Description

Pre-requisites

• PUAOPE003B Navigate in urban and rural environments (Fire specific)
• PUAFIR209B Work Safely around aircraft (Fire Specific)

Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for flight
1.1. Incident and/or task requirements are obtained
1.2. Relevant maps and navigation equipment are gathered and checked
1.3. Information and navigation techniques are applied to plot positions on a map or navigation chart, and determine current location and destination within accepted tolerances
1.4. Aircraft is selected and performance capabilities are considered

2. Determine and plana safe flight route
2.1. A preliminary flight route is determined using available information
2.2. An assessment of hazards, topographical features and restricted areas along proposed flight route and at destination is undertaken
2.3. Preliminary flight route is modified in accordance with outcomes of hazard assessment
2.4. Records are prepared according to the organisation’s requirements
2.5. Pilot is briefed on task requirements and planned flight route and relevant information as per the organisation’s requirements

3. Navigate to destination
3.1. Pilot directed to follow planned route as required
3.2. Record of proposed route and navigation aids are used to maintain compliance with planned route
3.3. Location is determined by identification with ground features
3.4. Current location is regularly verified within accepted tolerances
3.5. Amendments to flight route are undertaken in accordance with changes in environmental factors, fire behaviour and operational requirements
3.6. Lost en route procedures are implemented if required
3.7. Unanticipated difficulties are reported in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
3.8. En route and arrival reporting information is transmitted in accordance with the organisation’s requirements

4. Complete post navigational activities
4.1. Navigation report is completed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
4.2. Navigational equipment is maintained according to operational standards and manufacturer’s specifications

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

Types of maps include

• topographical maps
• Visual Navigation Chart (VNC)
• World Aeronautical Chart (WAC)
• vegetation maps
• aerial photographs
• street directories
• infra red line scan imagery
• en-route supplement (airfield orientation, contact information, runway information)
• Visual Terminal Chart (VTC)
• Visual En-route Chart (VEC)

Use of maps includes

• plotting proposed or alternate flight routes
• defining or plotting incident location
• delineation search areas
• planning access and egress routes
• plotting of areas

Equipment may include

• protractors
• scale rules
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
• magnetic compass
• communications equipment
• computers
• writing equipment
• watch/stop watch
• planimeters
• romers
• area plotters

Incident and task information may include

• locating incident
• establishing incident access
• data gathering
• establishing radii
• plotting fire fronts
• rates of fireline construction

Communication may include

• verbal instructions
• radio system
• intercom system
• hand signals
• written instruction

Means of determining location may include

• plotting
• Global Positioning System (GPS)
• visual determination from map information
• aircraft instrument cross referencing
• time and distance calculation
• magnetic conversions
• grid and latitude/longitude conversions

Potential access restrictions may include

• military areas
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sacred sites and other areas of cultural significance
• seasonal factors
• wilderness areas
• hazardous areas
• controlled airspace/restricted airspace

Map features include

• orientation
• relief
• cultural
• hydrology
• vegetation
• potential hazards
• elevation
• restricted airspace
• radio frequencies (mandatory broadcast zones or common traffic advisory)
• airfield location
• altitudes for controlled airspace
• flight corridors
• navigation aids (physical and electronic)
• danger/prohibited/ restricted areas

Plot briefing information may include

• route to be flown
• purpose of flight
• duration and flight to be flown
• flight hazards
• communications procedures
• prominent terrain features
• passengers

Marginal information on a map includes

• legend, scale
• distance
• north point
• grid references
• latitude and longitude
• contour interval
• datum information

Hazards may include

• spot fires
• wires
• masts/aerials
• terrain
• smoke
• ground resources
• weather conditions
• lack of visibility
• danger/prohibited/ restricted areas

Aircraft capability will be determined by

• range
• load capability
• speed
• airstrip length
• Person On Board (POB)
• pilot ability
• Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
• Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
• engine type
• weather

Environmental factors may include

• time of day
• weather conditions
• fire behaviour
• need to match transportation mode to terrain

Accepted tolerance may include

• relating the margin of error allowable as determined by the nature of the task/incident terrain
• prevailing weather and environmental conditions

Organisational arrival procedures include

• confirmation of timely, safe arrival appropriate to the incident/task

Alternate route strategies may include

• lost procedures
• use of GPS
• aircraft navigational equipment
• diversion to other incident
• use of additional/alternate due weather
• mechanical

Reporting requirements may include

• pre-departure briefing
• input to debriefs
• completion of logs
• flight following
• Sitreps
• journal records
• assessment of safety procedures utilised

Evidence Guide

Critical Aspects of Evidence

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

• plotting a navigation route
• maintaining accuracy within accepted tolerances when following route
• ability to maintain positional awareness

Evidence should also be sought concerning ability to effectively react to changes in the operating environment necessitating re-planning of course.

Underpinning Knowledge

• cartographic symbols and legends
• map and chart types
• grid/magnetic conversion
• route planning techniques and calculations
• methods for determining current location
• communication processes

Underpinning Skills

• map handling and orientation using navigation aids
• problem solving
• verbal communication
• identifying natural and cultural features
• conduct grid/magnetic north conversions
• conduct latitude/longitude conversions
• capacity to effectively operate in an aircraft for extended periods

Resource implications

• Access to equipment used in operational navigation is essential
• Access to support agencies such as Meteorological Bureaus,
• Different maps, including topographic, WAC and VEC charts, for aerial navigation

Consistency in performance

Competency must be demonstrated in a number of simulated and actual situations

Context of assessment

Assessment may take place in simulated environments followed by assessment by an accredited operator on the job