MEA214C Inspect, test and troubleshoot aircraft basic communication and radio navigation systems and components

Release: 2

MEA214C Inspect, test and troubleshoot aircraft basic communication and radio navigation systems and components

Modification History

Minor formatting and editorial changes made. Additional assessment advice provided in the Evidence Guide.

Unit Descriptor

This unit of competency is part of the Avionic Certificate IV (Aircraft Maintenance Stream) training pathway. It covers the competencies required to inspect, test and troubleshoot basic communication and radio navigation systems and components of fixed and rotary wing aircraft. The unit is used in workplaces that operate under the airworthiness regulatory systems of the ADF and CASA. Where a CASA licensing outcome is sought this unit forms part of the CASA requirement for the granting of the chosen Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence under CASR Part 66, in accordance with the licensing provisions in Section 3, Assessment Guidelines.

Application of the Unit

This unit requires application of hand skills and the use of system/component knowledge and applicable maintenance publications and test equipment to inspect, test and troubleshoot basic communication and radio navigation systems and components. Applications include fixed and rotary wing aircraft that have basic communication and radio navigation systems.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not applicable.

Pre-Requisites

MEA206C	Remove and install basic radio communication and navigation system components
MEA246C	Fabricate and/or repair aircraft electrical components or parts

Employability Skills Information

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 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.

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Inspect basic communication and radio navigation systems and components	1.1. Relevant maintenance documentation and modification status, including system defect reports, where relevant, are used to identify specific inspection requirements 1.2. Isolation tags are checked and aircraft configured for safe system inspection and operation in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual 1.3. Communication and radio navigation systems and components are visually or physically checked for external signs of defects in accordance with applicable maintenance manual 1.4. Defects are correctly identified and reported
2. Test/adjust basic communication and radio navigation systems and components	2.1. Aircraft and system are prepared in accordance with applicable maintenance manual for the application of power/system operation 2.2. Communication and radio navigation systems are functionally tested, in accordance with maintenance manual, for evidence of serviceability or malfunction 2.3. System calibration or adjustments are performed in accordance with maintenance manual, as appropriate
3. Troubleshoot basic communication and radio navigation systems	3.1. Available information from maintenance documentation, inspection and test results is used, where necessary, to assist in fault determination 3.2. Maintenance manual fault diagnosis guides and logic processes are used to ensure efficient and accurate troubleshooting 3.3. Specialist advice is obtained, where required, to assist with the troubleshooting process 3.4. Communication and radio navigation system faults are located and the causes of the faults are clearly identified and correctly recorded in maintenance documentation, where required, in accordance with standard operating procedures

Required Skills and Knowledge

Required skills
Look for evidence that confirms skills in: applying relevant OHS practices using approved maintenance documentation and aircraft publications relating to the radio frequency and communications system being maintained recognition of system and component defects/external damage, correct installation, attaching hardware (including cabling/harnesses/transmission lines) and security in: HF and VHF communications systems VOR and ADF navigation systems ELT systems applying logic processes, taking and interpreting system measurements to accurately and effectively isolate malfunctions within the above systems testing listed systems to isolate system faults and assess post-maintenance serviceability
Required knowledge
Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of: component attachment methods the basic layout (block diagram level), function and operation of: HF and VHF communications systems VOR and ADF navigation systems ELT systems communication and radio frequency navigation system maintenance requirements and troubleshooting procedures relevant OHS practices basic principles/functions, relating to the above systems and associated with: electromagnetic radiation and propagation basic AC and DC circuit theory printed circuit boards digital fundamentals analogue fundamentals transmitter and receiver principles antenna characteristics transmission line characteristics fibre optic communications relevant maintenance manuals relevant regulatory requirements and standard procedures

Evidence Guide

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 inspect, test and troubleshoot basic communication and radio navigation systems and components while observing all relevant safety precautions.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit	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 aircraft basic communication and radio navigation systems and components. It is essential that system testing procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions applicable to the system being maintained are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical. Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing and troubleshooting is essential. This is to be demonstrated through application across a range of basic aircraft communication and radio navigation systems and components listed in the Range Statement. The application of testing procedures should clearly indicate knowledge of system operation, the relationship of individual components and the links with other systems (if applicable) 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. A person cannot be assessed as competent until it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the workplace assessor that the relevant elements of the unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on a system and at least one major system component/LRU from each of Groups 1 to 3 listed in the Range Statement. This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement or, where appropriate, an equivalent Industry Evidence Guide.
Context of and specific resources for assessment	Competency should be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace using tools and equipment specified in the maintenance manuals. It is also expected that general and special purpose tools, test and ground support equipment would be used where appropriate.
Method of assessment
Guidance information for assessment	Individuals being assessed who have attained MEA276A Maintain basic aircraft communication and radio navigation systems and components or MEA289A Maintain basic light aircraft avionic systems and components, will have partially met the skill and knowledge requirements and elements/performance criteria for this unit. Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement records relating to MEA276A Maintain basic aircraft communication and radio navigation systems and components and MEA289A Maintain basic light aircraft avionic systems and components, may be accepted as also meeting the evidence requirements for this unit in the applicable areas.

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, 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.
Note	Range statements listed below are numbered to facilitate specification of the assessment requirements included in the Evidence Guide
Communication and radio navigation systems	Communication and radio navigation systems and components include: 1. HF and VHF 2. ADF and VOR 3. ELT
Troubleshooting	Troubleshooting involves the use of fault-finding charts or similar, to line replacement level
Application	Application of this unit may relate to: scheduled or unscheduled maintenance activities individual or team-related activities
Procedures and requirements	Refer to industry standard procedures specified by manufacturers, regulatory authorities or the enterprise

Unit Sector(s)

Aviation maintenance

Competency field

Co-requisite units

Not applicable