Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:44 PM AWST
22/07/2026 4:44 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Control helicopter in normal flight
Control helicopter in normal flight
Unit of competency
National Code
AVIY4015B
AVIY4015B
State Code
WB852
WB852
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/07/2014
Field of Education
031505 - Aircraft Operation
Original Release Date
08/07/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to control a helicopter in normal flight, including climbing a helicopter, maintaining straight and level flight, descending a helicopter, turning a helicopter, controlling a helicopter at any speed and performing circuits and approaches. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1Climb helicopter
- 1.1 Adjustments are made to attitude and power to achieve an increase of altitude at normal, maximum rate (VY), maximum angle (VX) and cruise climb flight configurations from straight flight and turns
- 1.2 Helicopter is maintained in balanced flight during adjustments to attitude and power
- 1.3 Helicopter is levelled off from climb at nominated altitude
- 1.4 Lookout is maintained during climb using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain
- 1.5 Situation awareness is maintained
2Maintain straight and level flight
- 2.1 Attitude and power are adjusted to achieve a constant height, heading and speed while remaining in balanced flight
- 2.2 Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility or terrain
- 2.3 Natural horizon is used as primary attitude reference
- 2.4 Altitude is maintained within allocated height band
3Descend helicopter
- 3.1 Attitude and power are adjusted to enter and maintain a descent from straight flight and turns whilst maintaining balanced flight
- 3.2 Helicopter is levelled from a descent at a nominated altitude
- 3.3 Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility or terrain
- 3.4 Clearance ahead and below is maintained
- 3.5 Air traffic control altitude restrictions are observed
- 3.6 Helicopter does not exceed design limits during descent
- 3.7 Situation awareness is maintained at all times during helicopter descent
- 3.8 Appropriate precautions are taken to avoid carburettor icing
4Turn helicopter
- 4.1 'Airspace cleared' procedure is carried out
- 4.2 Attitude and power are adjusted to enter and maintain turns at varying rates from level, climbing and descending flight to achieve nominated tracks
- 4.3 Helicopter is rolled out from the turn to achieve a nominated heading or geographical feature
- 4.4 Lookout is maintained in direction of turn and above or below using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain
- 4.5 Engine operating limits are not exceeded
5Control helicopter at any speed
- 5.1 Attitude and power are adjusted, accelerated or decelerated to manoeuvre the helicopter at any specified airspeed within the flight envelope while maintaining balanced flight
- 5.2 Height awareness is maintained at all times and appropriate adjustments are made as required
- 5.3 Wind conditions are monitored and appropriate allowance is made
- 5.4 Helicopter is suitably controlled to ensure that it is operated within its design limits
6Perform circuits and approaches
- 6.1 Traffic patterns are conducted in accordance with AIP or local procedures at normal and low altitude appropriate to the helicopter type
- 6.2 When conducting traffic patterns, due allowance is made for the wind and all checklists are completed
- 6.3 Radiotelephone procedures are followed during circuits in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements
- 6.4 The approach path applicable to the helicopter type is intercepted and maintained whilst remaining clear of other traffic
- 6.5 Lookout is maintained during circuits and approaches using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain
- 6.6 Conflicting traffic is recognised and appropriate responses are made
- 6.7 Right of way rules are applied and compliance with the rules is maintained
- 6.8 Radio listening watch is maintained in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements
- 6.9 Weather conditions are monitored and appropriate responses are made
- 6.10 Fuel status is monitored and appropriate responses are made
7Comply with airspace requirements
- 7.1 Helicopter is maintained within a specified area and/or track while complying with air traffic requirements, controlled or restricted airspace conditions or limitations and reacting to factors that affect the safe progress of a flight
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.
