Unit of competency details

This unit of competency is part of Advanced Diploma training pathways. It covers the competencies required for planning, implementing and evaluating deployed/detached aviation maintenance activities in the ADF airworthiness regulatory environment.

This unit requires application of competencies required to plan deployed aircraft maintenance, provide support to deployed maintenance personnel and monitor and evaluate their activities within the ADF airworthiness jurisdiction.

Applications include the deployment and detachment away from home base of aircraft that are to be supported by a deployed maintenance team.

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. Plan aircraft detachment maintenance activities

1.1. Deployment /detachment  objectives are ascertained

1.2. Resource requirements  are identified, obtained and allocated

1.3. Maintenance personnel qualifications and authorisations  are validated

1.4. Liaison with detachment locality authorities  is established

1.5. Detachment activities are scheduled

2. Prepare maintenance plan

2.1. Maintenance plan incorporates short and long-term goals in line with flight/squadron objectives and priorities

2.2. Maintenance plan conforms to airworthiness regulations , ADF policies and procedures 

2.3. Realistic and relevant work objectives are developed

2.4. The maintenance plan reflects the resources available

3. Detach aircraft

3.1. Pre-detachment inspections  are performed and deficiencies are reported in accordance with ADF policy and procedures

3.2. Personnel briefings are provided

3.3. Aircraft and equipment are despatched

4. Exercise limited engineering authority

4.1. Maintenance interval extension requests are submitted, as required

4.2. Carried forward unserviceabilities are authorised

5. Provide technical airworthiness/engineering advice

5.1. Technical advice relating to maintenance and to design of modifications and repairs to aircraft structure/systems is provided to higher authorities 

6. Monitor and evaluate maintenance activities

6.1. Maintenance outcomes are assessed against the maintenance plan goals and objectives

6.2. Deviations/problems are identified, analysed and appropriate responses are initiated

6.3. Maintenance outcomes are recorded and reported in accordance with ADF policy and procedures

Required skills 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• planning
• communication
• problem solving
• liaison
• management

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• airworthiness regulations
• relevant instructions
• aircraft maintenance documentation
• maintenance report compilation
• modifications and deviations
• defects and safety reports
• 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 plan deployed aircraft maintenance, set up the maintenance detachment and provide limited control and oversight of maintenance activities.

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

Deployment /detachment 

Deployment/detachment may be to:

• military airfields within Australia or overseas
• civilian airfields within Australia or overseas
• unprepared areas of operations within Australia and overseas

Resource requirements 

Resource requirements may include:

• personnel
• spare parts/fly-away kits
• ground support equipment
• facilities
• vehicles
• finance

Maintenance personnel qualifications and authorisations 

Maintenance personnel qualifications and authorisations may include:

• duty statements
• job descriptions
• maintenance personnel authorisation workbooks

Detachment locality authorities 

Detachment locality authorities may include:

• military command
• location facilities personnel
• civilian authorities
• other detached units or organisations

Airworthiness regulations , ADF policies and procedures 

Airworthiness regulations, ADF policies and procedures may include:

• aircraft maintenance regulations
• safety manuals
• OHS legislation
• defence instructions
• standing instructions
• local instructions
• specific aircraft/equipment maintenance manuals
• servicing schedules

Pre-detachment inspections 

Pre-detachment inspections may include:

• facilities/accommodation
• fuel
• technical facilities
• site survey
• spare parts
• fire fighting equipment
• personal protective equipment

Higher authorities 

Higher authorities may include:

• authorised maintenance organisations
• authorised engineering organisations
• Director General Technical Airworthiness
• senior commanders