Unit of competency details

This unit of competency is part of the Avionic Certificate IV AME training pathway. It covers the competencies required for the removal and installation of aircraft instrument system components in the types of both fixed and rotary wing aircraft that have only basic instrument systems. The unit is used in workplaces that operate under the airworthiness regulatory systems of the ADF and CASA.

Where a CASA licensing outcome is sought this unit forms part of the CASA requirement for the granting of the chosen Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence under CASR Part 66, in accordance with the licensing provisions in Section 3, Assessment Guidelines.

This unit requires application of hand skills and the use of maintenance documentation/publications in the removal and installation of basic aircraft instrument system components.

Applications include fixed and rotary wing aircraft with basic instrument systems.

MEA201B

Remove and install miscellaneous aircraft electrical hardware/components

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. Remove basic aircraft instrument system components

1.1. System is rendered safe and prepared in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual and isolation tags are fitted where necessary to ensure personnel safety

1.2. Instrument component  removal is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual

1.3. Required maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

1.4. Removed components are tagged and packaged in accordance with specified procedures

2. Install basic aircraft instrument system components

2.1. Instrument components to be installed are checked to confirm correct part numbers, modification status, serviceability and shelf life

2.2. Physical installation of instrument components is performed in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual and regulatory requirements, ensuring appropriate adjustment/alignment is carried out

2.3. System is reinstated to correct operational condition in preparation for testing, as necessary

2.4. Required maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

Required skills 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• locating and identifying flight instrument system components comprising:

• engine system temperature, pressure, speed (including mechanical and electrical tachometers), manifold pressure/boost (including aneroid type, sylphon bellows and dual compartment type)
• auxiliary direct reading systems, including hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure and vacuum, fuel storage quantities
• flight systems, including attitude, altitude, air speed, outside air temperature (OAT)

• locating and identifying direct reading compasses.
• correct handling and observance of maintenance precautions relating to gyroscopes, gimbals, pitot/static systems (connections, heating and protrusions)
• applying relevant OHS practices

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• component attachment methods
• connection of hardware and plugs
• handling precautions relating to:

• electrostatic sensitive devices
• gyroscopes and gimbals

• basic instrument system and component operating principles:

• atmospherics and barometry
• terminology and unit of measurement conversion
• aircraft instrumentation requirements
• instrument panel layout
• pressure sensing elements
• pitot static systems and testing requirements
• gyroscopic principles
• direct reading compasses
• temperature sensors
• fluid quantity indication systems

• general layout and components of the following systems:

• flight systems, including:

• altitude (direct reading altimeters)
• attitude including directional gyros and artificial horizons (both air and electrically driven), turn and slip and turn coordinator
• airspeed
• OAT

• engine indication systems, including:

• direct reading temperature
• direct reading pressure (e.g. oil pressure)
• speed including mechanical and electric tachometers
• manifold pressure/boost including aneroid, sylphon bellows and dual compartment types

• auxiliary direct reading systems, including:

• electrical
• hydraulic pressure
• pneumatic pressure and vacuum
• basic fuel quantity indication

• relevant OHS practices
• relevant maintenance manuals
• relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures

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 remove and install the components of aircraft basic instrument systems while observing all relevant safety and component handling precautions.

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

It is essential that cleanliness requirements and safety precautions applicable to the system being maintained are fully observed, understood and complied with, as well as work practices associated with electrostatic sensitive devices.

Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to removal and installation is essential. This is to be demonstrated by application across a range of aircraft instrument system components as listed in the Range Statement. An understanding of the attachment methods, connection of hardware, and the need for adjustment or calibration and system operation as they relate to the work must be demonstrated before undertaking any action.

The work plan should take account of applicable safety and quality requirements in accordance with the industry and regulatory standards. A person cannot be assessed as competent until it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the workplace assessor that the relevant elements of the Unit of Competency are being achieved under routine supervision on at least one component from each of Groups 1 to 8 as listed in the Range Statement. This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement or, where appropriate, an equivalent Industry Evidence Guide.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace using tools and equipment specified in maintenance manuals. It is also expected that general-purpose tools, test and ground support equipment found in most routine situations would be used where appropriate.

Method of assessment 

Guidance information for assessment 

Individuals being assessed who have already attained MEA275A Maintain basic light aircraft instrument systems and components, will have met all of the criteria for this unit. Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement records relating to MEA275A Maintain basic light aircraft instrument systems and components, may be accepted as also meeting the evidence requirements for this unit.

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.

Note 

Range statements listed below are numbered to facilitate specification of the assessment requirements included in the Evidence Guide

Instrument components 

Instrument components include:

1. Pitot/static system components, ASIs, VSIs and counter pointer altimeters

2. DGs and AHs, both air and electrically driven

3. Turn and bank and slip/turn coordinators

4. Direct reading compasses

5. Piston engine indication system components (direct reading measuring instruments and temperature indication)

6. Electrical systems indication (voltage, current, power and frequency)

7. Basic fuel quantity indication system components

8. Pneumatic/vacuum indication system components

Application 

Application of this unit may relate to:

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

Procedures and requirements 

Refer to industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise