This unit of competency requires application of hand skills, the use of maintenance publications, and knowledge of gas turbine engine and system theory to inspect gas turbine engines and engine system components of fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

The unit is part of the Mechanical Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Certificate IV 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:

applying relevant WHS procedures, including lifting and handling of heavy components

using MSDS and PPE

using relevant maintenance documentation and aircraft manuals to:

recognise through visual/physical inspection external and internal signs of defects/damage to gas turbine engine, components and system components

assist with testing of gas turbine engine and engine system operation.

The underlying skills inherent in this unit should be transferable across a range of inspection applications (including the timely involvement of supervisors or other trades) associated with gas turbine engines, components and systems. It is essential that inspection procedures take into account all safety precautions applicable to the system/component being maintained. Ability to interpret system performance specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical and shall be demonstrated through application across the range of systems 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:

gas turbine engine layout and operation:

intakes

compressors

combustion chambers

turbines

exhaust

thrust reversers

accessory drives

bearings and seals

maintenance requirements

system and component operation, including electrical and instrument system interfaces:

fuel control and fuels

lubrication and lubricants

air distribution

starting

ignition

power augmentation

instrumentation:

performance indication

condition indication

warning

presentation and interpretation of electronic displays

fire warning and extinguishing

control system

engine spin/run procedures, including the operation of auxiliary power units (APUs)

engine condition monitoring

relevant WHS practices, including the requirements for the lifting and handling of heavy components

how to obtain MSDS

selection and use of PPE

maintenance requirements

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 applicable general-purpose tools, test and ground support equipment found in most routine situations and used to assist in the inspection process 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 the unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on each of the following systems and at least one (1) component of each system.

engine change unit, main components and accessories/drives

control system and major system components

ignition and starter systems and major system components

engine fuel system and major system components

oil system and major system components

air system and major system components.

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.

Individuals being assessed who have already attained MEA314 Inspect, test and troubleshoot gas turbine engine systems and components, will have fully met the criteria for this unit. Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement records relating to MEA314 Inspect, test and troubleshoot gas turbine engine systems and components may be accepted as also meeting the evidence requirements for this unit.

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

Aviation maintenance