Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
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Unit Descriptor |
This unit covers the competency required to perform a free fall parachute descent that commences from an altitude below 12 000 feet above ground level. Free fall parachute descents are a method of deploying from an aircraft where the individual paratrooper is responsible for selecting, preparing and fitting parachuting equipment; carrying out safety checks; exiting from an aircraft; controlling free fall descent; activating the parachute and steering the canopy to land safely on a drop zone. During the parachute descent individuals must demonstrate situational awareness of their position in relation to altitude, orientation and the location of other paratroopers. They must also be able to communicate verbally, and non-verbally, and to manage a number of potentially hazardous situations. Free fall parachuting is an inherently dangerous activity consequently paratroopers must be competent to perceive in themselves and others the signs and symptoms of altitude induced medical conditions and to seek assistance. The individual must also be competent in reacting to and managing, a range of routine parachute opening problems, malfunctions, and other contingencies and emergencies. |
Application of the Unit
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Application of the Unit |
The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package. This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
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Prerequisite Unit /s |
Nil |
Employability Skills Information
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Employability Skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
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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 Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
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ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
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1. Prepare for free fall parachute descent |
1.1 Instructions to conduct a free fall parachute descent are received and details are confirmed with supervisor as necessary 1.2 Appropriate parachute equipment is selected, inspected for serviceability and fitted, in accordance with standard procedures 1.3 Unserviceable equipment is quarantined and reported in accordance with standard procedures |
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2. Complete on board aircraft procedures |
2.1 Aircraft is boarded, and self and equipment are positioned and secured, in accordance with standard procedures 2.2 Verbal and non -verbal communication is used effectively with other personnel on board 2.3 On board procedures and individual safety checks are carried out when instructed by authorised personnel, in accordance with standard procedures 2.4 Signs and symptoms of altitude induced conditions in self and others are monitored and any anomalies are reported to supervisor |
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3. Exit from the aircraft and descend by free fall |
3.1 Aircraft is exited using approved techniques within permitted tolerances 3.2 Stability in free fall flight is established and maintained 3.3 When necessary, instability is recovered during exit and free fall 3.4 Situational awareness is maintained 3.5 Individual free fall positions and manoeuvres are carried out in accordance with standard procedures 3.6 Verbal and non-verbal communication is used to communicate effectively with other paratroopers as required |
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4. Control a ram-air canopy descent |
4.1 Parachute is activated to open at a designated time or height in accordance with standard procedures 4.2 Relevant drills are conducted to detect and rectify malfunctions and routine opening problems , in accordance with standard procedures 4.3 Descent is controlled within permitted tolerances using canopy control and manoeuvre techniques 4.4 Controllability checks and malfunction drills are conducted as required 4.5 Contingency and emergency situations are assessed and the correct drills are applied to rectify the situation |
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5. Land on a drop zone |
5.1 Designated drop zone marking and wind indicators are identified and target approach is planned 5.2 Target approach techniques are applied in accordance with standard procedures 5.3 Landing is completed in accordance with environmental conditions and to the permitted tolerance 5.4 Emergency landing is completed, as required, in accordance with standard procedures 5.5 Harness release and drag procedures are applied in accordance with standard procedures, and drop zone is cleared |
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6. Complete free fall post descent procedures |
6.1 Post descent de -servicing of parachute equipment is conducted in accordance with standard procedures 6.2 Performance during the individual free fall parachute descent is reviewed 6.3 Documentation is completed accurately and clearly in accordance with standard procedures |
Required Skills and Knowledge
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REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
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This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
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Required Skills |
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Required Knowledge |
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Evidence Guide
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EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
Permitted tolerances are:
Consistency in performance Competency must be demonstrated over a minimum of five solo parachute descents supported by simulated opening problems, malfunctions and other contingencies and emergencies that could be expected in the workplace. Assessment should be conducted in a timeframe and in a range of contexts and conditions that allows evidence to be gathered on the correct application of free fall parachute skills and techniques, consistent with the Range Statement and the operating environment. |
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Context of assessment Competency must be assessed during the preparation and performance of actual free fall parachute descents although due to safety limitations, assessment of the individual's response to routine opening problems, malfunctions and other contingencies and emergencies will need to be undertaken in a simulated environment. Specific resources for assessment Access to:
