This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage remote pilot aircraft systems (RPAS) pre-and post-flight actions, in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.

It includes completing pre- and post-flight administration, performing pre- and post-flight actions/inspection, and performing and recording pre-flight inspections.

This unit addresses aviation technical skill requirements (physical, mental and task-management abilities) related to equipment and system operations of flight or 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 within a single-pilot or multi-crew RPAS 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 

Complete pre- and post-flight administration 

1.1

Information about RPAS is obtained, read and used to guide work as required

1.2

Pre- and post-flight planning and documentation is completed

1.3

Remote aircraft weight and balance is confirmed

1.4

Pre- and post-flight maintenance release and flight administration documentation is completed

1.5

RPAS serviceability is determined by approved maintenance inspection

1.6

Certification of inspection for maintenance release is completed

2 

Perform pre- and post-flight actions/ inspection 

2.1

Equipment and documentation is identified and carried in accordance with regulatory requirements

2.2

Internal and external checks are completed in accordance with approved checklist

2.3

RPAS is secured in accordance with manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures

3 

Perform and record pre-flight inspection 

3.1

Pre-flight inspection of RPAS is performed in accordance with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) documentation and operations manual

3.2

Appropriate actions are undertaken to rectify discrepancies and are recorded

3.3

Pre-flight inspection is recorded in accordance with operations manual

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

Production methods for flight plans must include one or more of the following:

• automated flight planning systems
• manual planning methods

Pre-flight planning must include:

• availability of consumables en route and/or at destination
• consumables required for flight

Information must include one or more of the following:

• aeronautical charts
• aircraft flight manual (AFM)
• approved checklists
• conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards
• En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA)
• flight and technical log
• induction and training materials
• maintenance release
• meteorological forecasts
• Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)
• relevant Defence Orders and Instructions
• operations manuals
• relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASRs) and Civil Aviation Orders related to RPAS operations
• workplace procedures and instructions, and job specification

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:

• accessing and applying relevant regulations, orders and information to the performance of the required planning, pre- and post-flight administrative functions
• adapting to differences in equipment and operating environment in accordance with standard operating procedures
• applying air safety practices and regulations
• applying precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures
• applying relevant remote pilot aircraft systems (RPAS) aeronautical knowledge
• communicating effectively with others
• completing relevant documentation
• complying with flight authorisations
• conducting maintenance and flight briefings
• identifying and correctly using equipment required when managing pre- and post-flight actions
• 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 anticipate operational problems and hazards and taking appropriate action
• monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule
• operating electronic communications equipment to required protocol
• performing input and downloading of data from flight planning systems
• reporting and/or rectifying problems, faults or malfunctions promptly, in accordance with workplace procedures
• securing RPAS post operation
• selecting and using relevant equipment required when managing pre- and post-flight actions
• selecting and using required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and WHS/OHS standards
• understanding and meeting the obligations placed on a remote pilot with regard to all inspections
• 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, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

• aeronautical decision-making processes relevant to RPAS operations
• aircraft maintenance release requirements and procedures for intended flight
• checklist use and procedures
• effective communication
• error management, including error types, causes and consequences
• fatigue management
• flight specific reports including incident reporting
• human factors applicable to RPAS operations
• human performance and its limitations, including the senses, memory and situational awareness
• inspection procedures including rectification actions
• minimum equipment list for applicable RPAS
• pre- and post-flight planning administration procedures including flight authorisations
• relevant Australian Standards
• relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASRs) and Civil Aviation Orders related to RPAS operations
• relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations
• risk identification, analysis and control
• stress, workload and time pressure management.

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.