The number and size of loads to be air-dropped will vary depending on the operation and capabilities of the aircraft used, which will determine the size of the drop zone required. Removal of air-dropped loads from the drop zone requires the use of material handling equipment and vehicles. The operation of this equipment is not covered within this unit. Work is normally performed as part of a small team under supervision with limited decision making. | |
Not applicable.
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Assist with establishing a cargo drop zone | 1.1 Tasks are received and confirmed with supervisor 1.2 Markers or signal devices are set up in accordance with workplace procedures 1.3 Appropriate personnel are notified of the readiness of the drop zone, using appropriate communication methods |
2. Participate in operating a cargo drop zone | 2.1 Deployment sequence and impact of load onto drop zone is observed in accordance with workplace procedures 2.2 Loads and associated equipment are inspected and abnormalities are reported to appropriate personnel in accordance with workplace procedures 2.3 Aerial delivery equipment is recovered in accordance with workplace procedures 2.4 Air-dropped loads are recovered in accordance with workplace procedures |
3. Assist with closing a cargo drop zone | 3.1 Appropriate methods are used to close drop zone in accordance with workplace procedures 3.2 Appropriate personnel are notified once drop zone has been closed |
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
communicate within the workplace load vehicles and restraining loads manual lifting techniques operate navigation equipment operate organisational vehicles teamwork use enterprise communications systems and procedures use material handling equipment use pyrotechnics and marking devices |
Required Knowledge |
aircraft communications procedures air-drop load deployment sequence drop zone communication devices drop zone procedures map reading and navigation safety precautions for using pyrotechnics workplace occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements specific to drop zones |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to: set up flares, lights and marker panels at a drop zone communicate with the aircrew via radio safely recover an air-drop load in excess of 22 Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over time using a range of actual or simulated air-drop operations covering a range of air-drop types and contexts. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in a field environment. Specific resources for assessment Access is required to: equipment including: air-drop loads aerial delivery equipment material handling equipment communication equipment and devices suitable cargo drop zone to receive air-drop loads. |
Guidance information for assessment | The use of simulated air-drop loads may be utilised for assessment when suitable aircraft are not available. |
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. | |
Markers or signal devices may include | Heliograph mirrors Lights Marker panels Pyrotechnics or flares Raised angle markers Smoke Tethered balloons |
Workplace procedures may include | Australian Standards Briefs Doctrinal pamphlet Duty statements Legislative requirements Manufacturers' handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions OH&S regulations Organisational policies and procedures Procedure manuals Relevant state/territory or federal legislation Standard Operating Procedures Technical and tactical procedures Written or verbal orders |
Appropriate personnel may include | Aircrew Supervisor |
Appropriate communication methods may include | Additional panels to code identifier Extinguishing lights Radio communications Removing code identifier Smoke |
Deployment sequence may include | Deployment of load from aircraft Deployment of extraction parachute Deployment of main parachute |
Abnormalities may include | Abnormal function of aerial delivery equipment Air-dropped load not landing on intended point of impact Failure of aerial delivery equipment Other unforseen faults/problems |
Aerial delivery equipment may include | Containers Load rigging equipment Parachute releases Parachutes Platforms |
Recovery of aerial delivery equipment and air-dropped loads may involve the use of | Manual handling procedures Material handling equipment Vehicles |
Air-drop loads may include | Free drop loads between 1.4Â kg (5Â lbs) - 35Â kg (77Â lbs) Container loads between 22Â kg (50Â lbs) - 1Â 000 kg (2Â 200Â lbs) Platform loads between 1Â 140Â kg (2Â 520Â lbs) - 19Â 040Â kg (42Â 000Â lbs) |
Methods to close drop zone may include | Radio communications Removal of code identifier Smoke |
Not applicable.
This unit contains employability skills. | |
Pre-requisite Unit/s | Nil |
Not applicable.