This unit of competency requires application of hand skills and maintenance publications to remove and install structural and non-structural components from non-pressurised fixed and rotary wing aircraft during scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. Work may be performed individually or as part of a team.

The unit is part of the Mechanical Certificate IV (Aircraft Maintenance Stream) training pathway. It may also be part of a Structures Maintenance Certificate IV 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.

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 include:

applying relevant WHS practices, including the use of MSDS and PPE

using relevant maintenance documentation and aircraft manuals to:

remove and install structural and non-structural components

remove and install aircraft interior fittings

remove and install doors, door seals, windows and transparent panels

checking and adjusting all doors and access panels, including locking mechanisms

removing and installing emergency equipment.

It is essential that shoring, trestling and lifting requirements and safety precautions applicable to the structure being maintained are fully observed, understood and complied with.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to removal and installation is essential. This may be demonstrated through application across the component groups listed in the Assessment Conditions.

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:

structural and non-structural component methods of construction and attachment, faying surface treatment and fuel tank sealing

non-pressurised fuselage aircraft doors, related seals and window and transparent panel construction, attachment methods and sealing

aircraft interior fittings (trim, linings, seats, floor panels, and so on) construction and attachment methods

the location and attachment or stowage methods for emergency equipment

relevant WHS practices

how to obtain MSDS

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 tools and equipment specified in maintenance manuals. It is also expected that general-purpose tools, test and ground support equipment found in most routine situations would be used where appropriate.

An understanding of component handling, attachment methods, adjustment and sealing as it relates to the work must be demonstrated 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 at least one (1) item from each of the following component groups:

removable components of wings, tail booms, pylons, empennage, skids, fairings and nacelles

removable components or sections of non-pressurised fuselages

non-pressurised fuselage entry, cargo, access doors and associated seals, including checking and adjustment of all doors and access panels and associated locking mechanisms

non-pressurised fuselage windows and transparent panels

where applicable, trim panels, linings, seats, cabin equipment and consoles, floor panels and coverings

applicable emergency equipment, including passenger escape systems, life jackets, rafts, location transmitters, beacons, crew and passenger seat restraints.

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