Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit is part of the Avionic AME Certificate IV training pathways and is an alternative unit to MEA225B and MEA230B. It covers the competencies required to inspect, test and troubleshoot automatic flight control systems and components fitted to rotary wing aircraft. Where a CASA licensing outcome is sought this unit forms part of the CASA requirement for the granting of the B2 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence under CASR Part 66, in accordance with the licensing provisions in Section 3, Assessment Guidelines.

Application of the unit 

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 rotary wing automatic flight control systems and components.

Applications include rotary wing aircraft that have automatic flight control systems.

Prerequisite units 

MEA207C

Remove and install aircraft electronic system components

MEA246C

Fabricate and/or repair aircraft electrical components or parts

Employability skills 

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Inspect automatic flight control system and components

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

1.2. Automatic flight control system  is visually or physically checked for external signs of defects in accordance with applicable maintenance manual.

1.3. Defects are correctly identified and reported.

2. Test/adjust automatic flight control system

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

2.2. Automatic flight control 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. Prepare for troubleshooting

3.1. Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status including system defect reports, where relevant, are used to identify an unserviceability.

4. Troubleshoot automatic flight control system

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

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

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

4.4. Automatic flight control system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required.

4.5. Determine rectification requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• Application of relevant OH&S practices
• The use of approved maintenance documentation and aircraft publications relating to the automatic flight control and data system being maintained
• Recognition of system and component defects/external damage, correct installation, connection of plugs, terminations, attaching hardware (including cabling/harnesses) and security in:

• flight director components and interface
• flight control components and interface
• flight data recorders and interface

• Applying logic processes, taking and interpreting system measurements, using test equipment and appropriate wiring diagrams and manuals to accurately and effectively isolate malfunctions in the above systems
• Testing systems to isolate system malfunctions and assess post maintenance serviceability.

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

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

• flight director components and interface
• flight control components and interface
• flight data recorders and interface

• Explaining basic principles/functions relating to the above systems and associated with:

• basic AC and DC circuit theory
• digital fundamentals
• analogue fundamentals
• rotary wing flight theory
• inner and outer loop control
• rotary wing flight control system (mechanical, hydraulic and electro-mechanical types, trim and stabilisation)
• flight control modes/channels

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 rotary wing automatic flight control 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 rotary wing aircraft automatic flight control 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 rotary wing automatic flight control 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 at least one item from each of Groups 1 to 3 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 .

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 

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Automatic flight control system 

Automatic flight control system may include :

1. Flight director - includes indicators, computers, control boxes and interfaces with other systems

2. Flight controls - includes servo actuators (roll, pitch, yaw and trim) computers, sensors

3. Autopilot system - includes computers, sensors (gyros and/or accelerometers), controllers, mode selectors and system interface, CWS, disconnect, go around and trim switches.

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

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Aviation maintenance

Co-requisite units