Unit of competency details

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. Work effectively as a member of a search and rescue crew 

1.1 Crew functions and responsibilities are determined.

1.2 Contact/call-out arrangements and requirements are determined from organisational documents  and personal employment requirements

1.3 Factors which impede  or disqualify persons from performing safe and effective aircrew duties are determined.

1.4 Communication equipment, terminology and procedures are utilised to ensure safe and effective operations during flight.

1.5 In-flight performance is maintained.

2. Work safely in an aviation environment 

2.1 Safety procedures  for working in and around aircraft are followed.

2.2 Cabin/load security and dangerous goods  requirements are determined and followed in consultation with the pilot-in-command.

2.3 Appropriate manual handling strategies are applied when loading the aircraft.

2.4 In -flight hazards  are identified and risks managed.

3. Respond to aircraft emergency situations 

3.1 Aircraft cabin, load and occupants are prepared for impact.

3.2 Firefighting equipment  is used to protect occupants and the aircraft from fire.

3.3 Escape /evacuation plan  is implemented as required.

3.4 Emergency and ongoing care  is provided to injured occupants.

3.5 Survival plan is implemented.

4. Complete documentation 

4.1 Manifests, load sheets and other pre -flight documents  are completed.

4.2 In-flight operations log is completed.

4.3 Debriefing documents and other post flight reports  are completed.

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

Required Skills: 

The ability to:

• communicate information orally and in writing
• complete Search and Rescue documentation
• harnesses and emergency exits
• operate aircraft doors
• operate aircraft intercom systems
• operate aviation survival equipment
• operate firefighting equipment

Required Knowledge: 

Evidence of:

• a knowledge of aircraft accidental hazards and response
• an understanding of airside safety and aircraft safety
• an understanding of appropriate air traffic control procedures and terminology
• an understanding of appropriate aviation meteorology
• an understanding of aviation technology and communication procedures
• an understanding of manual handling hazards and techniques
• an understanding of Search and Rescue functions and responsibilities

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

Operate safely and effectively as a crew member in an aviation environment.

Consistency in performance 

In order to assess these performance criteria it may be necessary for evidence to be collected over a period of time in a context of rescue operations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Evidence can be collected on the job but may be undertaken in a simulation.

Specific resources for assessment 

An appropriate training location/venue and access to aircraft and survival equipment required for learning and assessment activities.

Guidance information for assessment 

Assessment with the following units would help meet aspects of holistic assessment:

• PUAAMS002B Search as a member of an air search team
• PUATEA001B Work in a team
• PUATEA003B Lead, manage and develop teams
• PUATEA004C Work effectively in a public safety organisation

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.

Organisational documents  may include:

• emergency service pilots and procedures
• aircraft operator company operations manuals
• and memoranda of understanding

Factors which may impede or exclude safe performance  may include:

• physical condition
• physiological condition
• psychological condition
• psychosocial condition
• pathological condition
• psychosocial condition

Safety procedures for working in and around aircraft  may include:

• being familiar with aircraft
• appreciation of aircraft capabilities
• approaching rotary wing aircraft
• terrain-related issues

Dangerous goods  may include

• search and rescue related pyrotechnics
• weapons and ammunition
• petroleum fuels

In-flight hazards  may include:

• opening doors/windows
• moving around the aircraft
• operating near open doors
• loose articles in the cabin
• dispatching items
• operating electronic equipment

Firefighting equipment  may include:

• dry chemical powder
• vaporising liquid
• carbon dioxide and foam extinguishers

Emergency care  includes:

• pre-hospital emergency care as described in workplace emergency care qualifications which meet State and Territory OH&S requirements

Survival equipment  may include:

• inflatable life-jackets
• inflatable life-rafts
• survival kits
• electronic location beacons

Pre/post-flight documentation  may include:

• search briefing and debriefing forms
• manifests
• load sheets
• flight logs
• post flight reports