Unit of competency details

MEA109B

Perform basic hand skills, standard trade practices and fundamentals in aviation maintenance

MEA133B

Communicate aviation technical and maintenance management knowledge

MEM13013B

Work safely with ionising radiation

MEM16010A

Write reports

MEM24002B

Perform penetrant testing

MEM24004B

Perform magnetic particle testing

MEM24006B

Perform eddy current testing

MEM24008B

Perform ultrasonic testing

MEM24010B

Perform radiographic testing

MEM24012C

Apply metallurgy principles

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

Assess requirements for NDT

1.1

The inspection area is assessed for testing and all possible failure sites identified using metallurgical analysis

1.2

Information relevant to test development is collected from available sources using accepted techniques

1.3

Information is analysed and interpreted

Test requirements are determined

2

Evaluate NDT techniques and procedures

2.1 

Test methods, techniques and procedures  for specific NDT tasks are specified

2.2

Applicable codes, standards, specifications  and procedures are interpreted

2.3

Test procedures are developed in accordance with established techniques and metallurgical principles

3

Validate/confirm NDT tasks

3.1

General and specific test procedures are validated in accordance with established techniques

3.2

Inspection results are interpreted in accordance with existing codes, standards and specifications

4

Evaluate NDT test procedures

4.1

Procedures are evaluated for effectiveness

4.2

Evaluation results are documented and reported in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

4.3

Changes/amendments to NDT procedures are made and distributed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• definition of structural terms, i.e. safe life, damage tolerant, failsafe, stress, strain, shear and cycles
• inspection requirements for metal and composite structure, including:

• ageing aircraft inspection requirements
• safe life structure
• damage tolerant structure
• fail safe structure

• potential causes of structural failure
• metallurgical analysis to assess inspection areas and potential failure sites and modes
• NDT methods, techniques and procedures
• meaning and validity of relevant codes, standards, specifications and procedures
• regulatory requirements of the ADF and CASA relating to the use of NDT for inspection of aircraft structure and components
• test procedure for testing techniques and specimen
• validation processes
• process for approval of procedures
• process for documentation/distribution of procedures
• evaluation procedures
• process for documentation of evaluation results
• process for amending tests and distributing amendments
• national/Australian standards, NOHSC guides, state/territory regulatory codes of practice/standards
• use and application of personal protective equipment
• safe work practices and procedures
• relevant hazards and control measures related to the competency

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• conducting metallurgical assessment of inspection areas and identifying potential failure sites and modes
• designating most appropriate method, technique or procedure
• referencing aircraft maintenance information and regulatory requirements for inspection
• developing and validating test procedures
• applying safety procedures, standard operating procedures and legislative requirements to all work
• reading/interpreting/applying relative testing standards
• reading/interpreting/applying relative conformance standards
• documenting procedure and results
• submission of reports in accordance with standard enterprise 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 establish and evaluate non-destructive tests for aircraft structure and components.

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

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. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

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.

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 competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

Method of assessment 

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with the research, analysis, development, approval and evaluation of non-destructive tests, or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

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.

Test methods, techniques and procedures 

Test methods, techniques and procedures refer to standard techniques and procedures associated with:

• penetrant testing
• magnetic particle testing
• eddy current testing
• ultrasonic testing
• radiographic testing

Codes, standards and specifications 

Codes, standards and specifications include:

• AAP7002.053 Technical airworthiness Maintenance Manual
• CASR
• overseas airworthiness regulators, such as FAA, EASA and Transport Canada
• AS 3669-2006 Non-destructive testing – Qualification and approval of personnel – Aerospace
• NAS410 Revision 2 Certification and qualification of non-destructive testing personnel (February 2003)
• BS EN 4179:2009 Aerospace series. Qualification and approval of personnel for non-destructive testing
• BS EN 473:2008 Non-destructive testing. Qualification and certification of NDT personnel. General principles
• ISO 9712:2005 Non-destructive testing – Qualification and certification of personnel
• Applicable materials and equipment specifications

Application 

Application of this unit may relate to:

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