This unit requires application of hand skills and the use of maintenance documentation/publications in the maintenance of basic aircraft avionic systems and components involving inspection, testing and troubleshooting and component removal and installation.

Applications include basic fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft where the avionic systems are limited to VHF communications, basic audio system, ADF and VOR radio navigation systems, stand-alone GNS and ATC transponder.

MEA246C

Fabricate and/or repair aircraft electrical components or parts

1. Inspect basic aircraft avionic 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. Avionic systems are visually or physically checked for external signs of defects in accordance with applicable maintenance manual

1.4. Defects are correctly identified and reported

2. Test/adjust basic aircraft avionic systems

2.1. Aircraft and systems are prepared in accordance with applicable maintenance manual for the application of power/system operation

2.2. Avionic systems are functionally tested in accordance with maintenance manual for evidence of serviceability or malfunction

2.3. System calibration or adjustments are performed in accordance with maintenance manual, as appropriate

3. Troubleshoot basic aircraft avionic systems

3.1. Available information from maintenance documentation and 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

3.3. Specialist advice is obtained, where required, to assist with the troubleshooting process

3.4. System faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required and in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

3.5. Rectification requirements are determined

4. Remove and install basic aircraft avionic system components

4.1. System is rendered safe and prepared in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual and isolation tags are fitted where necessary to ensure personnel safety

4.2. Avionic component removal is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual

4.3. Required maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

4.4. Removed components are tagged and packaged in accordance with specified procedures

4.5. Avionic components to be installed are checked to confirm correct part numbers, modification status, serviceability and shelf life

4.6. Physical installation of avionic components is performed in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual

4.7. System is reinstated to correct operational condition in preparation for testing and calibration or adjustment, as necessary

4.8. Required maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

applying relevant OHS practices

using approved maintenance documentation and aircraft publications relating to the avionic system being maintained

locating and identifying avionic system components comprising:

VHF communications systems

VOR and ADF navigation systems

basic audio systems

stand-alone GNS systems

ATC transponders

ELT systems

locating and identifying applicable antennas

recognising system and component defects/external damage, correct installation, attaching hardware (including cabling/harnesses/transmission lines) and security in the systems listed above

applying logic processes, taking and interpreting system measurements to accurately and effectively isolate malfunctions within the above systems

testing listed systems to isolate system faults and assess post-maintenance serviceability

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

component attachment methods

connection of hardware, and plugs

handling precautions for electrostatic sensitive devices

the basic layout (block diagram level), function and operation of:

VHF communications systems

VOR and ADF navigation systems

basic audio systems

stand-alone GPS systems

ATC transponders

ELT systems

basic principles/functions, relating to the above systems and associated with:

electromagnetic radiation and propagation

basic AC and DC circuit theory

printed circuit boards

digital fundamentals

analogue fundamentals

transmitter and receiver principles

pulse

antenna characteristics

transmission line characteristics

fibre optic communications

maintenance requirements and troubleshooting procedures

applicable maintenance data and manuals

relevant OHS practices

relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to inspect, test and troubleshoot basic aircraft avionic systems and remove and install system components while observing all relevant safety precautions.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The underlying skills inherent in this unit should be transferable across a range of inspection, testing and troubleshooting applications (including the timely involvement of supervisors or other trades) associated with basic aircraft avionic systems and components. It is essential that system testing procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions applicable to the system being maintained are fully observed, understood and complied with, as well as work practices associated with electrostatic sensitive devices. Ability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing and troubleshooting and component removal and installation is essential. This is to be demonstrated through application across a range of avionic systems and components listed in the Range Statement. 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.

A person cannot be assessed as competent until it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the workplace assessor that the relevant elements of the unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on each system in Range Statement Groups 1 to 7 and on at least one major component/LRU in each case. Component removal and installation competencies are to be demonstrated on at least one component from each of Groups 8 to 12. This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement or, where appropriate, an equivalent Industry Evidence Guide.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency should be assessed in the work environment or simulated work environment using tools and equipment specified in maintenance documentation. It is also expected that general purpose tools and test equipment found in most routine situations would be used where appropriate.

Method of assessment

Guidance information for assessment

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Note

Range statements listed below are numbered to facilitate specification of the assessment requirements included in the Evidence Guide

Avionic systems

Avionic systems may include:

1. VHF communication

2. Basic audio systems, such as intercom and audio selection

3. ADF

4. VOR

5. Stand-alone GPS

6. ATC transponder

7. ELT

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting involves the use of test sets, maintenance data and fault-finding charts or similar, to line replacement level

Avionic components

Avionic components include:

8. Transmitters and receivers

9. Antennas and antenna cables

10. Control boxes and frequency selectors

11. Speakers

12. Switches

Application of this unit may relate to:

scheduled or unscheduled maintenance

individual or team-related activities

Procedures and requirements

Refer to industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise

This unit contains employability skills.