Unit of competency details

This unit of competency is part of the Avionic Certificate IV (Aircraft Maintenance Stream) training pathway. It covers the competencies required to inspect, test and troubleshoot advanced communications systems and components of fixed and rotary wing aircraft. The unit is used in workplaces that operate under the airworthiness regulatory systems of the ADF and CASA.

Where a CASA licensing outcome is sought this unit forms part of the CASA requirement for the granting of the chosen Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence under CASR Part 66, in accordance with the licensing provisions in Section 3, Assessment Guidelines.

This unit requires application of hand skills and the use of system/component knowledge and applicable maintenance publications and test equipment to inspect, test and troubleshoot advanced communication systems and components.

Applications include fixed and rotary wing aircraft that have advanced communication systems.

MEA206C

Remove and install basic radio communication and navigation system components

MEA246C

Manufacture and/or repair aircraft electrical components or parts

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Inspect advanced communications systems and components

1.1. Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including system defect reports where relevant, are used to identify specific inspection requirements

1.2. Isolation tags are checked and aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual

1.3. Communications system components  are visually or physically checked for external signs of defects in accordance with applicable maintenance manual

1.4. Defects are correctly identified and reported

2. Test/adjust advanced communications systems and components

2.1. Aircraft and system are prepared in accordance with applicable maintenance manual for the application of power/system operation

2.2. Communications system is functionally tested, in accordance with maintenance manual, for evidence of serviceability or malfunction

2.3. System calibration or adjustments are performed in accordance with maintenance manual, as appropriate

3. Troubleshoot advanced communications systems

3.1. Available information from maintenance documentation, inspection and test results is used, where necessary, to assist in fault determination

3.2. Maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides and logic processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting 

3.3. Specialist advice is obtained, where required, to assist with the troubleshooting process

3.4. Communications system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required, in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

3.5. Rectification requirements are determined

Required skills 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• applying relevant OHS procedures
• using approved maintenance documentation and aircraft publications relating to the communications system being maintained
• recognition of system and component defects/external damage, correct installation, attaching hardware (including cabling/harnesses/transmission lines) and security in:

• external communications systems (UHF and SATCOM)
• internal communications systems (intercommunication and CVR)

• applying logic processes, taking and interpreting system measurements to accurately and effectively isolate malfunctions within the above systems
• testing listed systems to isolate system faults and assess post-maintenance serviceability

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• component attachment methods
• the basic layout (block diagram level), function and operation of:

• external communications systems (UHF and SATCOM)
• internal communications systems (intercommunication and CVR)

• maintenance requirements for the above systems and troubleshooting procedures
• relevant OHS practices
• basic principles/functions, relating to the above-listed systems and associated with:

• electromagnetic radiation and propagation
• basic AC and DC circuit theory
• printed circuit boards
• digital fundamentals
• analogue fundamentals
• transmitter and receiver principles
• antenna characteristics
• transmission line characteristics

• relevant maintenance manuals
• relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to inspect, test and troubleshoot advanced communication systems and components while observing all relevant safety precautions.

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

The underlying skills inherent in this unit should be transferable across a range of inspection, testing and troubleshooting applications (including the timely involvement of supervisors or other trades) associated with advanced communication systems and components. It is essential that system testing procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions applicable to the system being maintained are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing and troubleshooting is essential. This is to be demonstrated through application across a range of advanced communication systems and components listed in the Range Statement. The application of testing procedures should clearly indicate knowledge of system operation, the relationship of individual components and the links with other systems (if applicable) within the limits of the aircraft/system fault finding guide before undertaking any action. The work plan should take account of applicable safety and quality requirements in accordance with the industry and regulatory standards.

A person cannot be assessed as competent until it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the workplace assessor that the relevant elements of the unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on a system and at least one major system component/LRU from each of Groups 1 and 2 listed in the Range Statement. This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement or, where appropriate, an equivalent Industry Evidence Guide.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace using tools and equipment specified in the maintenance manuals. It is also expected that general and special purpose tools, test and ground support equipment would be used where appropriate.

Method of assessment 

Guidance information for assessment 

Individuals being assessed who have already attained MEA214C Inspect, test and troubleshoot aircraft basic communication and radio navigation systems and components, will have already covered a considerable amount of the skill and knowledge requirements for this unit and will have demonstrated capability in a number of tasks that also relate to the Performance Criteria for Elements 1, 2 and 3. Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement records relating to MEA214C Inspect, test and troubleshoot aircraft basic communication and radio navigation systems and components, may be accepted as also meeting some of the evidence requirements for this unit in the applicable areas.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Note 

Range statements listed below are numbered to facilitate specification of the assessment requirements included in the Evidence Guide

Communications systems and components 

Communications systems and components include:

1. UHF and SATCOM

2. Intercommunication and CVR systems

Troubleshooting 

Troubleshooting involves the use of fault-finding charts or similar, to line replacement level

Application 

Application of this unit may relate to:

• scheduled or unscheduled maintenance activities
• individual or team-related activities

Procedures and requirements 

Refer to industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise