Unit of competency details

This unit of competency is part of Advanced Diploma training pathways. It covers the competencies required to conduct technical investigations within the ADF regulatory environment as a result of aviation occurrences.

This unit requires application of required procedures and of technical knowledge in investigating the technical aspects of aviation occurrences within the ADF airworthiness jurisdiction.

Applications include aircraft accidents, aircraft incidents and maintenance incidents.

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. Notify authorities of occurrence

1.1. Authorities are notified of the occurrence  in accordance with ADF policy and procedures

1.2. Specialist advice is provided relevant to the occurrence

1.3. The investigation  is planned in accordance with ADF and statuary requirements

2. Collect evidence

2.1. Evidence of personnel involved in the occurrence is documented

2.2. Witnesses are interviewed and information is documented

2.3. Evidence associated with the occurrence is collated

3. Analyse occurrence

3.1. Information is analysed in accordance with the established objectives of the investigation

3.2. Options for action are generated which are consistent with ADF and/or statuary requirements and lead to recommendations that reduce future risk

3.3. Criteria are specified to enable objective evaluation of the options to be undertaken

4. Produce report

4.1. All evidence is reviewed and satisfactory engineering conclusions and recommendations are made

4.2. Conclusions are reviewed with stakeholders

4.3. Recommendations are costed

4.4. Formal reports  are produced in accordance with ADF policy and procedures and forwarded to appropriate authorities

5. Implement corrective measures

5.1. Measures selected for implementation are feasible in terms of practicality and costing

5.2. Measures are implemented

Required skills 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• oral and written communication
• interviewing
• management and analysis of evidence
• technical aspects relating to the investigation

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that conforms knowledge in:

• ADF policy and procedures
• investigation procedures
• technical aspects relating to the aircraft type and its systems
• application of a no blame culture
• culpability matrix
• OHS, equity, fraud and ethics

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 conduct technical investigations associated with aircraft accidents and incidents and maintenance incidents, develop appropriate recommendations, compile applicable reports and implement corrective measures.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways, including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is, the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required and must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

Method of assessment 

Guidance information for assessment 

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.

Application 

Application of this unit may relate to:

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

The occurrence 

The occurrence may include:

• aircraft accidents
• aircraft incidents
• maintenance incidents

The investigation 

The investigation may be conducted by means of:

• visual observation
• interviews
• review of statements
• technical investigation

Formal reports 

Formal reports may be:

• accident and incident reports
• safety reports
• defect reports
• investigation reports