AVIY3074A
Launch remote pilot aircraft (RPA)

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to perform a remote pilot aircraft (RPA) launch, including completing pre-launch checks, launch procedures, after launch checks.

Application

Work must be carried out in compliance with the relevant licence and RPAS rating requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA); relevant airspace control requirements; Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC); regulations, safety codes, protocols and procedures relevant to RPA launch.

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

Operations are conducted across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian aviation industry.

Work is performed under limited supervision.


Prerequisites

Nil.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Carry out pre-launch procedures

1.1

Pre-launch briefing is conducted

1.2

Fail-safe checks are undertaken in accordance with Flight Manual and company operations manual

1.3

Obstacle clearance calculations are completed as applicable

1.4

Air Traffic Control clearances are obtained as applicable

1.5

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

1.6

RPA is correctly positioned for launch

1.7

Airspace is determined as clear for launch

2

Take off RPA

2.1

Launch power is applied and RPA is maintained aligned in the launch direction

2.2

RPA is configured for nominated climb profile as applicable

2.3

Situational awareness, lookout and air traffic separation is maintained

2.4

Listening watch is maintained according to regulatory requirements

2.5

Communication with others as appropriate is undertaken when launching an RPA

2.6

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

3

Launch emergency

3.1

Abnormal operations are identified

3.2

RPA power settings are adjusted as applicable

3.3

Control is maintained to bring the RPA to a safe recovery

3.4

Associated emergency procedures are initiated and checklists and other documentation are completed in accordance with workplace policies and procedures and regulatory requirements

Required Skills

This section describes the knowledge and skills required for this unit.

Required knowledge:

Risk identification, analysis and control

Error management, including error types, causes and consequences as relevant to this unit

Human performance and its limitations, including the senses, memory and situational awareness as relevant to this unit

The decision making process as relevant to this unit

Management of fatigue as relevant to this unit

Stress, workload and time pressure management in relation to this unit

Effective communication as relevant to this unit

Relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders

In Defence context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions

Relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations

Principles of aerodynamics

Purpose and functions of RPA systems

Functions and effects of all RPA controls

All pre-launch and after launch checks

RPA launch performance

Air traffic requirements

Factors affecting directional control of the RPA

Problems that may occur when launching an RPA and appropriate actions that should be taken in each case

Manufacturers specifications relating to the operation of a RPA

Obstacle clearance techniques

Emergency procedures

Required documentation

Required skills:

Apply launch procedures in accordance with flight manual

Interpret wind speed and direction

Comply with air traffic instructions and regulatory requirements

Manage launch emergencies

Perform all pre-launch and post launch checks

Identify obstructions or other hazards that might hinder a safe launch

Read and interpret instructions, regulations, procedures and other information relevant to taking off an RPA

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

Work collaboratively with others when launching an RPA

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 launching an RPA in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Implement contingency plans for unexpected events that may arise when taking off a RPA

Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist when launching an RPA

Check and monitor fail-safe functions

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 WHS/OHS standards

Implement WHS/OHS procedures and relevant regulations

Identify and correctly use equipment required when launching an RPA

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 competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:

risk management

human factors

safety management systems and:

required 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 time and in a suitable range of contexts.

Resources for assessment include access to:

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

Practical assessment must occur in a:

real or appropriately simulated environment.

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate to this unit:

knowledge and performance questions and direct observation.


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 must be undertaken in:

visual line of sight,

visual meteorological conditions

Performance may be demonstrated in:

single engine RPA

multi engine RPA

Performance may be demonstrated on a RPA with:

fully functioning controls

with the use of a suitable simulator

Aircraft may include:

remotely piloted aircraft (rpa)/unmanned aircraft

Crew may include:

remote pilot

remote observer

payload and sensor operators and technicians

Instruments may be:

instrumentation associated with the particular system

Limitations may be imposed by:

prevailing visibility

Class of airspace is:

Class G airspace, as designated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

restricted and danger areas

military control zones

Launch may include:

variable wind

crosswind

Pre-launch briefings may include:

departure procedures

actions in the event of abnormal or emergency situations

Aborted launch requirement may include:

RPA malfunction

Unforeseen hazard

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 taking off a RPA, including Day Visual Flight Rules (Day VFR)

in Defence context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions

Flight Manual

Manual of Standards

En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA)

approved operators 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

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:

relevant Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders

relevant Defence Orders and Instructions

relevant state/territory WHS/OHS 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:

Manual of Standards

relevant Defence documentation such as:

Defence Orders and Instructions


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Y - Aircraft Operation and Traffic Management


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Application of the Unit.