This unit requires application of hand skills and the use of system/component knowledge and applicable maintenance publications and test equipment to inspect, test and troubleshoot, and replace components of rotor, rotor control systems and airframe systems of basic rotary wing aircraft.

Applications include rotary wing aircraft that have mechanical control systems, either skids or floats and a normally aspirated engine.

MEA101B

Interpret occupational health and safety practices in aviation maintenance

MEA103B

Plan and organise aviation maintenance work activities

MEA105C

Apply quality standards applicable to aviation maintenance processes

MEA107B

Interpret and use aviation maintenance industry manuals and specifications

MEA108B

Complete aviation maintenance industry documentation

MEA109B

Perform basic hand skills, standard trade practices and fundamentals in aviation maintenance

1. Inspect rotor and rotor control systems and components

1.1. Isolation and warning signs are fitted/installed to the system or related systems and the aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations orders and standards and practices

1.2. Rotor and rotor control system is visually or physically checked/inspected for external signs of defects in accordance with relevant aircraft publications maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices

1.3. Defects are identified and recorded in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

2. Inspect basic rotary wing airframe systems

2.1. Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including system defect reports, where relevant, are used to identify specific inspection requirements

2.2. Isolation tags are checked and aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual

2.3. Airframe system components are visually or physically checked for external signs of defects in accordance with applicable maintenance manual

2.4. Defects are correctly identified and reported

3. Ground test rotor and rotor control systems

3.1. Aircraft and system prepared in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations orders and standards and practices, for the operation of engine and rotor system

3.2. Rotor and rotor control system are functionally tested in accordance with relevant aircraft publications maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices for evidence of malfunction

3.3. System calibration or adjustments are performed in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices

4. Test/adjust basic rotary wing airframe systems and components

4.1. Aircraft and system are prepared in accordance with applicable maintenance manual for the application of power/system operation

4.2. Airframe system is functionally tested, in accordance with maintenance manual, for evidence of serviceability or malfunction

4.3. System adjustment is performed in accordance with maintenance manual

5. Troubleshoot rotor and rotor control systems

5.1. Available information from aircraft maintenance documentation, inspection and test results is used to assist in fault determination

5.2. Relevant aircraft publication fault diagnosis guide and logical processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting

5.3. Specialist advice is obtained to assist with the troubleshooting process

5.4. Rotor and rotor control system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and recorded in aircraft maintenance documentation in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

5.5. Fault rectification requirements are determined

6. Troubleshoot basic rotary wing airframe systems

6.1. Available information from maintenance documentation, inspection and test results is used, where necessary, to assist in fault determination

6.2. Maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides and logic processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting

6.3. Specialist advice is obtained, where required, to assist with the troubleshooting process

6.4. Airframe system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required, in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

6.5. Rectification requirements are determined

7. Remove and install rotary wing rotor and rotor system components

7.1. System is rendered safe and prepared in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices, and isolation and warning signs are installed/fitted to ensure personnel safety

7.2. Rotor and rotor system component removal is carried out in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices

7.3. Required aircraft maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

7.4. Removed components are labelled, sealed and packaged in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices

7.5. Rotor or rotor system component to be installed is checked to confirm correct part or model numbers, modification status and serviceability

7.6. Mass balance of rotor blades/head is checked in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices

7.7. Installation is carried out in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices

7.8. Support/safety equipment is removed at the appropriate time to ensure personnel safety and freedom from structural damage

8. Remove and install rotor control system components

8.1. System is rendered safe and prepared in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices, and isolation and warning signs are installed/fitted to ensure personnel safety

8.2. Rotary wing flight control system component removal is carried out in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices

8.3. Required aircraft maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

8.4. Removed components are labelled, sealed and packaged in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices

8.5. Rotary wing flight control system components to be installed are checked to confirm correct part or model numbers, modification status and serviceability

8.6. Installation is carried out in accordance with relevant aircraft publications/maintenance regulations/orders and standards and practices

8.7. Support/safety equipment is removed at the appropriate time to ensure personnel safety and freedom from structural damage

8.8. Required aircraft maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

9. Remove and install basic rotary wing airframe system components

9.1. System is rendered safe in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual and isolation tags are fitted, where necessary, to ensure personnel safety

