Assessment Requirements for MEA316 Inspect, test and troubleshoot rotary wing rotor and control systems and components

Release: 1

Assessment Requirements for MEA316 Inspect, test and troubleshoot rotary wing rotor and control systems and components

Modification History

Release 1 - New unit of competency

Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria under the specified conditions of assessment, and must include:

applying relevant WHS procedures

using relevant maintenance documentation and aircraft manuals to:

recognise through visual/physical inspection external signs of defects in the rotor, rotor head, tail rotor and flight control mechanical system components

ground test the rotor and control system and recognise correct function

rig and adjust rotor controls and systems

using fault diagnosis guides and equivalent data to accurately and efficiently troubleshoot the causes of unserviceabilities in rotor control systems, clearly record details and identify the required rectification actions.

The underlying skills inherent in this unit should be transferable across a range of inspection, testing and troubleshooting applications (including the timely involvement of supervisors or other trades) associated with the rotor control systems. It is essential that testing procedures take into account all safety precautions associated with ground testing of rotor and rotor control systems, and that awareness be demonstrated of dual inspection requirements associated with work on control systems.

Ability to interpret system performance specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical and shall be demonstrated through application across the range of systems listed in the Assessment Conditions.

Knowledge Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

fault diagnosis techniques

standard trade practices relating to tool and test/rigging equipment usage

theory of flight:

airflow

conditions of flight

lift and forces

drag

rotary flight principles:

terminology relating to:

aerofoils

main rotor blades

rotor discs

rotors – main and tail

aerodynamic characteristics:

aerofoil design

forces

rotor thrust and power requirements

vortex ring

autorotation

helicopter stability

helicopter dynamic components:

main rotors:

blades

heads

linkages

tail rotors

swash plates

transmissions and drive shafts

clutches and freewheeling units

system and component operation, including electrical and instrument system interfaces:

cyclic pitch control

collective pitch control

tail rotor control

mechanical and powered control systems

engine control interface

torque reaction and anti-torque devices

engine indication

vibration monitoring

helicopter maintenance procedures and troubleshooting

relevant maintenance manuals

relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures including requirements for engine and rotor system operation

relevant WHS practices.

Assessment Conditions

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

The application of ground testing procedures should clearly indicate knowledge of system operation. System operation knowledge, the relationship of individual components and the links with other systems will be necessary to supplement evidence of ability to troubleshoot the system within the limits of the aircraft/system fault-finding guide before undertaking any action. The work plan should take account of applicable safety and quality requirements in accordance with the industry and regulatory standards.

Functional testing of rotors and rotor control systems with engine/s running may be carried out with the applicant directing a pilot qualified on type.

The following conditions of assessment represent the requirements of the Regulators (ADF and CASA) and maintenance stakeholders and must be rigorously observed.

A person cannot be assessed as competent until it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the workplace assessor that the relevant elements and performance criteria of the unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on at least one (1) item from each of the following groups:

main rotor blades and tail rotor blades

rotor heads, swash plates and tail rotor pitch control assemblies

mechanical, powered flight control components

main rotor, intermediate or tail rotor gearboxes

drive shafts and couplings.

This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement or, where appropriate, an equivalent Industry Evidence Guide (for details refer to the Companion Volume Assessment Guidelines).

Assessors must satisfy the requirements of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (Australian Skills Quality Authority, or its successors).

Where the unit is to be used for CASA licensing purposes the Assessor must also meet the criteria specified in the CASR Part 147 Manual of Standards.

Individuals being assessed who have already attained MEA352 Maintain basic rotary wing aircraft systems will have satisfied the requirements of this unit with regard to common Range of Conditions variables. The Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement records relating to MEA352 Maintain basic rotary wing aircraft systems may be accepted as also meeting the evidence requirements for this unit in the applicable common areas.

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=ce216c9c-04d5-4b3b-9bcf-4e81d0950371