This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate an aerobridge, in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.

It includes pre-positioning the aerobridge, docking with an aircraft on arrival, and retracting the aerobridge on departure.

This unit addresses aviation technical skill requirements (physical, mental and task-management abilities) related to equipment and system operations of ground operations 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 

Pre-position aerobridge 

1.1

Aerobridge pre-operational checks are conducted in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions

1.2

Aerobridge console is operated in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions

1.3

Appropriate safety checks are made to ensure roll-door is down and apron is clear in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

1.4

Floodlights are employed during low-visibility operations in accordance with workplace procedures

1.5

Aerobridge is pre-positioned for aircraft type in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions

1.6

Roll-door is secured and closed in readiness for aircraft arrival in accordance with regulatory requirements

2 

Deploy aerobridge 

2.1

Aerobridge is manoeuvred towards the aircraft in accordance with manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures for type of aircraft being docked

2.2

Aerobridge movement is monitored and controlled through docking procedure

2.3

Aerobridge is placed on auto level in accordance with manufacturer instructions

2.4

Aerobridge roll-door and aircraft door are opened and safety shoe is positioned in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

3 

Retract and stow aerobridge 

3.1

Aerobridge safety strap is retracted in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2

Aerobridge is retracted from aircraft to minimum safety distance using aerobridge console in accordance with manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures

3.3

Canopy is retracted, lowered and locked into position in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions

3.4

Aerobridge pre-position function is selected and aerobridge is returned to PARK position after aircraft departure

3.5

Roll-door is closed and secured in accordance with regulatory requirements

3.6

Aerobridge console is deactivated and power isolated in accordance with manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures

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

• adapting to differences in equipment and operating environment in accordance with standard operating procedures
• applying precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures
• communicating effectively with others
• completing relevant documentation
• identifying and correctly using relevant equipment
• implementing contingency plans
• implementing work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures and relevant regulations
• interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work
• modifying activities depending on workplace contingencies, situations and environments
• monitoring and anticipating operational problems and hazards and taking appropriate action
• monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule
• operating electronic communications equipment to required protocol
• reading, interpreting and following relevant regulations, instructions, procedures, information and signs
• reporting and/or rectifying identified problems promptly, in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures
• selecting and using required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and WHS/OHS standards
• working collaboratively with others
• working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment.

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

• emergency procedures
• features and differences in operating characteristics for various types of aerobridges in operation at Australian airports
• manufacturer instructions for checking and operating an aerobridge
• principles of aerobridge operation
• problems that may occur when operating an aerobridge and appropriate action that should be taken in each case
• relevant Australian Standards
• relevant information/documents:

• aerobridge operational checklists
• conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards
• flight schedules
• induction and training materials
• manufacturer specifications and instructions for aerobridge being operated
• workplace instructions, and job specification

• relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASRs) and Civil Aviation Orders
• relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations
• risks that exist when operating an aerobridge and related risk control procedures and precautions
• workplace procedures for operating an aerobridge.

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

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

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.