This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to plan an aircraft load, in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.

It includes gathering data on aircraft load, reviewing and analysing data, preparing load plans, and completing and processing required documentation.

This unit addresses aviation technical skill requirements (physical, mental and task-management abilities) related to resource management duties of flight or ground operations personnel, and contributes to safe and effective performance in complex aviation operational environments.

Operations are conducted as part of recreational, commercial and military aircraft activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian aviation industry.

Work is performed independently or under limited supervision as a single operator or within a team environment.

Work is performed independently or under limited supervision within a single-pilot or multi-crew environment.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

Use for Defence Aviation is to be in accordance with relevant Defence Orders, Instructions, Publications and Regulations.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 

Gather data on aircraft load 

1.1

Data required to plan aircraft load is collected using appropriate techniques and technology in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

1.2

Relevant people are consulted about acceptance of freight for air transport

1.3

Types of freight to be transported are identified in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

2 

Review and analyse data 

2.1

Collected data is reviewed using manual or computer techniques in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

2.2

Appropriate consideration of aircraft destination, time, weather, duration of flight, mix of load, aircraft fuel weight and other relevant parameters is included in analysis of data

3 

Prepare load plan 

3.1

An appropriate load plan is prepared using manual or computerised techniques for aircraft concerned in accordance with workplace procedures, aircraft loading manual and relevant regulatory requirements

3.2

Hazards are identified, risks are assessed and hazard management is implemented

3.3

Aircraft trim and balance requirements are provided for in prepared load plan in accordance with the relevant aircraft loading manual

4 

Complete and process required documentation 

4.1

Relevant documentation is prepared and signed in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements

4.2

Documentation is processed and dispatched to relevant personnel in accordance with workplace procedures, local airport instructions and relevant regulatory requirements

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Relevant people consulted during acceptance of freight for air transport must include one or more of the following:

• customers
• dangerous goods experts and advisors
• experts and advisors on transporting animals and livestock
• experts on other special categories of air freight
• flight crew
• other members of the work team/s
• perishable goods experts and advisors
• supervisors and managers
• technical staff

Types of freight must include one or more of the following:

• allowable dangerous goods
• diplomatic items
• fragile goods
• general freight
• hazardous materials
• human remains
• live freight
• loose freight
• mail/express
• passenger baggage
• perishable goods
• valuables

Hazards must include one or more of the following:

• contamination of, or from, materials being handled
• dust/vapours
• hazardous or dangerous materials
• spill, leakages, ruptures

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

• adapting to differences in equipment and operating environment in accordance with standard operating procedures
• applying precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• applying relevant aeronautical knowledge
• applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures
• communicating effectively with others
• identifying and correctly using relevant equipment
• implementing contingency plans
• implementing work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures and relevant regulations
• interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work
• modifying activities depending on workplace contingencies, situations and environments
• monitoring and anticipating operational problems and hazards and taking appropriate action
• monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule
• operating electronic communications equipment to required protocol
• reading, interpreting and following relevant regulations, instructions, procedures, information and signs
• reporting and/or rectifying problems, faults or malfunctions promptly, in accordance with workplace procedures
• selecting and using required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and WHS/OHS standards
• working collaboratively with others
• working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

• aircraft load characteristics:

• density
• marking and labelling
• restraint criteria required
• segregation requirements
• size
• weight

• aircraft load planning factors:

• aircraft load capacity allowable
• centre of gravity
• emergency exits and safety equipment access
• cargo loading order
• hazardous materials and dangerous goods

• characteristics and ways of identifying various types of dangerous goods
• documentation requirements for transporting appropriate dangerous goods by air
• problems that may occur when planning an aircraft load and appropriate action that should be taken in each case
• relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations
• relevant international, national and enterprise regulatory requirements for transporting dangerous goods by air
• risks that exist when planning an aircraft load and related risk control procedures and precautions
• safety principles for planning an aircraft load
• workplace procedures for planning an aircraft load.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations
• acceptable means of simulation assessment
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
• relevant materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry.