This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate at non-towered aerodromes, in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and national operating standards.

It includes conducting pre-flight preparations, taxiing aircraft, and applying aircraft departure, arrival and landing procedures.

This unit addresses aviation technical skill requirements (physical, mental and task-management abilities) related to aircraft operational duties that complement flight crew non-technical skills, 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 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 

Conduct pre-flight preparations 

1.1

Relevant non-towered aerodrome operational information is extracted from authorised sources

1.2

Information is interpreted to determine appropriate departure, arrival and landing requirements

1.3

Special aerodrome procedures are identified as required

1.4

Weather forecasts and local observations are checked for operating validity for flight planned duration

1.5

Relevant radio and navigation aid frequencies are identified for use during all flight modes

2 

Taxi aircraft at a non-towered aerodrome or landing area 

2.1

Non-towered aerodrome or landing area charts are used

2.2

Local or area barometric pressure adjusted for sea level (QNH) is set

2.3

Operating intentions are broadcast via radio telecommunications on appropriate frequency

2.4

Local and area traffic information is obtained and interpreted

2.5

Aircraft separation and lookout is maintained for other aircraft and for other aerodrome obstructions or hazards

2.6

Appropriate aircraft lighting is selected during aircraft taxi

2.7

Aerodrome ground markings are identified and appropriate action is taken during aircraft taxi

2.8

Aircraft is taxied or air transited to runway holding point

3 

Perform aircraft departure 

3.1

Runway approaches are checked and cleared in all directions prior to entering runway

3.2

Aircraft transponder code and appropriate mode are selected

3.3

Aircraft position and operating intentions are broadcast on appropriate frequencies

3.4

Aircraft separation is maintained during aircraft departure sequence

3.5

Air service provider is advised of departure details as required

4 

Perform arrival and landing 

4.1

Relevant non-towered aerodrome operational information is extracted from authorised sources prior to entering circuit area

4.2

Local or area barometric pressure adjusted for sea level (QNH) is set

4.3

Aircraft position and operating intentions are broadcast on appropriate frequencies

4.4

Aircraft separation and tracking tolerances are maintained

4.5

Wind velocity and direction is assessed to determine appropriate circuit and landing direction

4.6

Non-towered aerodrome runway or landing areas are confirmed as serviceable for landing sequence

4.7

Runway areas and landing areas are checked and confirmed to be clear of landing obstacles and hazards

4.8

Aircraft arrival sequence is conducted in accordance with manufacturer and organisational operating procedures

4.9

Aircraft is landed and cleared from runway and landing areas

4.10

Air service provider is advised of landing details as required

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

• applying aircraft taxi or air transit procedures
• applying day visual flight rules (VFR) departure procedures
• applying day VFR arrival and landing procedures
• applying effective aerodrome traffic situational awareness
• applying relevant aeronautical knowledge
• confirming runway and landing area serviceability
• displaying sound airmanship skills during non-towered aerodrome operations:

• during taxi
• aircraft departure
• aircraft arrival
• aircraft landing and dispersal

• identifying relevant operational information from En-route Supplement Australia (ERSA) and Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)
• interpreting weather forecasts and local observations
• reading, interpreting and following relevant regulations, instructions, procedures, information and signs
• recognising and interpreting aerodrome ground markings
• setting appropriate transponder codes for local or area flight operations
• setting local or area barometric pressure adjusted for sea level (QNH) at appropriate stages of flight
• transmitting local and area broadcasts.

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

• aerodrome ground markings and lighting
• aerodrome wind velocity, wind direction and appropriate circuit procedure
• airmanship considerations during non-towered aerodrome operations:

• during taxi
• aircraft departure
• aircraft arrival
• aircraft landing and dispersal

• appropriate aircraft lighting configuration
• appropriate transponder codes for local or area flight operations
• CASR Part 61 Manual of Standards Schedule 3 Aeronautical Knowledge relevant to aeroplane or helicopter operations at non-towered aerodromes
• day VFR arrival and landing procedures
• day VFR departure procedures
• how to identify relevant radio and navigation aid frequencies
• how to identify special aerodrome procedures
• how to interpret weather forecasts and local observations
• local and area broadcast procedures
• non-towered aerodrome operational information from ERSA and NOTAM
• NOTAM information
• radio failure procedures
• standard radio telecommunication phraseology
• transponder codes for Class G airspace.

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.