MEA395
Reassemble aircraft piston engines


Application

This unit of competency requires application of hand skills, theory knowledge and maintenance publication procedures to reassemble aircraft piston engines during workshop repair and/or overhaul. Note that this relates to the bare engine and does not include the assembly of a quick engine change (QEC) unit. For QEC build-up refer to unit MEA396 Assemble aircraft piston engine quick engine change unit.

Applications include fixed and rotary wing aircraft piston engines and components. Work can be performed individually or as a member of a team.

The unit is part of the Mechanical Certificate IV (Component Workshop Maintenance Stream) training pathway.

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).


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1.

Prepare to assemble piston engine

1.1

Engine build requirements are correctly interpreted and matched by part and serial numbers

1.2

Correct engine sub-assemblies and components are gathered for engine assembly and their seviceability state and modification status is confirmed in accordance with the relevant maintenance documentation and quality procedures

1.3

Required hardware and plumbing is obtained and confirmed as approved items

2.

Reassemble piston engine

2.1

Piston engine sub-assemblies and components are prepared for reassembly in accordance with maintenance manual and/or enterprise procedures

2.2

Components are assembled and adjusted in accordance with the maintenance manual and/or enterprise procedures

2.3

Engine is assembled and components and linkages are adjusted in accordance with maintenance data requirements while observing relevant work health and safety (WHS) procedures, including the use of material safety data sheets (MSDS) and personal protective equipment (PPE)

2.4

Reassembled engine is prepared for testing

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 the use of MSDS and PPE

using relevant maintenance documentation, enterprise procedures, specifications and aircraft/component manuals to:

identify the required engine build level and configuration

recognise state of serviceability of the required sub-assemblies, components, hardware and plumbing

reassemble the engine and adjust components and linkages.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to repair and overhaul is essential. This shall be demonstrated through application across a number of different piston engines. Ability to assess component/sub-assembly serviceability and interpret parts requirements will be necessary to supplement the required evidence. Capability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical. The application of adjustment procedures should also clearly indicate knowledge of system operation.


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:

how to obtain relevant MSDS

the use of applicable items of PPE

WHS procedures

fault diagnosis techniques

system and component operation

engine reassembly and component adjustment requirements.


Assessment Conditions

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.

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 a representative range of the engine types maintained by the enterprise.

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).


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.

Piston engine sub-assemblies and components include:

Crankcase assembly

Cylinder assemblies

External lubrication system components

Propeller governor (where applicable to the enterprise)

Fuel system components

Ignition system components

Exhaust system components

Turbocharger and waste gate (where applicable to the enterprise)

Testing and adjustment:

Complex testing and adjusting of components, where required, will be carried out under supervision at the appropriate level

Procedures and requirements include:

Industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise


Sectors


Competency Field

Aviation maintenance