Description

Pre-requisites

• PUAFIR209B Work safely around aircraft
• PUAFIR212B Rappel from helicopter

Performance Criteria

1. Prepare operational dispatch equipment

1.1. Specialist rappel and dispatcher equipment is selected and prepared in accordance with the organisation’s safe work practices
1.2. Appropriate rappel and safety equipment is donned in accordance with the organisation’s requirements
1.3. Personal equipment pre-flight check is conducted in accordance with the organisation’s requirements
1.4. Rappel and cargo ropes are loaded into the helicopter and secured
1.5. Equipment faults are reported to the relevant supervisor for rectification or replacement

2. Conduct helicopter pre flight check and preparation

2.1. Helicopter cabin area is prepared in accordance with the organisation’s requirements
2.2. Emergency equipment is located and checked
2.3. Rappel rope attachment points are inspected and operational status confirmed
2.4. Rappel ropes are attached to rope attachment points
2.5. Helicopter communications system is tested and operational status confirmed
2.6. Helicopter equipment faults are reported to the pilot
2.7. Pre-mission brief details are confirmed with appropriate personnel

3. Load rappellers and equipment into helicopter

3.1. Weight of rappel personnel, rappel and firefighting equipment is obtained
3.2. Equipment is secured in helicopter according to weight and balance requirements
3.3. Rappellers are appropriately secured in seats
3.4. Personal attachment to helicopter is confirmed
3.5. Pre-flight operational checks and briefs are undertaken in accordance with the organisation’s requirements

4. Conduct rappel site inspection

4.1. An overfly of prospective rappel site is undertaken in accordance with the organisation’s requirements
4.2. Hazard assessment of proposed dispatch site is undertaken
4.3. Pilot and rappel crew leader are informed as to site suitability
4.4. Possible escape routes from fire are identified and conveyed to rappel crew

5. Dispatch rappel crew and their equipment

5.1. Pre-dispatch checks of rappellers, attachment to rappel ropes and equipment is conducted in accordance with the organisation’s requirements
5.2. Pilot is directed to place helicopter over rappel site in accordance with the organisation’s requirements
5.3. Pilot’s approval to conduct a rappel is obtained
5.4. Rappel rope is attached and checked by dispatcher
5.5. Rappellers are directed to helicopter skids using relevant hand signals in accordance with the organisation’s requirements
5.6. Rappeller and equipment descent and landing are monitored
5.7. Communication is maintained with rappellers, pilot and control organisation
5.8. Emergency procedures are invoked as required in accordance with the organisation’s requirements

6. Retrieve personnel and equipment

6.1. Appropriate ropes and equipment for the retrieval of rappellers are prepared
6.2. Pilot is briefed on proposed retrieval operation
6.3. Equipment and personnel extraction is conducted in accordance with the organisation’s requirements
6.4. Personnel extraction is conducted in accordance with the organisation’s requirements

7. Complete rappel operations

7.1. Debrief of rappellers and pilot is conducted in accordance with the organisation’s requirements
7.2. Relevant helicopter equipment is inspected and stowed and identified faults to helicopter equipment are reported to the pilot
7.3. Rappel equipment and rope attachment points are inspected in accordance with the organisation’s requirements
7.4. Damage to rappel equipment is reported to appropriate personnel for assessment and/or repair/replacement or disposal in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
7.5. Reports on operations are completed in accordance with the organisation’s requirements

Key Competencies

Communicating ideas and information

• Communicate ideas and information to reporting procedures (verbal and written) 

Collecting analysing and organising information

• Collect, organise and understand information related to recognising and reporting situations

 Planning and organising activities 

• Plan and organise activities which implement and follow standard procedures 

Working with others and in teams

• Work with others and in a team by assisting and cooperating with team members 

Using mathematical ideas and techniques 

• Use mathematical ideas and techniques to document and report numbers for emergency procedures

Solving problems 

• Establish diagnostic processes which recommend improvements for OH&S issues

Using technology 

• Use workplace technology related to the use of technology to assist with safe work practices

Range Statement

Rappel and safety equipment must comply with

• organisation requirements and relevant Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations

Emergency situations may include

• power loss
• engine failure
• rappeller caught in tree
• damaged or kinked rope
• descent or landing injury
• defective equipment
• intercom failure
• loss of height
• aborted operation
• personnel extraction
• cabin fire
• aircraft impact ground
• rope attachment failure

Appropriate equipment will typically include

• fully body rappel harness
• static Kernmantle rappel ropes
• organisation specific descent device
• wander harness
• steel karabiner
• fire equipment packs
• communications helmet
• organisation protective overalls, protective gloves, hook knives

Procedures and practices will typically include

• organisation operations manual supplement
• civil aviation orders
• helicopter company operations manual supplement

• Rappel site selection will be determined by slope
• vegetation type and density
• canopy height
• weather conditions
• fire location
• hazards
• pilot ability

Dispatch of personnel and equipment may be conducted with

• helicopter hovering above ground
• helicopter landed

Helicopter safety equipment will include

• fire extinguishers
• emergency location beacon
• first aid kit
• survival kit
• emergency exits
• life vests

Communication systems may include

• aeronautical radio
• intercom system
• organisation radio

Equipment checks are carried out

• pre-flight
• pre-dispatch of rappellers
• pre-dispatch of equipment
• pre-retrieval of personnel and equipment
• post-flight

Reports to include

• flight following crew safety
• crew progress
• search and rescue

Evidence Guide

Critical Aspects of Evidence

It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in:

• undertake operations in accordance with OH&S procedures, legislative and operational guidelines
• prepare, carriage and stow/seat equipment and rappellers prior to, during and following rappelling from the helicopter
• apply correct procedures and techniques for sequencing and controlling rappelling operations
• apply appropriate communication processes with crew persons and rappellers
  demonstrate inspection and maintenance procedures
• planning and deliver briefing/debriefing procedures

Underpinning Knowledge

• basic helicopter safety
• organisation rappel policy
• organisation operational rappel policy
• basic helicopter environment awareness
• aircraft conning procedures
• key roles and relevant responsibilities of helicopter crew
• weight distribution principles and effects upon aircraft
• emergency procedures

Underpinning Skills

• confirmed competency as a rappeller
• operation of rappel equipment
• communication skill and signals
• lowering and retrieving (including static extraction) rappelling techniques

Resource implications

• rappelling equipment and materials
• personal protective and safety equipment
• an area to conduct operations
• helicopter
• briefing reports and organisation procedural documentation
• appropriate personal
• emergency information

Consistency in performance

• Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments
• Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
  • codes of practice
  • hazard policy and emergency procedures
  • flight instructions
  • procedures relating to safe use of equipment
  • house keeping procedures
  • following workplace procedures
• action taken promptly – accidents and incidents reported within regulatory and organisation requirements
• work completed systematically in accordance with safe operating procedures to minimise risk of injury to self, others or damage to equipment

Context of assessment

Assessment will take place in a simulated environment followed by assessment by a certified operator on the job encompassing a number of scenarios