AVIY4012B
Control helicopter in hovering flight

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to control a helicopter in hovering flight, including lifting off, hovering a helicopter, performing hovering checks; hovering a helicopter in cross and tail winds; performing spot/pedal turns; conducting turns around nose and tail; and performing sidewards and backwards flight. It also includes landing from the hover, managing a mislanding, and aborting a lift off. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

Application

Work must be carried out in compliance with the relevant licence and aircraft rating requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and/or ADF; airspace control requirements and Day Visual Flight Rules (Day VFR); and aircraft control principles, regulations, safety codes, protocols and procedures required when controlling a helicopter in hovering flight.

Use for ADF Aviation is to be in accordance with relevant Defence Orders and Instructions and applicable CASA compliance.

Operations are conducted as part of commercial or military aircraft activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian aviation industry.

Work is performed under limited supervision.

This unit is nominally packaged a Certificate IV.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Lift off, hover helicopter and perform hover checks

1.1 Pre-take-off checks are performed in accordance with workplace procedures, approved checklist and regulatory requirements

1.2 Helicopter is established in hovering flight over a hover point

1.3 Hover checks are performed in accordance with workplace procedures, approved checklist and regulatory requirements

1.4 Helicopter is maintained in flight and kept over a nominated hover point at a nominated height and heading

1.5 Helicopter remains clear of the 'avoid' area of the manufacturers height-velocity diagram where possible

1.6 Coordinated corrective action is used to counter the effects of wind gusts

1.7 Implications of unfavourable weather are assessed and appropriate compensation is made

1.8 Helicopter is maintained clear of obstructions

1.9 Adverse effect of rotor wash is avoided

1.10 Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility or terrain

2Hover helicopter in cross and tail winds

2.1 Helicopter is maintained in flight remaining over a nominated hover point at a nominated height and heading in cross and tail winds

2.2 Coordinated corrective action is used to control the effects of wind gusts

3Perform spot/pedal turns

3.1 Helicopter is turned around the mast while maintaining a constant height and specified rate of turn over the hover point

3.2 Controlled corrective action is used to control the effects of wind gusts

3.3 Helicopter is maintained clear of obstructions/ground

3.4 Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility, obstructions and terrain

4Perform turns around nose and tail

4.1 Helicopter is turned around a nominated point on or forward of the nose or on or aft of the tail of the helicopter while maintaining a constant height and specified rate of movement around the point

4.2 Controlled corrective action is taken to counter the effects of wind gusts

4.3 Helicopter is maintained clear of obstructions/ground during turning manoeuvres

4.4 Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility, obstructions and terrain

5Perform sidewards and backwards flight

5.1 Helicopter is transitioned from static hover to sideways and rearward flight in accordance with workplace procedures, approved checklist and regulatory requirements

5.2 Transition from static hover to sideways and rearward flight is terminated over a nominated hover point

5.3 Lookout is maintained in direction of flight using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility, obstructions and terrain

5.4 Helicopter is maintained clear of obstructions/ground during sidewards and backwards flight manoeuvres

5.5 Rearward movement is only conducted after visually checking behind helicopter, and height is adjusted as required

6Land from the hover

6.1 Helicopter is lowered on to a nominated point from hovering flight without longitudinal, lateral, yawing or rolling movements and without harshness

6.2 Confirmation is made that the helicopter is securely on the ground prior to lowering collective fully

6.3 After-landing checks are performed in accordance with workplace procedures, approved checklist and regulatory requirements

7Manage a mishandled landing

7.1 Appropriate action is taken to identify when an adverse landing situation has developed

7.2 A decision to achieve a stabilised position is implemented

7.3 Situation is re-evaluated and the landing is continued if appropriate

7.4 In situations where it is considered inappropriate to continue the landing, the helicopter is lifted off and re-positioned for landing

8Abort a lift off

8.1 Should circumstances require, a timely decision is made to discontinue a vertical lift off

8.2 Helicopter is appropriately controlled to ensure that the undercarriage is safely lowered onto the ground

Required Skills

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge:

Relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders

Relevant OH&S and environmental procedures and regulations

Relevant helicopter/equipment characteristics including:

aircraft operational limitations

aerodrome and helicopter landing site markings

light and marshalling signals

helicopter braking and steering systems

application of the height/velocity graph

effects of rotor wash

hazards and risks when controlling a helicopter in hovering flight and precautions for controlling the risks

relevant sections of the Flight Manual/POH

local air traffic control procedures

Helicopter hovering procedures including:

pre-take-off checks

hover checks

maintaining hovering flight in a range of operational conditions

turning a helicopter around the mast

making a transition from static hover to sideways and rearward flight

landing the helicopter

managing a mislanding

Required skills:

Select and use relevant controls/equipment including throttle, rotor controls, anti-torque pedals and collective and cyclic pitch controls

Read and interpret instructions, procedures and information relevant to the control of a helicopter in hovering flight

Apply the knowledge to the control of a helicopter in hovering flight

Use instruments to monitor helicopter performance

Solve any problems when controlling a helicopter in hovering flight

Communicate effectively with others when controlling helicopter in hovering flight

Read and interpret instructions, regulations, procedures and other information relevant to controlling helicopter in hovering flight

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Complete documentation related to controlling a helicopter in hovering flight

Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

Work collaboratively with others when controlling a helicopter in hovering flight

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 controlling a helicopter in hovering flight in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Implement contingency plans for unexpected events that may arise when controlling a helicopter in hovering flight

Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist when controlling a helicopter in hovering flight

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 OH&S procedures and relevant regulations

Identify and correctly use equipment required when controlling a helicopter in hovering flight

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 competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:

the underpinning 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 a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts

Resources for assessment include:

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

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation

As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests

Practical assessment must occur:

through activities in an appropriately simulated environment at the registered training organisation, and/or

in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace


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 may be undertaken in:

variable weather conditions in accordance with Day Visual Flight Rules

Performance may be demonstrated in:

single engine helicopter

multi engine helicopter

single main rotor helicopter

multi main rotor helicopter

variable air traffic conditions

variable flight situations

abnormal situations

Performance may be demonstrated on an helicopter with:

fully functioning dual controls

an electronic intercom system

dual control brakes

wheel and skidded undercarriages

Crew may include:

single pilot

multi crew

Limitations may be imposed by:

local noise abatement requirements and curfews

Classes of airspace are:

those designated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Checklists may include:

pre-flight

pre-start

engine start

pre-taxi

take-off

after take-off

approach and landing

shutdown

post-flight

Hovering procedures may be performed at:

a prepared or unprepared aerodrome

an approved helicopter landing site (HLS)

Operational hazards during hovering manoeuvres may include:

variable surface conditions

other aircraft

loose objects

personnel

animals

birds

propeller/tail rotor/rotor wash and jet blast

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

Procedures maintaining compliance with airspace requirements are:

geographical limits of the flight area is demonstrated on a chart

prominent geographical features are identified using a chart

the limits of the flight area are identified on the ground

the position of controlled airspace is determined using a chart and geographical features

restricted areas are identified using a chart and geographical features

departure from the circuit area and transition to the flight area is completed without incident

departure from the flight area and transition to the circuit area is completed without incident

Information/documents may include:

relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders including Day Visual Flight Rules (Day VFR)

in Defence context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions

Flight Manual/Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)

Manual of Standards - Pilot Licensing (MOS-PL)

Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP)

En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA)

charts

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 OH&S 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:

Day VFR Syllabus

Manual of Standards

relevant Defence documentation such as:

Defence Orders and Instructions

approved curricula and training documentation


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Y - Aircraft Operation and Traffic Management


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.