This unit applies to personnel required to develop air attack strategies, to access the resources to support their implementation and to achieve the incident objective.
This unit is required by Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS) such as Air Attack Supervisor and Air Operations Manager. Both of these roles work together to develop the air operations section of the Incident Action Plan (IAP). Both collaborate to assess the incident and develop the air attack strategies to achieve the incident objectives.
PUAFIR408B Plan aircraft operations
PUAOPE013A Operate communications systems and equipment
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Assess the fire situation | 1.1 Incident briefing is obtained from operations personnel and clarification is sought as required. 1.2 Hazards impacting on the fire situation are identified and assessed for effect on firebombing strategies and tactics on type of fuel. 1.3 Fire incident is monitored and changes are identified and reported to relevant personnel. |
2. Obtain aviation resources to implement strategy | 2.1 Information related to firebombing strategies is obtained in accordance with the IAP. 2.2 Aviationresources required to implement firebombing strategies are identified, prioritised and deployed in accordance with identified objectives and strategies. 2.3 Factors impacting on operating procedures are assessed and considered in planning for operational support. 2.4 Operational supportrequirements are determined and activated. |
3. Review air attack strategies | 3.1 Contact using approved communication methods is established and maintained with fireground and support personnel. 3.2 Changes in operational conditions are communicated between operations personnel. 3.3 Changes in operational strategies are conveyed to operational personnel. 3.4 Priorities for managing hazards are identified through consultation with organisational personnel. 3.5 Ongoing review of air attack strategies is undertaken through consultation with appropriate personnel. 3.6 Factors affecting performanceand effectiveness of aviation resources and operational support are monitored and strategies modified if required. 3.7 Documentation related to air attack strategies is completed and reported in accordance with procedures. |
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
read maps use communications equipment effectively work as a member of a team |
Required Knowledge |
characteristics, application and effectiveness of various types of fire suppressants documentation and reporting procedures effect of various topographical environments and meteorological conditions on fire containment activities tactics and strategies for containment of wildfire and support activities types and capabilities of firebombing systems types and capabilities of various firebombing aircraft |
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to: assess wildfire behaviour and its impact on and for, air attack strategies and tactics deploy appropriate resources to undertake wildfire suppression select and implement firebombing strategies and tactics in consideration of availability of resources, operational conditions, and safety of personnel, resources and property react strategically to changes in operational conditions in consultation with relevant personnel apply relevant workplace and emergency procedures including codes of practice; hazard policy and procedures; planning and deployment of firebombing aircraft and related resources; guidelines relating to safe and effective use of equipment, resources and facilities take action promptly – report accidents and incidents within regulatory and agency requirements complete work systematically in accordance with safe operating procedures to minimise risk of injury to self, others or damage to equipment Information relation to the incident is documented accurately Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over time and in a range of contexts. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in a simulated environment. Specific resources for assessment Access is required to: access to, or simulation of, wildfire suppression situations resources relating to equipment, personnel, facilities etc. appropriate to the fire situation |
Method of assessment | In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook. Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment. Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include: direct observation interviewing the candidate journals and workplace documentation third party reports from supervisors written or oral questions |
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. | |
Hazards may include: | adverse fire behaviour ground resources masts/aerials other aircraft smoke spot fires terrain weather conditions wires |
Fire situation must include: | structural fire wildfire |
Strategies may include: | direct attack indirect attack head attack flank attack parallel attack line building asset protection crew protection |
Type of fuel may include: | forest grass plantations scrub |
Aviation resources may include: | aerial attack platform: light or large helicopter light or medium fixed wing aircraft aerial suppressants: foam retardant water firebombing aircraft: fixed wing firebombers rotary wing firebombers single engine airtankers (seats) multi engine aircraft firebombing systems: buckets bellytank scoopers operational personnel: air attack supervisor operations officer sector commander aircraft officer incident controller |
Factors impacting on operating procedures may include: | agency operational procedures civil aviation regulations and orders SAR procedures weather |
Operational support requirements may be: | communications facility refuelling equipment security support personnel suppressant loading and mixing gear |
Approved communication methods may include: | air to air radio air to ground radio data communication systems phone verbal instructions written instructions |
Factors affecting performance of aviation resource may include: | engine type – piston, turbine landing/take off area characteristics load capability pilot ability range temperature/humidity terrain type – high/low wing/low wing – multi/ single engine wind |
Factors affecting effectiveness of aviation resource may include: | availability of ground resources canopy height distance from water source or airstrip firebombing system fire intensity hazards flight rules pilot ability speed vegetation type visibility |
Not applicable.
This unit contains employability skills.
Not applicable.