This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to conduct external load-lifting operations, in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and national operating standards.

It includes preparing for load-lifting operations, performing load-lifting operations, concluding load-lifting operations, and responding to external load operational emergencies and abnormal situations.

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

Prepare for load-lifting operations

1.1

External load characteristics and dimensions are determined and calculated

1.2

Aerial delivery equipment is prepared and checked as required, in accordance with equipment manuals and publications

1.3

Helicopter cargo hook system is prepared and checked for correct operation

1.4

Aircraft safety hazards are identified using established procedures

1.5

Aircraft power availability is calculated

1.6

Wind speed and direction are determined

1.7

Approach and overshoot paths are determined

1.8

Load-lifting location and surrounds are checked for suitability

1.9

External load-lifting plan is developed and communicated to other crew members

2

Perform load-lifting operations

2.1

Helicopter is manoeuvred to external load-lifting point

2.2

Aircraft operational checks are conducted

2.3

External load is connected using appropriate operational method

2.4

Situational awareness of inflight load stability and aircraft flight performance is maintained

2.5

External load is released at nominated delivery point

3

Conclude load-lifting operations

3.1

Aerial delivery equipment is recovered as required

3.2

Aircraft external load hook equipment and control systems are secured and checked for serviceability

4

Respond to external load operational emergencies and abnormal situations

4.1

External load operational emergencies are identified, diagnosed and communicated

4.2

External load operational emergency or remedial actions are undertaken to maintain safety of flight

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

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

applying relevant helicopter aeronautical knowledge

applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures

completing aerial delivery equipment assembly

completing relevant documentation

determining wind speed and direction

identifying and using required communications technology

implementing contingency plans

modifying activities depending on operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule

operating aerial delivery equipment

operating and adapting to differences in communications equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

performing weight calculations

planning own work, predicting consequences and identifying improvements

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

reporting and/or rectifying identified problems, faults or malfunctions promptly, in accordance with workplace procedures

using communication skills for helicopter control

working collaboratively with others

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, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

approach and overshoot considerations

approved operational procedures and processes for different external load-lifting operations

cargo hook system and aerial delivery equipment capabilities and limitations

CASR Part 61 Manual of Standards Schedule 3 Aeronautical Knowledge relevant to helicopter external load operations

correct aerial delivery equipment configuration

external load safety and configuration

external load-lifting emergency procedures

external load-lifting risk assessment principles

external load-lifting verbal/non-verbal communication procedures

helicopter capabilities and limitations

organisational policies and procedures for load-lifting operations

practices concerning external load-lifting operations

procedures and protocols for using communications systems during an emergency

typical problems that may occur when conducting external load-lifting operations and appropriate action and solutions

work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) issues applicable to operations, aircraft and personnel safety.

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.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

External load characteristics consist of one or more of the following attributes:

dangerous goods

dimensions

fragility

non-dangerous

rigging requirements

size

weight

Aerial delivery equipment must include one or more of the following:

cargo nets

chains

clevis assemblies

D rings

drogue chutes

firefighting buckets

hooks

lifting slings

palnets

pendant assemblies

rigging cordage

semi-rigid strops

shackles

single link assemblies

strops

swivel assemblies

Aircraft safety hazards must include one or more of the following:

fauna

flora

man-made structures

meteorological conditions

other aircraft

ship structures and rigging

ship movements

smoke

terrain

External load operational emergencies and abnormal situations must include one or more of the following:

communications system failure

helicopter electrical or mechanical system failure or malfunction

inadvertent release of external load

inflight external load instability