This unit requires application of system theory knowledge and advanced fault diagnostic skills to identify the cause of defects that are beyond the bounds of maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides.

Applications include fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Verify the defect.

1.1. Available information from flight crew such as flight phase, aircraft configuration etc., maintenance documentation both current and previous history, is used as necessary, to assist in fault determination.

1.2. Inspection of the affected system is carried out to check both physical integrity and correct operation. Information gained from Central Maintenance Systems is verified against physical integrity and correct operation where applicable. The effects on a system from interfaces/ integration with other systems are taken into account.

2. Isolate the defect

2.1. Logical processes including the application of basic principles and system knowledge and known facts are used to augment maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting.

2.2. Specialist advice is obtained, where required and/or available, to assist with the troubleshooting process.

2.3. Faults are located and the causes of the defects are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation including any other system(s) disturbed, where required.

3. Determine defect rectification requirements.

3.1. Defect rectification requirements are determined and the necessary repair action initiated once verification and isolation of the defect are confirmed.

4. Verify defect rectification

4.1. Defect is rectified in accordance with (IAW) approved maintenance data.

4.2. All systems disturbed or accessed during troubleshooting are restored as applicable using maintenance manuals, repair schemes or approved maintenance data.

4.3. All checks required by approved maintenance data to ensure correct operation of all disturbed systems are performed

Required knowledge

For systems and components relevant to the scope of the licence/ratings sought knowledge is required of:

Theory related to system operation and interfaces between systems and with electrical/electronic control media to a level that will facilitate the diagnosis of faults beyond the level of maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides using reported symptoms and functional test results

Component construction and theory of operation to a level that will facilitate the diagnosis of faults beyond the level of maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides using reported symptoms and functional test results

Advanced fault diagnostic techniques

Condition monitoring and trend analysis techniques

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 apply system theory knowledge and advanced fault diagnostic skills to identify the causes of defects not covered fully by maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides 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 related to mechanical systems, and where applicable other system interfaces/integration. It is essential that system test procedures take into account all safety precautions applicable to the system being maintained. Ability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and ensure that they are applied in practice is critical, as is the demonstrated ability to apply fundamental system theory in the logical diagnosis of complex faults.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to performance and supervision of inspection, testing and troubleshooting is essential. This must be demonstrated through application across a number of aircraft mechanical systems, including system interfaces/integration. The troubleshooting approach should clearly demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of underpinning theory of a system, with this knowledge being used in a logical process to augment and extend the scope of the aircraft/ system fault finding guide. The fault rectification work plan should take account of applicable safety (including safe handling of heavy components) 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 and the ability to identify the causes of defects not covered fully by maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides has been demonstrated under supervision without intervention. This shall be established via simulated activities at the CASR Part 147 Maintenance Training Organisation and performance during observed workplace activities.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency is assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace and shall involve successfully dealing with a number of maintenance and fault scenarios across a range of systems listed in the Range Statement and related system components

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.

Troubleshooting

The competency applies to the troubleshooting from first principles, of defects beyond available maintenance data in the systems of fixed or rotary wing aircraft types. Troubleshooting must be demonstrated across a range of typical systems and system components that includes but is not limited to airframes, their engines and all systems (and parts thereof) operated by inherently mechanical or hydro-mechanical principles or means. Coverage is not required of specific type systems that are included in type training and Practical Consolidation of Training (PCT) activities leading to a specific type licence rating.

Application of this unit may relate to:

Scheduled or unscheduled maintenance activities

Individual activities or troubleshooting tasks that would be performed during supervision of other personnel

Procedures and requirements

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

Applicable systems

Affected systems may include:

Hydro-mechanical systems

Pneumatic systems

Flight control systems

Engines and engine systems

Propeller and rotor systems

Unit sector

Aviation maintenance

This unit contains employability skills.