This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to prepare and carryout stores dropping operations in a search and rescue context, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures. It does not cover the competency to control and position the aircraft for dropping operations.

The unit is applicable to members of Air Search and Rescue teams working in the air carrying out the drop master or load master’s role. Team members and crews may be members of a range of government or non-government organisations and/or agencies.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Configure aircraft

1.1

Stores are prepared prior to loading on aircraft, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

1.2

Search briefing is obtained from relevant Search and Rescue (SAR) authority

1.3

Aircraft is configured for drop operations, in accordance with applicable flight manual

1.4

Protective surfaces are installed and protective tape applied

1.5

Stores are checked and secured

1.6

Principles of internal loading of cargo are complied with and applied when loading the aircraft

2

Locate target

2.1

Distance estimation methods are employed to identify target position

2.2

Initial target marking smoke is prepared and dispatched to mark target area

2.3

Visual sighting of target is maintained during stores dropping

3

Dispatch stores

3.1

Reference markers are dispatched under the pilot's directions

3.2

Stores are dispatched under the pilot's directions

3.3

Visual sighting of target is maintained during stores dropping

4

Reconfigure aircraft

4.1

Equipment is removed and checked for serviceability and faulty equipment is reported to relevant personnel

4.2

Items of stores used are annotated on the incident form

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

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Aviation Marine Search and Rescue

Aviation Marine Search and Rescue