Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to prepare, rig and dispatch air -drop loads  in support of ground activities, which may occur in a hostile or benign environment.

Defence air dispatchers work as part of an air dispatch crew, often in conjunction with the crew of a supporting aircraft tasked for air-drop operations.

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.

Prerequisite Unit /s 

Nil

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Rig container and platform for air-drop loads 

1.1 Hand and power tools are selected and used in accordance with standard procedures 

1.2 Cordage  is selected and used in accordance with standard procedures

1.3 Aerial delivery equipment  is selected and used in accordance with standard procedures

1.4 Parachutes  are selected and handled in accordance with standard procedures

1.5 Parachutes are attached in accordance with standard procedures

1.6 Container  and platform loads  are rigged as part of a crew, and in accordance with standard procedures

1.7 Air -drop and air movement documentation  is compiled, used and distributed in accordance with standard procedures

2. Load and dispatch air-drop loads 

2.1 Aircraft loading equipment  is operated in accordance with standard procedures

2.2 Aircraft restraint devices  are operated in accordance with standard procedures

2.3 Stores and equipment are prepared for container and platform air-drop

2.4 Aircraft loading is completed as part of a crew and in accordance with standard procedures

2.5 Air-drop loads are safely and effectively dispatched from the aircraft in accordance with air-drop procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• complete documentation
• display initiative
• manage resources
• use hand and power tools
• use weighing devices (scales) and calculators

Required Knowledge 

• airfield and aircraft discipline
• applicable air-drop publications
• cargo aircraft roles and capabilities
• classification for dangerous goods
• compiling air movements and air-drop documentation
• load preparation
• loading cargo aircraft
• OH&S particular to rigging and loading air-drop loads
• responsibilities of an air dispatch crew member in flight
• rigging container loads
• rigging platform loads
• types and methods of air-drop and their application
• uses, strengths, handling and storage of aerial delivery equipment

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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

Assessmentmust confirm the ability to:

• interpret air logistic publications and comply with their requirements
• apply rated strengths and/or safe working stresses
• adhere to aircraft/airfield discipline requirements
• identify aircraft safety features, tie-down points and capacities
• load, restrain and manually dispatch compact and container air-drop loads from aircraft
• load and restrain container and platform loads in the aircraft for air-drop.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of workplace environments to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to:

• air-drop capable aircraft and crew
• airfield/tarmac
• aerial delivery equipment
• loads
• parachutes
• restraining devices
• air-drop containers
• drop zone
• suitable rigging area
• mechanical handling equipment
• aircraft loading equipment
• drop zone support staff, equipment and vehicles
• personal safety clothing and equipment (protective flying dress, harnesses and hearing protection)
• aircraft communication equipment (headsets).

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 

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.

Air-drop loads may include 

Methods:

• door loads
• wing loads
• gravity loads
• extracted loads

Types:

• free drop
• high velocity
• low velocity

Standard procedures may include 

Australian Standards

Defence instructions

Doctrinal pamphlets

Job guides and other publications

Manufacturers' handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions

Occupational health and safety (OH&S) regulations

Organisational policies and procedures

Procedure manuals

Relevant local government by-laws

Relevant state or federal legislation

Routine Orders

Standing Operating Procedures

Standing Orders

Written and verbal orders

Cordage may include 

Braided nylon cord (1000 lb)

Ticket 8/7 cotton thread

Type III nylon (550 lb)

Type VIII nylon (3600 lb)

¼ inch cotton webbing (80 lb)

½ inch tubular nylon (1000 lb)

Aerial delivery equipment may include 

Emergency restraint systems

Energy dissipating material (EDM/honeycomb)

Extraction systems

Free drop containers (Heli and Maxi box)

Parachute release devices

Platform components

Screws, nails and assorted expense items

Straps and containers

Suspension slings

Timber (plywood sheets and Oregon lengths)

Type V lashings, 10,000 lb devices

Parachutes may include 

P1, C1

G12D

G11A/B/C

68 inch pilot

15/22/28 ft extraction

Container loads may include 

A7A compact

A21 container

A22 container

Heli 0box

Maxi box

Rope compact

Platform loads may include 

Combat Expendable Platform (CEP)

Metal Framed Platform (MFP)

Type V platform

Air-drop and air movement documentation may include 

Container load data inspection sheet

Dangerous goods documentation

Heavy drop load data inspection sheet

ST 133 cargo mail manifests

PY 104 passenger manifests

Aircraft loading equipment may include 

Buffer boards

Centre Vertical Restrain system (CVR)

JURY strut DHC-4

MHE

RAMP jack C130

WHEEL chocks

Restraint devices may include 

CGU1B

DACRON lashings

MB1 and MB2 tie-down devices

10 000 lb and 25 000 lb tie-down chains

Co-requisite Unit /s 

Nil