9.2. Airframe system component removal is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual.

9.3. Required maintenance documentation is accurately completed and correctly processed

9.4. Removed components are tagged, sealed and packaged in accordance with specified procedures

9.5. Components to be installed are checked to confirm correct part numbers, serviceability and modification status

9.6. Mass balance of control surfaces to be installed is checked in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual, if required

9.7. Installation is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual

9.8. Required maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

using hand skills, tools and test equipment in the testing, adjustment and troubleshooting of:

rotary wing mechanical control systems

helicopter airframe systems and components, including rotors and rotor system

recognising system and component defects/external damage, correct installation and security for the range of airframe systems listed in the Range Statement

removing, installing and rigging of rotor systems and rotor/flight controls

removing and installing the range of airframe components listed in the Range Statement

checking rotor mass balance

performing system functional tests and checks to isolate system faults and assess post-maintenance serviceability

effectively using maintenance documentation and relevant fault diagnosis guides in the troubleshooting process and for component removal and installation

applying standard procedures

observing all relevant OHS procedures, including the use of MSDS and PPE

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

OHS precautions relevant to airframe system maintenance, including the lifting and handling of heavy components and how to obtain MSDS and PPE

standard trade practices relating to tool and test/rigging equipment usage and installation/securing of system components

theory of flight:

airflow

conditions of flight

lift and forces

drag

rotary flight principles:

terminology relating to:

aerofoils

main rotor blades

rotor discs

rotors (main and tail)

aerodynamic characteristics:

aerofoil design

forces

rotor thrust and power requirements

vortex ring

autorotation

helicopter stability

helicopter dynamic components:

main rotors:

blades

heads

linkages

tail rotors

swash plates

transmissions and drive shafts

helicopter structure and airframe systems:

structure and layout

engine and transmission

flight control system layout and operation

cabin heater system layout and operation

fuel system layout and operation

helicopter maintenance procedures and troubleshooting

relevant maintenance manuals

relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures, including requirements for engine and rotor system operation

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 inspect, test and troubleshoot basic rotary wing aircraft rotor, rotor control and airframe systems and remove and install rotors, and a range of rotor control and airframe system components that is representative of the scope of the listed variables in accordance with relevant maintenance manual instructions while applying all relevant OHS procedures and standard processes.

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 (including the timely involvement of supervisors or other trades) associated with the, rotors, rotor control systems, airframe systems and components of basic rotary wing aircraft. It is essential that relevant procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing, troubleshooting and component removal and installation is essential. This may be demonstrated through application across a range of rotors, rotor control systems, airframe systems and components as listed in the Range Statement. The application of testing procedures should clearly indicate knowledge of system operation, the relationship of individual components and the links with other systems (if applicable) 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.

A person cannot be assessed as competent until it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the workplace assessor that the relevant elements of this unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on groups listed in the Range Statement, as follows:

at least one component from each of Groups 1 to 7

a representative range of components from Groups 8 and 9.

This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement or, where appropriate, an equivalent Industry Evidence Guide.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

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

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.

Note

Range statements listed below are numbered to facilitate specification of the assessment requirements included in the Evidence Guide

Rotor and rotor control system

Rotor and rotor control system components may include:

1. Main rotor blades and tail rotor blades

2. Rotor heads, swash plates and tail rotor pitch control assemblies

3. Mechanical flight control components (collective and cyclic pitch levers, rudder pedals, cables, pulleys, guides, fairleads, bellcranks, rods, torque tubes, chains and sprockets)

4. Main rotor, intermediate or tail rotor gearboxes

5. Drive shafts and couplings

Engine and rotor system operation

The operation of engine and rotor system:

must be performed by a qualified pilot

Airframe systems and components

Airframe systems may include:

6. Fuel systems

7. Cabin heating systems

Airframe system components may include:

8. Rigid or flexible fuel tanks, selector/shutoff valves and rigid or flexible plumbing

9. Cabin heater ducting and control valves

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting involves the use of test sets, downloaded maintenance data and fault-finding charts or similar, to line replacement level

Application of this unit may relate to:

scheduled or unscheduled maintenance

individual or team-related activities

Procedures and requirements

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

This unit contains employability skills.