This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to conduct radio procedures in an aviation operational environment, in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.

It includes identifying aviation communications system features, communicating using aviation communications technology, and maintaining aviation communications equipment systems and records.

This unit addresses aviation technical skill requirements (physical, mental and task-management abilities) related to aviation communications duties of aviation personnel, and contributes to safe and effective performance in complex aviation operational environments.

Operations are conducted as part of recreational, commercial and military aircraft activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian aviation industry.

Work is performed independently or under limited supervision as a single operator or within a team environment.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

Use for Defence Aviation is to be in accordance with relevant Defence Orders, Instructions, Publications and Regulations.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 

Identify aviation communications system features 

1.1

System features and control functions of aviation communications systems are identified

1.2

Equipment signals and alerts are monitored

1.3

Aviation communications channels are selected in accordance with aviation procedures

2 

Communicate using aviation communications technology 

2.1

Aviation communications systems are checked in accordance with manufacturer instructions and airport procedures

2.2

Aviation communications systems are operated in accordance with manufacturer instructions, airport procedures and regulatory requirements

2.3

Appropriate aviation communications channels are selected for location and type of communication

2.4

Clear, precise and unambiguous radio messages are sent with due regard to ethics, protocols and procedures

2.5

Aviation terminology and message structure are used when communicating using aviation communications technology

2.6

Incoming messages are received and answered promptly and courteously, in accordance with operating procedures and regulatory requirements

2.7

Non-procedural terminology is used as required to assist message clarity and understanding

2.8

Aviation communications protocols and procedures are followed when using communications systems during emergencies

3 

Maintain aviation communications equipment systems and records 

3.1

Communications systems are maintained in working order in accordance with manufacturer instructions

3.2

System faults are identified and minor faults are rectified in accordance with manufacturer instructions and procedures

3.3

Major system faults are reported in accordance with workplace procedures

3.4

Appropriate communications records are completed and processed in accordance with workplace procedures and aviation regulatory requirements

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Communications systems must include one or more of the following:

• approved aviation radios including:

• personal
• hand-held
• vehicle mounted
• citizen band (CB)
• ultra high frequency (UHF)
• very high frequency (VHF)
• single-side band (SSB)

Worksite communication must include:

• active listening
• questioning to obtain information and/or to clarify information and understanding
• routine oral reporting
• two-way communication

Communication problems must include one or more of the following:

• incorrect assumption that message has been received and/or understood
• illegible writing or print
• misunderstanding
• noisy environments or communications channels
• not following correct communications protocols and procedures
• unfamiliar aviation or non aviation terminology
• use of non-standard vocabulary

Communications records must include one or more of the following:

• aerodrome or workplace communications procedures, protocols, checklists and instructions
• aircraft and vehicle identification codes
• client and/or supplier instructions
• emergency procedures
• legislation, regulations and related documentation
• manufacturer specifications for communications equipment
• safety data sheets (SDSs)/material safety data sheets (MSDSs)
• radio communication logs

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

• completing communications records accurately, in accordance with workplace procedures and aviation regulatory requirements
• changing communications channels or frequencies in accordance with workplace or aviation procedures
• communicating effectively with others using available communications equipment, in accordance with aviation communications protocols and procedures
• completing relevant documentation
• diagnosing a radio fault correctly and rectifying the fault in accordance with manufacturer instructions or workplace procedures
• making broadcasts and interpreting radio messages correctly, in accordance with operational policies and procedures
• following communications protocols and procedures used during emergency situations
• identifying and using required communications technology
• implementing work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures and relevant regulations
• interpreting and understanding communications and aviation specific terminology
• monitoring performance of communications equipment and taking appropriate action
• operating and adapting to differences in communications equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures
• reading, interpreting and following relevant regulations, instructions, procedures, information and signs
• reporting and/or rectifying identified problems, faults or malfunctions promptly, in accordance with workplace procedures
• responding to radio communication in accordance with aviation communications protocols and procedures
• sourcing and programing the correct aviation channels or frequencies on radio communications equipment
• using correctly, radio communications equipment used in the aviation airport environment
• working collaboratively with others.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

• applicable aviation communications procedures and regulations relating to radio communications at an aerodrome
• aviation communications channels and frequency bands
• aviation terminology and vocabulary
• basic communication techniques including barriers to effective communication and how to overcome them
• basic principles of effective communication
• communications records and documentation in the aviation airport environment
• communications system operation and procedures
• features of various communications systems
• minor routine maintenance procedures for communications equipment
• pre-operational checks for communications systems and equipment
• procedures and protocols for using communications systems during an emergency
• protocols and procedures for communicating with others using communications technology
• typical problems that may occur when using communications systems and appropriate action and solutions.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations
• acceptable means of simulation assessment
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
• relevant materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry.