Application
This unit of competency requires application of hand skills, the use of maintenance publications, and knowledge of gas turbine engine and system theory to test and troubleshoot gas turbine engines and engine system components of fixed and rotary wing aircraft during the performance of scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Maintenance may be performed individually or as part of a team.
The unit is part of the Mechanical Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Certificate IV training pathways and must be taken with MEA319 Inspect gas turbine engine systems and components.
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. | Prepare for troubleshooting | 1.1 | Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including system defect reports, where relevant, are interpreted to identify an unserviceability |
2. | Test gas turbine engine system | 2.1 | Aircraft and gas turbine engine system are correctly prepared in accordance with applicable maintenance manual and connected to appropriate test equipment while observing all relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including the use of material safety data sheets (MSDS) and items of personal protective equipment (PPE) |
2.2 | Built-in system test functions and status displays are activated, where applicable, outputs recorded and interpreted | ||
2.3 | Assistance is provided with gas turbine engine and/or system operation during prescribed test procedures to establish serviceability and correct function in accordance with applicable maintenance manual | ||
3. | Troubleshoot gas turbine engine system | 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 guide and logical 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 | Gas turbine engine system faults are located and causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required | ||
3.5 | Fault rectification requirements are determined to assist in planning the repair or adjustment |
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 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 in gas turbine engines, components and system components
assist with testing of gas turbine engine and engine system operation, be able to operate systems, monitor indications, record parameters and recognise correct function
compile engine condition monitoring records
rig and adjust engine controls and systems
using fault diagnosis guides and equivalent data, to accurately and efficiently troubleshoot the causes of unserviceabilities in gas turbine engines and engine systems, clearly record details and identify the required rectification actions.
The underlying skills inherent in this unit should be transferable across a range of inspection, testing and troubleshooting applications (including the timely involvement of supervisor or other trades) associated with engine systems. It is essential that system test procedures take into account all safety precautions associated with gas turbine engine system operation, especially with regard to high-energy ignition units, and that awareness be demonstrated of dual inspection requirements associated with work on engine control systems.
This shall be demonstrated through application across the engine systems listed in the Assessment Conditions.
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:
fault diagnosis techniques
gas turbine engine layout and operation:
types of gas turbine
operating principles and power output
gas path
intakes
compressors
combustion chambers
turbines
exhaust
thrust reversers
accessory drives
bearings and seals
maintenance requirements and troubleshooting procedures
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 and rigging of engine controls
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
relevant maintenance manuals
relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures.
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in the work environment or simulated work environment using tools and equipment specified in aircraft maintenance manuals. 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 level of troubleshooting is limited in its application to the use of fault diagnosis guides or other similar information.
The application of testing procedures and functional rigging checks should also indicate knowledge of system operation. Engine system operation knowledge, the relationship of individual components and the links with other systems will be necessary to supplement evidence of ability to carry out rigging checks and troubleshoot the system 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 at least one (1) item from each of the following groups:
engine change unit, main components and accessories/drives
control system
ignition and starter systems
fuel system
oil system
air system
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. The 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
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. | ||
Gas turbine engine systems include: | Engine change unit, main components and accessories/drives Control system Ignition and starter systems Fuel system Oil system Air system | |
Procedures and requirements include: | Industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise |
Sectors
Competency Field
Aviation maintenance