AVIY3076A
Recover remote pilot aircraft (RPA)

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to recover a remote pilot aircraft (RPA), including controlling the rate of descent, maintaining directional control, minimising bouncing, and stopping the RPA within the available recovery area. It also includes completion of post recovery checks and the performance of a mis-handled landing/ go-around when required.

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 recovering an RPA.

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

Recover RPA

1.1

RPA is recovered at a controlled rate of descent

1.2

Directional control is maintained at all times

1.3

Bouncing of RPA is minimized appropriately

1.4

RPA is stopped within the available area

1.5

Post-recovery checks are performed in accordance with approved checklist and in accordance with manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures

2

Manage aborted / rejected recovery

2.1

Situations requiring go-around/position hold are correctly identified

2.2

Go-around/position hold is performed in accordance with workplace requirements and regulatory requirements

2.3

Effective communication with relevant others is undertaken as required according to workplace procedures

2.4

Power is applied and RPA is manoeuvred clear of the ground as applicable and in accordance with workplace procedures

2.5

Allowance for wind velocity is made during go-around/position hold as applicable

2.6

Post recovery abort/rejection procedures are implemented according to workplace procedures

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

Principles of aerodynamics

Recovery procedures

All required checklist items

The causes of loss of directional control during Recovery

The aerodynamic forces involved during recovery, low speed flight and flare

The effect of wind on recovery performance

Effect of light, and sun on recovery management

How to calculate a cross wind component

Windsock and other indicators that are used to determine wind velocity

Required skills:

Exercise sound judgment sufficient to perform recovery procedures

Recognise and respond to conditions leading to a go-around/position hold

Carry out correct procedures in the event of a go-around/position hold

Use of instruments and displays to monitor RPA performance

Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements

Communicate effectively with others when recovering an RPA including use of radio

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

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

Work collaboratively with others when recovering 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 recovering an RPA in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Implement contingency plans for unexpected events that may arise when recovering an RPA

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

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 WHS/OHS procedures and relevant regulations

Identify and correctly use equipment required when recovering 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 metrological conditions

Performance may be demonstrated in:

single engine RPA

multi engine RPA

Performance may be demonstrated on an RPA with:

fully functioning controls

with the use of a suitable simulator

Aircraft may include:

remotely piloted aircraft/unmanned aircraft

Crew may include:

remote pilot

observer

Instruments may be:

instrumentation associated with the particular system

Limitations may be imposed by:

local noise abatement requirements and curfews

Classes of airspace must be:

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

restricted and danger areas

military control zones

Recoveries may include:

normal recoveries

recoveries in crosswind

abnormal recoveries

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 landing of a RPA

in Defence context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions

Fight Manual

Manual of Standards

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

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:

relevant Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders

in Defence context, 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.