This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to control an aeroplane in normal flight, in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and national operating standards.

It includes climbing an aeroplane, maintaining straight and level flight, descending an aeroplane, and turning an aeroplane. It also includes controlling an aeroplane at slow speed, performing circuits and approaches, and complying with airspace requirements.

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

Climb aeroplane

1.1

Adjustments are made to attitude and power to achieve an increase of altitude at normal, maximum rate (VY), maximum angle (VX) and cruise conditions of flight during straight and turning manoeuvres

1.2

Aeroplane is maintained in balanced flight and trimmed

1.3

Aeroplane is levelled off from climb at nominated altitude using standard aeroplane procedures

1.4

Flightpath clearance is ensured

1.5

Climb checks are completed

1.6

Air traffic control (ATC) altitude restrictions are observed

2

Maintain straight and level flight

2.1

Power, attitude and configuration are set to achieve straight and level flight

2.2

Aeroplane is maintained in balanced flight and trimmed

2.3

Altitude and heading are maintained within tolerances

2.4

Flightpath clearance is ensured

3

Descend aeroplane

3.1

Power, attitude and configuration are set to achieve descent during glide, power assisted flight and approach profiles

3.2

Aeroplane is maintained in balanced flight and trimmed

3.3

Aeroplane is levelled from a descent at a nominated altitude

3.4

Flightpath clearance is ensured

3.5

ATC altitude restrictions are observed

3.6

Aeroplane operating limits are not exceeded during descent

3.7

Effects of undercarriage and flaps are managed

3.8

Descent checks are completed

4

Turn aeroplane

4.1

Airspace cleared procedure is carried out

4.2

Heading is altered in balanced flight during level, climbing, descending and gliding manoeuvres and turns are performed at varying rates to achieve specified tracks

4.3

Turn on to nominated heading or geographical feature is achieved

4.4

Aeroplane operating limits are maintained during turns

5

Control aeroplane at slow speed

5.1

Pre-manoeuvre checks are completed in accordance with operating procedures

5.2

Aeroplane is flown at minimum clean approach speed and at minimum landing configuration approach speed as specified in aircraft flight manual (AFM)/pilot’s operating handbook (POH) in balanced flight

5.3

Height awareness is maintained during slow speed flight

5.4

Positive control responses are implemented and reduced control effectiveness is recognised during slow flight manoeuvres

5.5

Stall warnings, cautions and indications are monitored during slow speed flight

5.6

Recovery to cruise speed is achieved while maintaining height

6

Perform circuits and approaches

6.1

Traffic patterns are conducted in accordance with aeronautical information package (AIP) procedures appropriate to the aeroplane type with allowance for wind velocity on all legs of the circuit

6.2

All checklists are completed and radiotelephone procedures are followed

6.3

Approach path is appropriately intercepted and maintained in a manner applicable to aeroplane type, while remaining clear of other traffic

6.4

Traffic conflict or adverse flight conditions are recognised when they arise and a go-around is performed from any position in the traffic pattern

6.5

Right of way rules are applied and complied with

6.6

Radio listening watch is maintained in accordance with established procedures

6.7

Aeroplane is configured for landing

7

Comply with airspace requirements

7.1

While aeroplane is maintained within a specified area, compliance is maintained with air traffic requirements and restricted, controlled and other appropriately designated airspace

7.2

Appropriate reactions are made to factors that may affect the safe progress of the flight

7.3

Awareness of aeroplane position is maintained using charts and geographical features

7.4

Radio listening watch is maintained in accordance with established procedures

7.5

Weather conditions are monitored and appropriate action is taken

7.6

Local and published noise abatement requirements and curfews are observed

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

adhering to restricted, controlled and other appropriately designated airspace requirements

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

applying relevant aeroplane aeronautical knowledge

applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures

applying the techniques of straight and level, climbing and descending flight to achieve a consistent traffic pattern and approach to landing

communicating effectively with others when controlling an aeroplane in normal flight including using an aeronautical radio

compensating for the secondary effects of controls

completing relevant documentation

confirming runway and aerodrome serviceability and availability

controlling an aeroplane during slow speed flight

controlling an aeroplane during turning manoeuvres

determining appropriate runway and circuit procedures

identifying and correctly using relevant equipment

identifying geographical features from aerodrome charts including:

aerodromes and landing areas within local area

geographical limits

geographical limits of flight training areas

restricted, controlled and uncontrolled airspace areas

state local airspace limits

transit route between departure aerodrome and training area

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

maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements

maintaining separation between aircraft

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

operating safely in the vicinity of local aerodromes and landing areas

performing circuits and approaches

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

remaining within a designated area while complying with airspace and air traffic requirements

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

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

setting local or area barometric pressure adjusted for sea level (QNH) at appropriate stages of flight

using instruments to monitor aeroplane performance

working collaboratively with others when controlling an aeroplane in normal flight including using an aeronautical radio

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:

after take-off checks

aircraft performance

aircraft systems

aircraft weight and balance

airspace cleared procedure to be carried out before all turns

CASR Part 61 Manual of Standards Schedule 3 Aeronautical Knowledge relevant to aeroplane operations

cause of and compensation for aileron drag

circuit patterns and procedures

contents of the aircraft flight manual (AFM) and pilot’s operating handbook (POH)

dangers associated with mechanical and wake turbulence

dangers of turbulence and wake turbulence when flying at low speed

day visual flight rules (VFR) criteria

effect of angle of bank and load factor on stall speeds

effect of turning and acceleration on magnetic compass accuracy

effects and use of carburettor heat or de-icing systems

effects of carburettor or intake icing

effects of excessive cooling on engine performance

effects of flap

engine considerations during prolonged climbing and descending

environmental conditions that represent visual meteorological conditions (VMC)

functions and effects of all aeroplane controls

go-around procedures from base leg and final approach

hazards during maximum rate descent

hazards when performing performance manoeuvres

in a Defence context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions

local area operating procedures

operation of stall warning devices fitted to aeroplane

pre-landing checks

primary effects of controls

principles of aerodynamics

procedures for setting power in normally aspirated, turbocharged or supercharged engines

relationship between angle of bank, load factor and stall speed

relationship between induced drag and operating at slow speed

relationship of attitude and power to trim

relevant sections of aeronautical information package (AIP)

relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Orders

relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations

requirements and procedures for maximum rate descent

tendency to under bank in descending turn and over bank in a climbing turn

theory and application of best rate and angle of climb

turning using a magnetic compass

use of autopilot/flight director functions

use of flap

use of instruments to monitor aeroplane performance

use of trim controls.

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.