This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage aircraft fuel, in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and national operating standards.

It includes planning fuel requirements, managing the fuel system, and refuelling aircraft.

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 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

Plan fuel requirements

1.1

Total en route and reserve fuel requirement is determined in accordance with regulatory requirements

1.2

Allowance is made for possible abnormal or emergency situation

2

Manage fuel system

2.1

Fuel system including pumps, engine controls and cross-feed systems are operated in accordance with aircraft flight manual (AFM)/pilot’s operating handbook (POH)

2.2

Fuel quantity on-board is verified using two independent methods

2.3

Fuel quality checks are confirmed before flight

2.4

Fuel usage and status is monitored throughout flight and fuel log is accurately maintained

2.5

Aircraft is configured to achieve desired profile, best range or endurance and operational endurance calculations are revised as required

2.6

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures are followed at all times

2.7

Potential hazards are anticipated and precautions are applied

3

Refuel aircraft

3.1

Aircraft is refuelled correctly in accordance with AFM/POH, WHS/OHS, regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

3.2

Appropriate precautions are taken to ensure the safety of personnel and property during refuelling operations

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 air safety practices and regulations

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

applying relevant aeronautical knowledge

applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures

calculating equi time point (ETP) and point of no return (PNR)

calculating fuel allowances, consumption and endurance

communicating effectively with others

completing relevant documentation

identifying and correctly using relevant equipment

implementing contingency plans

implementing safety precautions during aircraft refuelling

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 workplace records relevant to aircraft fuel management

managing the operation of an aircraft fuel system

modifying activities depending on workplace contingencies, situations and environments

monitoring and anticipating operational problems and hazards and taking appropriate action

monitoring fuel usage to achieve desired profile, best range or endurance following configuration changes

monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule

operating electronic communications equipment to required protocol

performing fuel quality control checks

planning aircraft fuel requirements

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

recognising deteriorating situations impacting on fuel requirements

refuelling an aircraft:

identifying applicable grade of fuel for aircraft type

complying with aircraft bonding and earthing requirements

implementing fuel loading and unloading procedures

ensuring fuel cap security

undertaking fuel quality checks, including:

operator checks

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

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

working collaboratively with others when managing aircraft fuel

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:

aerodynamic, engine and airframe requirements for aircraft to achieve best range and endurance

dangers of using the incorrect grade of fuel

factors affecting fuel consumption

fire extinguishers that can be used for fuel-related fires, including requirements and how to use them in a fire

fuel consumption of aircraft at varying power settings

fuel reserve requirement for aircraft

hazards that exist when refuelling aircraft and related hazard control procedures and precautions

how to calculate conversions between imperial and metric measures

in a Defence context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions

limitations on using drum stock fuel

location of refuelling places

methods of identifying applicable grade of fuel for aircraft type

methods of verifying the quantity of fuel on board an aircraft

minimum fuel requirements for day visual flight rules (VFR) operations

mixture leaning technique

operation of the aircraft fuel system

principles of aircraft fuel systems

problems that may occur when managing aircraft fuel and appropriate action that should be taken in each case

procedures for calculating equi time point (ETP) and point of no return (PNR)

regulations and procedures for refuelling aircraft

relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders

relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations

variations to planned fuel consumption

WHS/OHS requirements applicable to aircraft fuelling operations.

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.