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Range Statement
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RANGE STATEMENT |
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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. |
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Parachute equipment may include |
Automatic activation device Altimeter Audible altitude warning device Hook knife Parachute Personal apparel:
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Inspecting parachute equipment for serviceability include |
Servicing instruments Setting instruments |
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Standard procedures may include |
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) manuals and regulations Defence instructions and publications Job guides, other publications Manufacturers' handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions Occupational health and safety (OH&S) regulations Operating procedures Procedure manuals Routine Orders Written and verbal orders |
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Verbal and non-verbal communication may include |
Aircraft visual and audible warning devices Hand signals Panels and markers Plot boards Radio communications Voice commands |
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On board procedures may include |
Carrying out drills or procedures directed by air crew or despatchers Exit procedures Fitting of parachuting equipment Safety checks Stop drop and aborted sortie procedures |
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Individual safety checks may include |
Arming the automatic activation device Individual parachute equipment checks in aircraft Pin checks |
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Altitude induced conditions may include |
Decompression illness Hyperventilation Hypothermia Hypoxia |
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Approved techniques to exit the aircraft may include |
From the ramp:
From the door:
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Permitted tolerances include |
Achieving stability within 1 000 feet of exiting the aircraft Achieving stability within 1 000 feet of becoming unstable during free fall Completing exits with a deviation of no more than 45 degrees off the aircraft heading Completing turns within 45 degrees of the specified heading Conducting forward glide for a minimum of 5 seconds with no more than a 45 degrees deviation off the specified heading Landing safely within 25 metres of the target Pulling the ripcord within 250 feet of the planned opening height above ground level with a deviation of no more than 45 degrees off the specified heading |
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Situational awareness may include |
Monitoring altitude/height Monitoring the position of other paratroopers Orientation to target and/or aircraft |
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Individual free fall positions and manoeuvres may include |
Back loop Back slide Box position Delta position Fast fall Forward glide Hard arch/wide spread position Heading maintenance Poised pull position Slow falls-track Track Turns left and right Wave-off |
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Malfunctions may include |
A high speed malfunction:
A low speed malfunction:
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Routine opening problems may include |
End cell closure Premature brake release Pilot chute hesitation Slider hang up below the cascades Twists |
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Canopy control and manoeuvre techniques may include |
Flying modes:
Stalls:
Turns:
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Controllability checks include checking |
If canopy requires more than 50% opposite toggle to counter a turn If canopy stalls/collapses after conducting left and right 90 degree turns If canopy stalls prior to 50% brakes |
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Malfunction drills apply when |
Canopy is deemed uncontrollable |
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Contingency and emergency situations may include |
Collisions:
Emergency abandoning of aircraft Entanglements Equipment moving or coming undone Loss of stability on exit or in free fall Tumbling and somersaulting during free fall Uncontrolled or involuntary turns in free fall |
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Correct drills to rectify contingency and emergency situations include |
Collisions in free fall and under canopy Emergency landing on or in buildings, trees, wire and water Entanglement Uncontrolled or involuntary turns in free fall |
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Drop zone marking and wind indicators may include |
Alphanumeric marker panels Geographic features Smoke Streamers and flags Wind sock |
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Target approach techniques may include |
High wind approach Standard approach |
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Landing may include |
Half brake parachute landing roll Dynamic stall landing (flared landing) |
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Environmental conditions may include |
Turbulence Variable altitude Variable temperatures Variable weather conditions Wind:
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Emergency landing may include landing in or on |
Buildings Trees Vehicles Water Wire |
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Drop zone may include |
Known or designated Land or water Open country |
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Post descent de servicing may include |
Cleaning parachute and equipment Inspecting parachute and equipment, and identifying faults Rectifying or reporting defects with the parachute and/or equipment in accordance with standard procedures |
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Reviewing performance may include |
Obtaining feedback from supervisors, and individuals on parachuting performance and taking corrective action Viewing video of flight and correcting faults |
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Documentation may include |
Descents folder Paratroopers log card |
Unit Sector(s)
Not applicable.
Corequisite Unit/s
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Co-requisite Unit /s |
Nil |
