This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to prepare, rig and dispatch air-drop loads in support of ground activities, which may occur in a hostile or benign environment.

It includes loading, rigging and dispatching container and platform for air-drop loads from aircraft.

This unit applies to those working as air dispatchers for Defence but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Persons undertaking this unit work as part of a team under supervision and perform routine tasks in a range of contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Rig container and platform for air-drop loads

1.1

Select and use hand and power tools in accordance with organisational procedures

1.2

Select and use aerial delivery equipment in accordance with organisational procedures

1.3

Rig and safely restrain container and platform loads, and attach parachute as part of a crew, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.4

Compile, use and distribute air-drop and air movement documents in accordance with organisational procedures

2

Load and dispatch air-drop loads

2.1

Operate aircraft loading equipment and restraint devices in accordance with organisational procedures

2.2

Prepare stores and equipment for container and platform air-drop

2.3

Dispatch air-drop loads safely and effectively from aircraft in accordance with air-drop procedures

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:

adhering to aircraft and airfield discipline requirements

applying rated strengths and/or safe working stresses

applying safety, legislative and statutory requirements relevant to the risk assessment

compiling air movements and air-drop documentation

completing aircraft loading

identifying aircraft safety features, tiedown points and capacities

identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing control measures

loading and restraining container and platform loads in the aircraft for air-drop

loading, restraining and manually dispatching compact and container air-drop loads from aircraft

managing air-drop load resources

selecting and handling parachutes

using weighing devices (scales) and calculators.

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:

airfield and aircraft discipline

cargo aircraft roles and capabilities

classification for dangerous goods

loading cargo aircraft

load restraint guidelines

organisational policies and procedures

parachute handling requirements

responsibilities of an air dispatch crew member in flight

safe weight limits of equipment and load restraint devices

types and methods of air-drop and their application

uses, strengths, handling and storage of aerial delivery equipment.

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 must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

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.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulations

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

applicable documentation including operational procedures, load restraint guidelines, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

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

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Not applicable.

Air Dispatch