Unit of competency details

Release

TP Version

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DEF12V2

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DEF12V1

Primary release.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Assist with establishing a cargo drop zone 

1.1 Tasks are received and confirmed with supervisor

1.2 Markers or signal devices  are set up in accordance with workplace procedures 

1.3 Appropriate personnel  are notified of the readiness of the drop zone, using appropriate communication methods 

2. Participate in operating a cargo drop zone 

2.1 Deployment sequence  and impact of load onto drop zone is observed in accordance with workplace procedures

2.2 Loads and associated equipment are inspected and abnormalities  are reported to appropriate personnel in accordance with workplace procedures

2.3 Aerial delivery equipment  is recovered  in accordance with workplace procedures

2.4 Air -dropped loads  are recovered  in accordance with workplace procedures

3. Assist with closing a cargo drop zone 

3.1 Appropriate methods  are used to close drop zone in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2 Appropriate personnel are notified once drop zone has been closed

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

• communicate within the workplace
• load vehicles and restraining loads
• manual lifting techniques
• operate navigation equipment
• operate organisational vehicles
• teamwork
• use enterprise communications systems and procedures
• use material handling equipment
• use pyrotechnics and marking devices

Required Knowledge 

• aircraft communications procedures
• air-drop load deployment sequence
• drop zone communication devices
• drop zone procedures
• map reading and navigation
• safety precautions for using pyrotechnics
• workplace work health and safety (WHS) requirements specific to drop zones

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• set up flares, lights and marker panels at a drop zone
• communicate with the aircrew via radio
• safely recover an air-drop load in excess of 22 kg (50 lbs).

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time using a range of actual or simulated air-drop operations covering a range of air-drop types and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in a field environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• equipment including:
• air-drop loads
• aerial delivery equipment
• material handling equipment
• communication equipment and devices
• suitable cargo drop zone to receive air-drop loads.

Guidance information for assessment 

The use of simulated air-drop loads may be utilised for assessment when suitable aircraft are not available.

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised  wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Markers or signal devices  may include:

• Heliograph mirrors
• Lights
• Marker panels
• Pyrotechnics or flares
• Raised angle markers
• Smoke
• Tethered balloons

Workplace procedures  may include:

• Australian Standards
• Briefs
• Doctrinal pamphlet
• Duty statements
• Legislative requirements
• Manufacturers' handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions
• WHS regulations
• Organisational policies and procedures
• Procedure manuals
• Relevant state/territory or federal legislation
• Standard Operating Procedures
• Technical and tactical procedures
• Written or verbal orders

Appropriate personnel  may include:

• Aircrew
• Supervisor

Appropriate communication methods  may include:

• Additional panels to code identifier
• Extinguishing lights
• Radio communications
• Removing code identifier
• Smoke

Deployment sequence  may include:

• Deployment of load from aircraft
• Deployment of extraction parachute
• Deployment of main parachute

Abnormalities  may include:

• Abnormal function of aerial delivery equipment
• Air-dropped load not landing on intended point of impact
• Failure of aerial delivery equipment
• Other unforseen faults/problems

Aerial delivery equipment  may include:

• Containers
• Load rigging equipment
• Parachute releases
• Parachutes
• Platforms

Recovery of aerial delivery equipment and air-dropped loads  may involve the use of:

• Manual handling procedures
• Material handling equipment
• Vehicles

Air-drop loads  may include:

• Free drop loads between 1.4 kg (5 lbs) - 35 kg (77 lbs)
• Container loads between 22 kg (50 lbs) - 1 000 kg (2 200 lbs)
• Platform loads between 1 140 kg (2 520 lbs) - 19 040 kg (42 000 lbs)

Methods to close drop zone  may include:

• Radio communications
• Removal of code identifier
• Smoke