Unit of competency details

This unit of competency covers selecting appropriate methods, processes and construction techniques within aeronautical engineering.

Applications of this unit include identifying the range of manufacturing and construction methods and processes required for aeronautical engineering applications; identifying sources of information on methods and processes; selecting methods and processes; and specifying or implementing methods and processes for applications.

MEA340A

Lay out and set up aircraft systems

1

Research and categorise methods, processes and construction techniques for aeronautical applications

1.1

Research and categorise methods, processes and construction techniques  for aeronautical engineering  applications using appropriate information sources 

1.2

Identify methods, processes and construction techniques to suit continuous production, mass, batch or jobbing shop production, prototype applications

1.3

Identify applications suitable for sequential or work cell manufacture or assembly

1.4

Identify manufacturing requirements of total quality management (TQM), just in time (JIT)  and competitive (lean manufacturing)  environments

2

Evaluate and select appropriate methods, processes and construction techniques for particular aeronautical engineering applications

2.1

Consider or apply appropriate scientific principles to enable methods, processes and construction techniques choices

2.2

Provide for appropriate materials properties knowledge in methods, processes and construction techniques choices

2.3

Implement appropriate materials handling procedures, including compliance with occupational health and safety (OHS) and environment requirements, legislative and regulatory requirements

2.4

Use appropriate calculations and assumptions to enable methods, processes and construction techniques choices

2.5

Apply appropriate waste and pollution treatment and recycling techniques and policies to applications

2.6

Consider suitability of application to continuous production, mass, batch or jobbing shop production, prototyping sequential or work cell manufacture or assembly appropriately in choice of methods, processes and construction techniques

2.7

Research and evaluate manufacturing requirements of TQM, JIT, group technology and competitive (lean manufacturing) environments for a range of applications

2.8

Select and evaluate measurement and test methods for particular product or process outputs

3

Specify and implement methods, processes and construction techniques for aeronautical engineering applications

3.1

Select, specify and implement applicable methods, processes and construction techniques for particular aeronautical applications

4

Apply basic workshop knowledge and skills relevant to aeronautical engineering applications

4.1

Identify the range and applications of basic workshop skills

4.2

Demonstrate relevant basic workshop skills

4.3

Apply appropriate basic workshop skills to particular engineering applications

Required knowledge includes:

• methods and results of research and categorising of methods, processes and construction techniques for engineering applications
• methods of accessing and using alternative information sources
• applications for methods, processes and construction techniques
• applications suitable for continuous, mass, batch or jobbing shop production, work cell or sequential manufacture and assembly
• applications suitable for a range of materials handling techniques
• manufacturing requirements of TQM, JIT and competitive (lean manufacturing) environments
• the reasons for considering or using particular scientific principles
• the provision for particular materials properties in the choice of methods, processes and construction techniques
• the use of particular materials handling procedures
• reasons for compliance with regulations, standard procedures and MSDS specifications
• the reasons for using particular calculations and assumptions
• effects of waste and pollution from the application on the environment
• options for treatment and recycling as well as future developments that might be incorporated at a later date
• the suitability of application to particular continuous, mass, batch, jobbing shop, sequential or cellular manufacture and assembly
• manufacturing requirements of TQM, JIT and competitive (lean manufacturing) environments
• measurement and test methods for product or process output
• specification and implementation process for methods, processes and construction techniques in particular applications in the context of manufacturing requirements
• manufacturing requirements, including volume considerations, TQM, JIT and competitive (lean) manufacturing
• applications for particular basic workshop skills
• procedures used in the application of skills
• OHS procedures for basic workshop skills

Required skills include:

• applying research and categorising methods, processes and construction techniques for engineering applications
• using equipment suppliers’ printed data and websites
• applying methods, processes and construction techniques
• documenting applications suitable for continuous, mass, batch or jobbing shop production, work cell or sequential manufacture and assembly
• documenting applications suitable for a range of materials handling techniques
• researching and documenting manufacturing requirements of TQM, JIT and competitive (lean manufacturing) environments
• selecting scientific principles in the choice of methods, processes and construction techniques
• identifying materials properties in the choice of methods, processes and construction techniques
• using appropriate materials handling techniques
• handling and storing materials and products in accordance with regulations, standard procedures and material safety data sheets (MSDS) specifications
• applying waste and pollution treatment and recycling techniques and policies applications to meet code and regulatory requirements
• selecting g methods, processes and construction techniques consistent with continuous, mass, batch, jobbing, prototype, sequential or cellular production process requirements
• manufacturing requirements of TQM, JIT and competitive (lean manufacturing) environments
• evaluating measurement and test methods for product or process output
• specifying and implementing methods, processes and construction techniques in an efficient and optimal manner for manufacturing requirements
• applying workshop skills for a range of applications
• applying OHS practices
• selecting appropriate workshop skills for particular engineering applications

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to select and apply aeronautical engineering methods, processes and construction techniques. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

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 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.

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.

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 selecting and applying aeronautical engineering methods, processes and construction techniques or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

Methods, processes and construction techniques 

Methods, processes and construction techniques may include:

• casting, moulding and forming
• metal hot and cold working
• fabricating, machining and hand working
• materials handling/moving/storing
• waste and pollution treatment and recycling

Aeronautical engineering 

Aeronautical engineering refers to:

• the engineering discipline concerned with the conceptual development, research, design, manufacture, implementation, installation, commissioning and maintenance of aerospace mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel and fire products, processes, systems or services for civil and military applications

Information sources 

Information sources may include:

• reference texts
• manufacturer catalogues and industrial magazines
• websites
• use of phone, email and fax information gathering

Total quality management (TQM) 

TQM refers to:

• a customer driven amalgamation of quality assurance, quality control and quality improvement

Tools of TQM include:

• flow charts
• Pareto
• Ishikawa (cause and effect)
• process capability analysis
• sampling and control charting
• run charts
• correlation analysis

JIT 

JIT refers to:

• a system of ordering, manufacturing and supply of raw material, component parts and product at the point in time required by the process system or service. The objective is to minimise buffer stocks and inventory and the associated costs of buffer stocks and inventory

Competitive (lean) manufacturing principles and techniques 

Competitive (lean) manufacturing principles and techniques refers to:

• an integrated approach to manufacturing aimed at competing for market share by maximising efficiency and minimising cost by comparison with alternative manufacturers

Techniques used include:

• sequential and cellular manufacture and assembly with multi-skilling of work teams, workplace improvement (including Kaizen, a gradual and continual improvement to products, processes, systems and services.), TQM (including use of TQM tools), JIT, quick changeover, process and productivity improvement, cost reduction, supply and demand chain management, quality optimisation, design for reliability, optimum maintenance, and computer-managed maintenance

Aeronautical applications  

Aeronautical applications may include:

• airframe and power plant support structure and structural components
• landing gear and landing gear systems and components
• aircraft mechanical systems and components
• hydraulic systems and components
• pneumatic systems and components
• fuel systems and components