Application
This unit of competency requires application of hand skills and the use of system/component knowledge and applicable maintenance publications and test equipment to inspect, test and troubleshoot primary radar systems and components of fixed and rotary wing aircraft that have primary radar systems, such as weather radar during scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Work may be performed individually or as part of a team.
The unit is part of the Avionic Certificate IV (Aircraft Maintenance Stream) training pathway.
The unit is used in workplaces that operate under the airworthiness regulatory systems of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Civil Aviation safety Authority (CASA).
Where a CASA licensing outcome is sought this unit forms part of the CASA requirement for the granting of the chosen maintenance certification licence under Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 66, in accordance with the licensing provisions in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1. | Inspect primary radar systems and components | 1.1 | Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including system defect reports, where relevant, are used to identify specific inspection requirements |
1.2 | Isolation tags are checked and aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual | ||
1.3 | Primary radar system components are visually or physically checked for external signs of defects in accordance with applicable maintenance manual while observing all relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements | ||
1.4 | Defects are correctly identified and reported | ||
2. | Test/adjust primary radar systems and components | 2.1 | Aircraft and system are prepared in accordance with applicable maintenance manual for the application of power/system operation |
2.2 | Primary radar system is functionally tested in accordance with maintenance manual for evidence of serviceability or malfunction while observing the applicable WHS requirements associated with system ground testing | ||
2.3 | System calibration or adjustments are performed in accordance with maintenance manual, as appropriate | ||
3. | Troubleshoot primary radar systems | 3.1 | Available information from maintenance documentation, inspection and test results is used, where necessary, to assist in fault determination |
3.2 | Maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides and logic processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting to line replacement level | ||
3.3 | Specialist advice is obtained, where required, to assist with the troubleshooting process | ||
3.4 | Primary radar system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required, in accordance with standard enterprise procedures | ||
3.5 | Rectification requirements are determined | ||
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria under the specified conditions of assessment, and must include:
applying relevant WHS practices
using approved maintenance documentation and aircraft publications relating to the primary radar system being maintained
recognition of system and component defects/external damage, correct installation, connection of plugs, terminations, attaching hardware (including cabling/harnesses/transmission lines/wave guides) and security in radar (navigation/weather) system components and interface
applying logic processes, taking and interpreting system measurements, to accurately and effectively isolate malfunctions within the system and system components
performing system testing to isolate system malfunctions and assess system’s post-maintenance serviceability.
It is essential that system testing procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions applicable to the radar system being maintained are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice across a range of inspection, testing and troubleshooting applications (including the timely involvement of supervisors or other trades) is critical.
Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing and troubleshooting is essential. This is to be demonstrated through application across a primary radar system and its components.
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:
component attachment methods
the basic layout (block diagram level), function and operation of primary radar systems
basic principles/functions relating to the system components and associated with:
basic alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) circuit theory
digital fundamentals
analogue fundamentals
radar fundamentals
transmission lines, waveguide and antenna characteristics
primary radar system maintenance requirements and troubleshooting procedures
relevant WHS practices including those relating to ground functional testing of radar systems
relevant maintenance manuals
relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures.
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace using tools and equipment specified in the maintenance manuals. It is also expected that applicable general and special purpose tools, and test and ground support equipment would be used where appropriate.
The application of testing procedures should clearly indicate knowledge of system operation, the relationship of individual components and the links with other systems (if applicable) within the limits of the aircraft/system fault finding guide before undertaking any action. The work plan should take account of applicable safety and quality requirements in accordance with the industry and regulatory standards.
The following conditions of assessment represent the requirements of the Regulators (ADF and CASA) and maintenance stakeholders and must be rigorously observed.
A person cannot be assessed as competent until it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the workplace assessor that the relevant elements and performance criteria of the unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on a primary radar system and at least one (1) major system component/line replacement unit (LRU). This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement or, where appropriate, an equivalent Industry Evidence Guide (for details refer to the Companion Volume Assessment Guidelines).
Assessors must satisfy the requirements of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (Australian Skills Quality Authority, or its successors).
Where the unit is to be used for CASA licensing purposes the Assessor must also meet the criteria specified in the CASR Part 147 Manual of Standards.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. | ||
Procedures and requirements include: | Industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise | |
Sectors
Competency Field
Aviation maintenance