This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to launch remote pilot aircraft systems (RPAS), in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and national operating standards.

It includes carrying out pre-launch procedures, taking off RPAS and responding to launch emergencies.

This unit addresses aviation technical skill requirements (physical, mental and task-management abilities) related to aircraft operational duties of flight crew and ground personnel, 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 RPAS 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

Carry out pre-launch procedures

1.1

Pre-launch briefing is conducted

1.2

Fail-safe checks are undertaken in accordance with aircraft flight manual (AFM) and company operations manual

1.3

Obstacle clearance calculations are completed as required

1.4

Air traffic control clearances are obtained as required

1.5

Approved pre-launch checklists are completed in accordance with AFM and company operations manual

1.6

RPAS is correctly positioned for launch

1.7

Airspace is determined as clear for launch

2

Take off RPAS

2.1

Launch power is applied and RPAS is maintained, aligned in the launch direction

2.2

RPAS is configured for nominated climb profile as required

2.3

Situational awareness, lookout and air traffic separation is maintained

2.4

Listening watch is maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements

2.5

Communication with others as appropriate is undertaken when launching an RPAS

2.6

After launch checks are performed in accordance with workplace policies and procedures

3

Respond to launch emergencies

3.1

Abnormal RPAS operations are identified

3.2

RPAS power settings are adjusted as required

3.3

Control is maintained to bring RPAS to a safe recovery

3.4

Associated emergency procedures are initiated, and checklists and other documentation are completed

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:

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

applying launch procedures in accordance with flight manual

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

applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures

checking and monitoring fail-safe functions

complying with air traffic instructions and regulatory requirements

identifying and correctly using relevant equipment

identifying obstructions or other hazards that might hinder a safe launch

implementing contingency plans

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

interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work

interpreting wind speed and direction

modifying activities depending on workplace contingencies, situations and environments

monitoring and anticipating operational problems and hazards and taking appropriate action

monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule

operating electronic communications equipment to required protocol

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

reporting and/or rectifying any identified problems promptly, in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

responding appropriately to cultural preferences

selecting and using required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and WHS/OHS standards

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 and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

aeronautical decision-making processes

air traffic requirements

all pre-launch and after launch checks

effective communication

error management, including error types, causes and consequences

factors affecting directional control of remote pilot aircraft systems (RPAS)

fatigue risk management

functions and effects of all RPAS controls

human performance and its limitations, including the senses, memory and situational awareness

in a Defence context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions

launch emergency procedures

manufacturer specifications for operating a RPAS

obstacle clearance techniques

principles of RPAS aerodynamics

problems that may occur when launching an RPAS and appropriate actions that should be taken in each case

purpose and functions of RPAS

relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders

relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations

required documentation

RPAS launch performance

stress, workload and time pressure management.

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

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.