Description

Pre-requisites

• PUAOPE002B Operate communications systems and equipment
• PUAFIR209B Work safely around aircraft

Performance Criteria

1. Plan aircraft operations
1.1. Operational objectives are obtained
1.2. Air operations requirements are identified
1.3. Requirements for support staff, support equipment and consumables are identified
1.4. Hazard assessment is undertaken and conveyed to the pilots
1.5. Aircraft base location is selected if required in accordance with operational and agency requirements
1.6. Site hazards are identified
1.7. Flight plans are established with pilots considering operational requirements, weather and hazard identification/minimisation/abatement
1.8. Aircraft resource suitability and performance capabilities/limitations are identified
1.9. Areas at aircraft base location are designated and separated according to site features and specific operations being conducted
1.10. An activity brief is planned in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
1.11. Activity briefing is conducted with appropriate personnel and operational information is displayed

2. Interpret weather conditions in relation to flight operations
2.1. Appropriate weather data is obtained
2.2. An assessment of the immediate and forecasted weather conditions on air operations is undertaken
2.3. Air operations are planned in consideration of available data and operational requirements
2.4. Weather data is continually assessed for implications to the planning and conduct of flight operations

3. Establish communications procedures
3.1. Communications requirements are identified
3.2. Factors impinging upon the selection of aeronautical frequencies within and outside controlled airspace are identified
3.3. Appropriate aeronautical and agency frequencies between aircraft and operations are selected
3.4. Communications procedures are implemented in accordance with planning process and the organisation’s procedures
3.5. Appropriate flight following and notification procedures are developed according to the organisation’s requirements
3.6. Pilots and support personnel are briefed in communications procedures

4. Establish procedures for search and rescue (SAR) of overdue aircraft
4.1. Circumstances requiring the implementation of SAR processes are identified
4.2. SAR procedures appropriate to the type of incident are established as required
4.3. Appropriate authorities are notified
4.4. SAR Resources are deployed as required
4.5. Agency accident/incident response procedures are implemented if required
4.6. Post accident/incident procedures are implemented if required in accordance with the organisation’s requirements

5. Complete operation
5.1. Debrief is scheduled as soon as possible following the operation
5.2. Conduct debrief with operational and support personnel in accordance with the organisation’s procedures

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

Flight planning includes

• mission and task objectives
• incident priorities
• identifying and explaining hazards
• communication procedures
• aircraft performance and capability
• flight planning checklists
• timing of operations
• resource limitations

Weather information may include

• consideration of climatic and weather conditions:
  • weather prognosis
  • analysis
  • forecasts
  • met profiles

Workplace procedures may include:

• briefing and debriefing:
  • timing
  • checklists
• Search and rescue SAR:
  • legislative requirements
  • agency requirements
  • travel
  • ferry
  • flight times
  • SAR Time/procedures/actions
  • manifests
• communications:
  • VHF aeronautical
  • organisation’s systems
  • flight following/notification/reporting procedure
  • inbound/outbound reporting
  • airspace (outside/inside)

Appropriate personnel may include

• pilots
• aircrew
• incident management staff
• airbase/helibase personnel
• fire ground personnel

Aircraft performance may be affected by

• task
• range
• engine type – piston, turbine
• wing configuration
• twin/single engine
• load capacity
• airstrip length requirements
• pilot ability
• weather
• fire behaviour
• terrain

Aircraft suitability may be affected by

• visibility
• range
• speed
• take off capacity
• communications system availability
• pilot local knowledge

Airbase/helibases may be established at

• existing licensed airfield
• agricultural airstrip
• licensed helipad
• recreation reserves
• remote helipad

Site selection may be dependent upon

• road accessibility
• logistics support
• water availability
• vicinity of houses/general population
• areas of reduced visibility
• distance to operation
• flight paths in and out
• flight hazards
• vehicle parking

Accident response plan will consider

• local hospital/doctor details
• location of first aid equipment
• air ambulance details

Briefing information may include

• tastings
• roles
• communications frequencies
• agreed aircraft traffic procedures
• hazards

Displayed information may include

• fire map
• roles
• meteorological report
• communications plan
• map of airbase/helibase layout
• first aid location

Legislation may include

• CAO – Civil Aviation Orders
• AIP – Aeronautical Information Publication
• NOTAM – Notice to Airman
• CAR – Civil Aviation Regulations

Hazards may include

• spot fires
• restricted/danger/prohibited areas
• wires/power lines
• master/aerials
• terrain
• smoke
• ground resources
• weather conditions
• level of visibility
• interference to communications
• other aircraft
• support personnel

Emergency procedures may include

• crash/evacuation
• fire
• ditching
• external emergency (observed)

Evidence Guide

Critical Aspects of Evidence

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

• implement organisation’s procedures and relevant legislative and industry standards
• appropriately sequence planning of aircraft operations
• identify and implement procedures for flight notification and flight following
• select aeronautical and organisation’s radio frequencies that ensure the most effective communication exchange during operations
• obtain and accurately assess the impact of weather conditions/data for immediate and impending aircraft operations

Underpinning Knowledge

• collect, collate and analyse information procedures relating to air operation
• legislative and organisation’s requirements and procedures

Underpinning Skills

• planning skills
• identification of procedures for conducting briefings and debriefings
• effective use of communications equipment
• map reading

Resource implications

Resources should involve access to, or simulation of, air operations. This includes resources relating to: equipment, personnel, facilities etc. appropriate to the flight situation

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 and emergency procedures including:
  • codes of practice
  • hazard policy and procedures
  • planning aircraft operations and deployment of appropriate resources
  • guidelines relating to safe and effective use of equipment, resources and facilities
  • action taken promptly - accidents and incidents reported within regulatory and organisation’s 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

On the job or in a simulated workplace environment