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Unit of competency details

PUADEFCA008B - Perform an individual static line parachute descent (Release 1)

Summary

Usage recommendation:
Deleted
The Deleted usage recommendation was implemented on 13 June 2017 to describe training components that have no replacement. Enrolments in training components and statements of attainment or qualifications issued before 13 June 2017 are valid. For any components marked as deleted after 13 June 2017, the applicable transition/teach-out periods apply. For specific questions regarding the enrolment, delivery or issuance of a statement of attainment/qualification, please contact your training regulator.
Mapping:
MappingNotesDate
DeletedDeleted from PUA00 Public Safety Training Package16/Aug/2012

Releases:
ReleaseRelease date
1 1 (this release) 09/Feb/2011

Classifications

SchemeCodeClassification value
ASCED Module/Unit of Competency Field of Education Identifier 092101 Sport And Recreation Activities  

Classification history

SchemeCodeClassification valueStart dateEnd date
ASCED Module/Unit of Competency Field of Education Identifier 092101 Sport And Recreation Activities  03/Sep/2009 
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Modification History

Not applicable.

Unit Descriptor

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to perform a static line parachute descent that commences from an altitude below 3 000 feet above ground level.

Static line parachute descents are a method of deploying from an aircraft where the individual paratrooper is responsible for preparing and fitting parachute equipment; carrying out safety checks; exiting from an aircraft; and controlling a static line descent to land safely on a drop zone.

During the parachute descent individuals must demonstrate situational awareness of their position in relation to altitude, orientation and the location of other paratroopers. They must also be able to communicate verbally, and non-verbally, and to manage a number of potentially hazardous situations.

Static line parachuting is an inherently dangerous activity consequently the paratroopers must be competent in reacting to and managing, a range of malfunctions and other emergencies.

Application of the Unit

Application of the Unit 

The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not applicable.

Pre-Requisites

Prerequisite Unit /

Nil

Employability Skills Information

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for static line parachute descent 

1.1 Instructions to conduct a static line parachute descent are received and details are confirmed with supervisor as necessary

1.2 Appropriate parachute equipment  is selected, inspected for serviceability and fitted in accordance with standard procedures 

1.3 Unserviceable equipment is quarantined and reported, in accordance with standard procedures

2. Complete on board aircraft procedures 

2.1 Aircraft is boarded, and self and equipment are positioned and secured, in accordance with standard procedures

2.2 Verbal and non -verbal communication  is used effectively with other personnel on board

2.3 On board procedures  and individual safety checks  are carried out when instructed by authorised personnel, in accordance with standard procedures

3. Exit from the aircraft and descend 

3.1 Aircraft is exited using approved techniques 

3.2 Canopy is controlled using basic flight and canopy control techniques 

3.3 Situational awareness  is maintained

3.4 Verbal and non-verbal communication is used with other paratroopers as required

3.5 Relevant drills are conducted to detect and rectify malfunctions  in accordance with standard procedures

3.6 Emergency situations  are assessed and correct drills  are applied to rectify the situation

4. Land on a drop zone 

4.1 Designated drop zone  is identified

4.2 Landing techniques are applied in accordance with standard procedures

4.3 Landing  is completed in accordance with environmental conditions 

4.4 Emergency landing  is completed as required, in accordance with standard procedures

4.5 Harness release and drag procedures are applied in accordance with standard procedures, and drop zone is cleared

5. Complete static line post descent procedures 

5.1 Post descent de -servicing  of parachute equipment is conducted in accordance with standard procedures

5.2 Performance during the individual static line parachute descent is reviewed 

5.3 Documentation  is completed accurately and clearly in accordance with standard procedures

Required Skills and Knowledge

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

  • communicate effectively
  • interpret instructions
  • situational awareness

Required Knowledge 

  • application of problem solving procedures
  • basic flight drills
  • canopy control techniques
  • design, characteristics, construction and capabilities of parachutes
  • effect of environmental conditions on parachuting
  • exit techniques
  • harness release and drag procedures
  • health and safety hazards of parachuting
  • individual and team safety checks
  • inspection procedure/routine
  • landing techniques
  • malfunction drills
  • paratrooper log card
  • theory of flight and canopy control
  • verbal and non-verbal communication

