This unit requires application of hand skills and the use of system/component knowledge and applicable maintenance publications and test equipment to inspect, test, troubleshoot and replace components of light aircraft air cycle air conditioning systems.

Applications include unpressurised gas turbine engine-powered fixed and rotary wing light aircraft that have air cycle air conditioning systems. Where the aircraft has a pressurisation system the air conditioning and pressurisation systems are covered by MEA303D Remove and install aircraft pneumatic system components and MEA310C Inspect, test and troubleshoot aircraft pneumatic systems and components.

MEA201B

Remove and install miscellaneous aircraft electrical hardware and components

MEA246C

Fabricate and/or repair aircraft electrical hardware or parts

1. Inspect light aircraft air cycle air conditioning system

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

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

1.3. Air cycle air conditioning system components are visually or physically checked for external signs of defects in accordance with applicable maintenance manual

1.4. Defects are correctly identified and reported

2. Test/adjust light aircraft air conditioning systems and components

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

2.2. Air cycle air conditioning system is functionally tested in accordance with maintenance manual for evidence of serviceability or malfunction

2.3. System adjustment is performed in accordance with maintenance manual

3. Troubleshoot light aircraft air cycle air conditioning systems

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

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

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

3.4. Air cycle air conditioning 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

3.5. Rectification requirements are determined

4. Remove and install light aircraft air cycle air conditioning system components

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

4.2. Air cycle air conditioning system component removal is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual

4.3. Required maintenance documentation is accurately completed and correctly processed

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

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

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

4.7. 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 light aircraft air cycle air conditioning systems and components, including system component removal and installation

recognising air cycle air conditioning system and component defects/external damage, correct installation and security for the types of system components listed in the Range Statement

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 light aircraft air cycle air conditioning system maintenance and how to obtain MSDS and PPE

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

air cycle air conditioning system:

terminology

layout

operation including component operation and construction

electrical temperature control system components

how to configure the aircraft for inspection, testing and troubleshooting of air cycle air conditioning systems and components

air cycle air conditioning maintenance requirements and troubleshooting

component attachment methods

connection hardware and couplings

relevant maintenance manuals

relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures

maintenance requirements and troubleshooting procedures

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 light aircraft air cycle air conditioning systems and remove and install a range of pneumatic 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 light aircraft air cycle air conditioning systems and components. 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 air cycle air conditioning 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 an air cycle air conditioning system and on a representative range of components as listed in Groups 1 to 6 in the Range Statement. 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

Air cycle air conditioning system components

Air cycle air conditioning system components may include:

1. Valves and regulators

2. Heat exchangers, water separators and humidifiers

3. Expansion turbines

4. Rigid and flexible pipelines, hoses and fittings

5. Ducting

6. Temperature sensors, temperature controllers, and electrical control circuit wiring/components

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.