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 normal 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.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Climb helicopter

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 climb flight configurations from straight flight and turns

1.2 Helicopter is maintained in balanced flight during adjustments to attitude and power

1.3 Helicopter is levelled off from climb at nominated altitude

1.4 Lookout is maintained during climb using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain

1.5 Situation awareness is maintained

2Maintain straight and level flight

2.1 Attitude and power are adjusted to achieve a constant height, heading and speed while remaining in balanced flight

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

2.3 Natural horizon is used as primary attitude reference

2.4 Altitude is maintained within allocated height band

3Descend helicopter

3.1 Attitude and power are adjusted to enter and maintain a descent from straight flight and turns whilst maintaining balanced flight

3.2 Helicopter is levelled from a descent at a nominated altitude

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

3.4 Clearance ahead and below is maintained

3.5 Air traffic control altitude restrictions are observed

3.6 Helicopter does not exceed design limits during descent

3.7 Situation awareness is maintained at all times during helicopter descent

3.8 Appropriate precautions are taken to avoid carburettor icing

4Turn helicopter

4.1 'Airspace cleared' procedure is carried out

4.2 Attitude and power are adjusted to enter and maintain turns at varying rates from level, climbing and descending flight to achieve nominated tracks

4.3 Helicopter is rolled out from the turn to achieve a nominated heading or geographical feature

4.4 Lookout is maintained in direction of turn and above or below using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain

4.5 Engine operating limits are not exceeded

5Control helicopter at any speed

5.1 Attitude and power are adjusted, accelerated or decelerated to manoeuvre the helicopter at any specified airspeed within the flight envelope while maintaining balanced flight

5.2 Height awareness is maintained at all times and appropriate adjustments are made as required

5.3 Wind conditions are monitored and appropriate allowance is made

5.4 Helicopter is suitably controlled to ensure that it is operated within its design limits

6Perform circuits and approaches

6.1 Traffic patterns are conducted in accordance with AIP or local procedures at normal and low altitude appropriate to the helicopter type

6.2 When conducting traffic patterns, due allowance is made for the wind and all checklists are completed

6.3 Radiotelephone procedures are followed during circuits in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

6.4 The approach path applicable to the helicopter type is intercepted and maintained whilst remaining clear of other traffic

6.5 Lookout is maintained during circuits and approaches using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain

6.6 Conflicting traffic is recognised and appropriate responses are made

6.7 Right of way rules are applied and compliance with the rules is maintained

6.8 Radio listening watch is maintained in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

6.9 Weather conditions are monitored and appropriate responses are made

6.10 Fuel status is monitored and appropriate responses are made

7Comply with airspace requirements

7.1 Helicopter is maintained within a specified area and/or track while complying with air traffic requirements, controlled or restricted airspace conditions or limitations and reacting to factors that affect the safe progress of a flight

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

Principles of aerodynamics

Functions and effects of all helicopter controls

Procedures for setting power in normally aspirated, turbocharger, supercharged or turbine engines as applicable

Forces and moments acting on a helicopter and precautions to manage their effects:

in straight and level flight

in a climb

in a turn

during descent

Rotational and induced airflow

Application of heading and track

Theory and application of best rate and angle of climb

Use of instruments to monitor helicopter performance and significance of colour coding

Application of the height/velocity diagram/graph

Procedures for the use of trim controls if appropriate

Cause and effects of retreating blade stall

Conditions leading to loss of tail rotor/anti-torque control

Recognition and avoidance of settling with power/vortex ring state

The circumstances and procedures for the use of carburettor heat

Circuit patterns and procedures

The dangers of wind shear, turbulence and wake turbulence

The effect of turning and acceleration on magnetic compass accuracy

Hazards and risks when controlling a helicopter in normal flight and precautions for controlling the risks

Problems that may occur when controlling a helicopter in normal flight and appropriate action that should be taken in each case

Required skills:

Apply the knowledge when controlling a helicopter in normal flight

Select and use relevant controls, 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 normal flight

Use instruments to monitor helicopter performance

Solve problems associated with controlling a helicopter in normal flight

Communicate effectively with others when controlling a helicopter in normal flight

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

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Complete documentation related to controlling a helicopter in normal flight

Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

Work collaboratively with others when controlling a helicopter in normal 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 normal flight in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

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

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

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

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

wheeled or skidded undercarriage

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

Operational hazards during normal flight manoeuvres may include:

other aircraft

loose objects

personnel

birds

propeller/tail rotor/rotor wash and jet blast

Guidance during normal flight operations may be provided by:

air traffic control instructions

light signals

aerodrome markings

Turns may include:

level

climbing

descending

Checklists may include:

pre-flight

pre-start

engine start

pre-taxi

take-off

after take-off

approach and landing

shutdown

post-flight

Circuit height may include:

standard

low-level

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

Y - Aircraft Operation and Traffic Management

This unit contains employability skills.