This unit of competency requires application of competencies relating to non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques and related metallurgical knowledge in the research, analysis, development and evaluation of NDT tests for aircraft structure and components to Level 3 (AS 3669-2006 Non-destructive testing – Qualification and approval of personnel – Aerospace) during scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Work may be performed individually or as part of a team.

The work can relate to scheduled and unscheduled maintenance activities on the metallic and composite structure of aircraft and aircraft components

Certification against applicable standards may be achieved where assessment in this unit of competency is carried out in conjunction with an examining authority as described in ISO 9712:2005 Non-destructive testing – Qualification and certification of personnel.

The unit is part of the Diploma and Advanced Diplomas of Aeroskills (Non-Destructive Testing). The unit is similar to unit MEM24011B Establish non-destructive tests but observes the requirements of AS 3669-2006 Non-destructive testing – Qualification and approval of personnel – Aerospace and of the Regulators; the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA); for the approval of procedures and the performance of NDT on aircraft and aircraft components.

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:

conducting metallurgical assessment of inspection areas and identifying potential failure sites and modes

designating most appropriate method, technique or procedure

referencing aircraft maintenance information and regulatory requirements for inspection

developing and validating test procedures

applying safety procedures, standard operating procedures and legislative requirements to all work

reading/interpreting/applying relative testing standards

reading/interpreting/applying relative conformance standards

documenting procedure and results

submitting reports in accordance with standard enterprise procedures.

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:

definition of structural terms, i.e. safe life, damage tolerant, failsafe, stress, strain, shear and cycles

inspection requirements for metal and composite structure, including:

ageing aircraft inspection requirements

safe life structure

damage tolerant structure

fail safe structure

potential causes of structural failure

metallurgical analysis to assess inspection areas and potential failure sites and modes

NDT methods, techniques and procedures

meaning and validity of relevant codes, standards, specifications and procedures

regulatory requirements of the ADF and CASA relating to the use of NDT for inspection of aircraft structure and components

test procedures for testing techniques and specimens

validation processes

process for approval of procedures

process for documentation/distribution of procedures

evaluation procedures

process for documentation of evaluation results

process for amending tests and distributing amendments

national/Australian Standards, NOHSC guides, state/territory regulatory codes of practice/standards

use and application of personal protective equipment (PPE)

safe work practices and procedures

relevant hazards and control measures related to the competency.

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor’s reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.

The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements and performance criteria of the unit of competency, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with the research, analysis, development, approval and evaluation of non-destructive tests, or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Assessors must be qualified at AS 3669-2006 Non-destructive testing – Qualification and approval of personnel – Aerospace Level 3.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Aviation maintenance