Evidence Guide

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

  • perform three solo static line parachute descents from an aircraft at an altitude below 3 000 feet above ground level
  • correctly demonstrate the following exit techniques from a door or ramp:
  • as an individual controlled by a despatcher
  • as part of a group undertaking a continuous exit controlled by a despatcher
  • as part of a group undertaking simultaneous exits from both doors of the aircraft , controlled by a despatcher
  • demonstrate the correct drills to recover from a range of emergency situations which as a minimum must include twists, entanglement and collisions, and deploying the reserve parachute
  • demonstrate the correct drills for an emergency landing on or in buildings, vehicles, trees, wire and water.

Consistency in performance 

Competency must be demonstrated over a minimum of three solo parachute descents, supported by simulated malfunctions and emergencies.

Assessment should be conducted in a timeframe and in a range of contexts and conditions that allows evidence to be gathered on the correct application of static line parachute skills and techniques, consistent with the Range Statement and the operating environment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency must be assessed during the preparation and performance of actual static line parachute descents, although due to safety limitations, assessment of the individual's response to malfunctions and other emergencies will need to be undertaken in a simulated environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to:

  • aircraft and aircrew
  • parachutes and personal equipment suitable air space
  • suitable land drop zone
  • parachute training facilities that provide adequate simulation
  • parachute packing facilities including pack tables
  • communications equipment
  • transport to and from airport and drop zone
  • other administrative support.

Guidance information for assessment 

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

Range Statement

RANGE STATEMENT 

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Parachute equipment may include 

Live drop parachute and reserve parachute

Personal apparel:

  • boots
  • clothing
  • helmet

Standard procedures may include 

Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) manuals and regulations

Job guides, other publications

Manufacturers' handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions

Occupational health and safety (OH&S) regulations

Operating procedures

Organisational instructions and procedures

Procedure manuals

Routine Orders

Written and verbal orders

Verbal and non-verbal communication may include 

Aircraft visual and audible warning devices

Hand signals

Radio communications

Voice commands

On board procedures may include 

Safety checks

Fitting parachuting equipment

Carrying out drills or procedures directed by air crew or despatchers

Stop drop and aborted sortie procedures

Individual safety checks may include 

Checking individual parachute equipment in aircraft in accordance with standard procedures

Checking other paratroopers' equipment in accordance with standard procedures

Approved techniques to exit the aircraft may include 

From the door/ramp:

  • two seconds apart controlled exit
  • one second apart continuous exit
  • simultaneous exit from both doors by day

Basic flight and canopy control techniques may include 

Exit position

Awareness count

Canopy inspection

Using risers to steer

Maintaining parachute position

Assessing drift

Situational awareness may include 

All round observation

Monitoring altitude/height

Monitoring the position of other paratroopers

Obstacles on the drop zone

Malfunctions may include 

Complete malfunction:

  • broken static line
  • broken static line cable
  • broken static line hook

Hang-up

Partial malfunction - high speed

Partial malfunction - low speed

Emergency situations may include 

Accidental opening of reserve

Collisions

Emergency abandoning of aircraft

Entanglements with other paratroopers

Hung up paratrooper

Self entanglements

Twists in suspension lines

Correct drills to rectify emergency situations include 

Collisions drill

Twist drill

Deploying the reserve parachute

Emergency landing on or in buildings, vehicles, trees, wire and water

Entanglement

Drop zone may include 

Known or designated landing areas

Open country

Landing may include 

Back (left and right)

Forward (left and right)

Side (left and right

Environmental conditions may include 

Turbulence

Variable altitude

Variable temperatures

Variable weather conditions

Wind

Emergency landing may include landing in or on 

Buildings

Trees

Vehicles

Water

Wire

Other hazards

Post descent de-servicing may include 

Cleaning parachute and equipment

Inspecting parachute and equipment, and identifying faults

Rectifying or reporting defects with the parachute and/or equipment in accordance with standard procedures

Reviewing performance may include 

Obtaining feedback from supervisors and individuals on parachuting performance and taking corrective action

Viewing video of flight and correcting faults

Documentation may include 

Paratrooper log card

Unit Sector(s)

Not applicable.

Corequisite Unit/s

Co-requisite Unit /

Nil