordance with workplace procedure | ||
3.3 | FPSs or FDRs are included in scan pattern and cross | ||
4 | Operate ancillary equipment | 4.1 | Ancillary equipment is configured and operated to tasks |
4.2 | Ancillary equipment data is interpreted for pertinent operational information, and processed as required | ||
4.3 | Ancillary equipment malfunctions are recognised and reported | ||
4.4 | Ancillary equipment alarms and warning messages are actioned | ||
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:
allocating attention according to priorities
applying reasoning and decision making when using air traffic control equipment and facilities
assessing and manipulating message queues
communicating effectively with others
completing relevant documentation for using air traffic control equipment and workstations
configuring ancillary equipment
configuring operational equipment
formatting, sending and receiving messages
identifying and applying precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
implementing contingency plans
interpreting and responding to displayed flight information
monitoring equipment serviceability
operating the following air traffic control equipment
air traffic communications
air traffic surveillance
ancillary equipment
air traffic workstations
perceiving and comprehending incoming information
recognising and reporting identified problems in a timely manner
using conflict recognition tools
working systematically with required attention to detail.
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of: aeronautical databases air situation display air traffic control equipment and workstations alerts, alarms and warning messages allocation of secondary surveillance radar (SSR) codes ancillary equipment functions, configurations, data sources and limitations communications equipment functions, configurations, data sources and limitations communications range and footprints through, and adjacent to, the area of jurisdiction and adjoining frequencies configuration, uses and limitations of flight progress strips (FPSs) and flight data records (FDRs) degraded modes graphic aids information recorded using prescribed format mandated memory prompts maps and charts procedures and protocols for operating equipment and workstations procedures for facility failures relevant sections of regulatory and operational documentation requirements for checking and testing equipment including frequencies responsibilities for system, equipment and facilities operation surveillance equipment and its limitations surveillance range and footprints through, and adjacent to, the area of jurisdiction systems architecture workplace safety requirements for workplace equipment set up and use workstation layout and ergonomics. |
Assessment Conditions
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 processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.
Resources for assessment must include access to:
a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations
relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
acceptable means of simulation assessment.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.
Non-essential conditions can be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.
Sectors
Not applicable.
Competency Field
W – Equipment and Systems Operations