This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to provide area control services during air traffic control operations, in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and national operating standards.

It includes managing enroute airspaces and assuring separation.

This unit is applied to specific airspaces that offer varying levels of air traffic services according to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and national airspace classifications.

This unit addresses aviation technical skill requirements (physical, mental and task-management abilities) related to air traffic control duties that complement the non-technical skills of air traffic controllers, and contribute to safe and effective performance in complex aviation operational environments.

Operations are conducted as part of commercial and military air traffic services across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian aviation industry.

Work is performed independently or under limited supervision as a single operator or within a team 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

Manage enroute airspaces

1.1

Traffic priorities are applied in accordance with standard operating procedure

1.2

Service priorities are applied according to in accordance with that which is most safety critical

1.3

Control practices and techniques are adapted to changing airspace environment factors

1.4

Hazards are identified, risks are assessed and risk controls are implemented

1.5

Systematic scan technique of airspaces and air routes is maintained

1.6

Standard routing is facilitated

1.7

Preferred routing is facilitated

1.8

Documented instructions and agreements applicable to jurisdictional area are applied

1.9

Non-compliance with control instructions and procedures is recognised and addressed

1.10

Terrain and obstacle clearance is provided

1.11

Pilot requested altitudes and flight levels are facilitated

1.12

Aircraft are authorised to use enroute airspaces

1.13

Control services are provided in accordance with airspace classification and status

1.14

Airspaces are administered in accordance with user activity

1.15

Flight diversions or deviations are facilitated

2

Assure separation

2.1

Conflicts are recognised and resolved

2.2

Separation is provided

2.3

Jurisdiction for maintaining aircraft separation is agreed and assigned

2.4

Alternative separation is provided as required

2.5

Separation is adjusted when systems are degraded or airways facilities are reduced

2.6

Most appropriate separation is provided taking into account safety, expedition and the method of control and surveillance

2.7

Compromised separation is recognised and addressed

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 appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions with others

adhering to procedures through a series of steps followed in a regular definite order or as required, a traditional or established way of doing things

adjusting route and track of aircraft

allocating attention in accordance with priorities

anticipating and preparing for work tasks

applying an error management attitude that limits unintentional deviation from work practices and maintains accuracy through a disciplined approach to implementing procedures and practices, and a methodical work ethic

applying human reasoning to airspace and flight path scenarios

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

communicating effectively with others

completing relevant documentation

coordinating air traffics services effectively

executing control actions

facilitating in-flight deviations, diversions and changes of altitude and flight level

formulating airways clearance and control instruction

implementing contingency plans

implementing decisions using knowledge-based, rule-based and skill-based activities

implementing work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures and relevant regulations

interpreting and evaluating current traffic events

interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work

interpreting charts and operational documentation associated with air traffic services

maintaining a strategic traffic management plan for the airspace jurisdiction

maintaining surveillance of enroute airspaces

maintaining speed control

operating equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

perceiving and comprehending incoming information

processing military aircraft

projecting and predicting future traffic scenarios

reporting and rectifying identified problems promptly

recording and annotating flight information and messages

responding to stressful situations with a considered and measured approach

scanning the human machine interface (HMI)

separating aircraft using area control techniques and standards

separating aircraft using wake turbulence standards

vectoring aircraft

working collaboratively with others

working systematically with attention to detail.

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

relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry

applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

acceptable means of simulation assessment.