Application
This unit applies to members of Air Search and Rescue teams working in the air carrying out the dropmaster/loadmaster’s role.
All aspects of the unit should be implemented in line with organisational policies and procedures.
Team members and crews may be members of a range of government and/or non-government agencies.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Configure aircraft | 1.1 Stores are prepared prior to loading on aircraft. 1.2 Search briefing is obtained from relevant Search and Rescue authority. 1.3 Aircraft is configured for drop operations in accordance with the 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 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. 4.2 Items of stores used are annotated on the incident form. |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills check ancillary Search and Rescue equipment for serviceability handle pyrotechnic devices in a safe manner operate safely around aircraft work in a crewed environment |
Required Knowledge actions to be carried out in the event of in-flight emergencies arming procedures for pyrotechnic markers and general operation of electronic markers burning times of pyrotechnic markers frequencies of electronic markers general operation of light emitting markers inherent dangers of handling pyrotechnic devices maximum and minimum weight of a loaded helibox meaning of the hand signals relayed by other crew members during a stores dropping operation OH&S considerations as they pertain to operating within an aircraft during stores dropping operations principles of teamwork |
Evidence Required
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Stores are prepared and secured safely and dispatched under the pilot's directions. Consistency in performance Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Evidence can be collected on the job but may be undertaken in a simulation. Specific resources for assessment On job assessment may entail additional costs. |
Range Statement
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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. | |
Configured may include: | removing doors hatches furnishings fittings outfitting with specialist equipment crew equipment |
Stores may include: | safety knives timer dropmaster bag seeblitz (strobe marker) life-rafts heliboxes pyrotechnic and electronic reference markers stores delivery systems pumps storepedoes search and rescue datum buoy air droppable search and rescue radio |
Secured may include: | stowing stores using nets tie-down straps and static line cord |
Distance estimation methods may include: | using clock method |
Competency Field
Aviation marine search and rescue.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.