This unit of competency requires application of hand skills and standard trade practices in the performance of pre and post-flight servicing activities and the application of aircraft ground handling procedures on both fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

The unit is part of Avionic and Mechanical Certificate IV (Aircraft Maintenance Stream) training pathways.

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.

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:

ground handling of aircraft

using hand skills and tools to perform flight servicing activities

correctly installing and securing of aircraft hardware

locating, using and correctly stowing of aircraft safety and security equipment (includes ground locks, covers, support and safety devices and tie-down devices)

applying ground power (where applicable)

inspecting structure for damage and deterioration

recognising external signs of component damage, leakage and security in aircraft systems

recognising visual signs of damage, leakage and security with regard to engines and propellers (where applicable)

refuelling the aircraft with the correct type, quantity and distribution of fuel

checking and replenishing fluid level using the correct fluids

recharging of gaseous levels using the correct support equipment and procedures

checking fire protection systems (where applicable) for correct gas charge levels and portable fire extinguishers for serviceability and correct stowage

replacing role equipment requiring pre-flight replacement

using of maintenance data and manuals to determine flight servicing requirements and procedures

applying standard procedures

observing all relevant WHS procedures, including the use of MSDS and items of PPE.

It is essential that the specific aspects of the aircraft flight servicing are checked to ensure quality and safety standards are fully observed, understood and complied with. Safety precautions applicable to the system being maintained are to be fully observed. An understanding of system operation as it relates to the work must be demonstrated before undertaking any action.

Evidence of knowledge of system operation, recognition of defects and completion of documentation, the relationship of individual components and the links with other systems will be necessary to the extent required for completion of flight servicing before undertaking any action.

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:

standard trade practices relating to tool usage and installation/securing of aircraft hardware

the aircraft structure to the extent required to be able to recognise typical types of structural damage and deterioration during flight servicing activities

system layout, operation and typical external signs of faults to the extent required to perform flight servicing activities

aircraft flight servicing requirements

ground de-icing of aircraft

aircraft ground handling procedures, including towing and marshalling

aircraft safety and security equipment, including:

ground locks

wheel chocks

covers

support and safety devices

tie-down devices and picketing

types and characteristics of fuels and fuel additives

types and characteristics of lubricants

types and characteristics of hydraulic fluids

WHS procedures relating to flight servicing activities

how to obtain MSDS

selection and use of PPE

relevant maintenance manuals

relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures.

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

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 this unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on the following flight servicings that are applicable to the enterprise:

preparation for flight following maintenance

before flight servicing

after flight servicing

turn around servicing.

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

Aviation maintenance