Tasks may be undertaken in:
variable weather conditions in accordance with Day Visual Flight Rules
Performance may be demonstrated in:
single engine helicopter
multi engine helicopter
single main rotor helicopter
multi main rotor helicopter
variable air traffic conditions
variable flight situations
abnormal situations
Performance may be demonstrated on an helicopter with:
fully functioning dual controls
an electronic intercom system
dual control brakes
wheeled or skidded undercarriage
Crew may include:
single pilot
multi crew
Limitations may be imposed by:
local noise abatement requirements and curfews
Classes of airspace are:
those designated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Operational hazards during normal flight manoeuvres may include:
other aircraft
loose objects
personnel
birds
propeller/tail rotor/rotor wash and jet blast
Guidance during normal flight operations may be provided by:
air traffic control instructions
light signals
aerodrome markings
Turns may include:
level
climbing
descending
Checklists may include:
pre-flight
pre-start
engine start
pre-taxi
take-off
after take-off
approach and landing
shutdown
post-flight
Circuit height may include:
standard
low-level
Dependent on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:
company procedures
enterprise procedures
organisational procedures
established procedures
standard operating procedures
Procedures maintaining compliance with airspace requirements are:
geographical limits of the flight area is demonstrated on a chart
prominent geographical features are identified using a chart
the limits of the flight area are identified on the ground
the position of controlled airspace is determined using a chart and geographical features
restricted areas are identified using a chart and geographical features
departure from the circuit area and transition to the flight area is completed without incident
departure from the flight area and transition to the circuit area is completed without incident
Information/documents may include:
relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders including Day Visual Flight Rules (Day VFR)
in Defence context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions
Flight Manual/Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)
Manual of Standards - Pilot Licensing (MOS-PL)
Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP)
En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA)
charts
operations manuals
approved checklists
workplace procedures and instructions and job specification
induction and training materials
conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards
Applicable regulations and legislation may include:
relevant Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders
in Defence context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions
relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation
relevant Australian Standards
Performance includes tolerances specified in either of:
relevant licence and aircraft rating requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) such as:
Day VFR Syllabus
Manual of Standards
relevant Defence documentation such as:
Defence Orders and Instructions
approved curricula and training documentation
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Tasks may be undertaken in:
variable weather conditions in accordance with Day Visual Flight Rules
Performance may be demonstrated in:
single engine helicopter
multi engine helicopter
single main rotor helicopter
multi main rotor helicopter
variable air traffic conditions
variable flight situations
abnormal situations
Performance may be demonstrated on an helicopter with:
fully functioning dual controls
an electronic intercom system
dual control brakes
wheeled or skidded undercarriage
Crew may include:
single pilot
multi crew
Limitations may be imposed by:
local noise abatement requirements and curfews
Classes of airspace are:
those designated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Operational hazards during normal flight manoeuvres may include:
other aircraft
loose objects
personnel
birds
propeller/tail rotor/rotor wash and jet blast
Guidance during normal flight operations may be provided by:
air traffic control instructions
light signals
aerodrome markings
Turns may include:
level
climbing
descending
Checklists may include:
pre-flight
pre-start
engine start
pre-taxi
take-off
after take-off
approach and landing
shutdown
post-flight
Circuit height may include:
standard
low-level
Dependent on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:
company procedures
enterprise procedures
organisational procedures
established procedures
standard operating procedures
Procedures maintaining compliance with airspace requirements are:
geographical limits of the flight area is demonstrated on a chart
prominent geographical features are identified using a chart
the limits of the flight area are identified on the ground
the position of controlled airspace is determined using a chart and geographical features
restricted areas are identified using a chart and geographical features
departure from the circuit area and transition to the flight area is completed without incident
departure from the flight area and transition to the circuit area is completed without incident
Information/documents may include:
relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders including Day Visual Flight Rules (Day VFR)
in Defence context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions
Flight Manual/Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)
Manual of Standards - Pilot Licensing (MOS-PL)
Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP)
En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA)
charts
operations manuals
approved checklists
workplace procedures and instructions and job specification
induction and training materials
conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards
Applicable regulations and legislation may include:
relevant Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders
in Defence context, relevant Defence Orders and Instructions
relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation
relevant Australian Standards
Performance includes tolerances specified in either of:
relevant licence and aircraft rating requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) such as:
Day VFR Syllabus
Manual of Standards
relevant Defence documentation such as:
Defence Orders and Instructions
approved curricula and training documentation
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:
the underpinning knowledge and skills
relevant legislation and workplace procedures
other relevant aspects of the range statement
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
Resources for assessment include:
a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
Practical assessment must occur:
through activities in an appropriately simulated environment at the registered training organisation, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:
the underpinning knowledge and skills
relevant legislation and workplace procedures
other relevant aspects of the range statement
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
Resources for assessment include:
a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
Practical assessment must occur:
through activities in an appropriately simulated environment at the registered training organisation, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S6812 | AVI4Y1508B | Control helicopter in normal flight | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVX56 | AVIY4015 | Control helicopter in normal flight | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S631 | AVI40208 | Certificate IV in Aviation (Commercial Pilot Helicopter Licence) | Qualification |