Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:26 PM AWST
22/07/2026 3:26 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.
Navigate aircraft - VFR
Navigate aircraft - VFR
Unit of competency
National Code
AVIH4001B
AVIH4001B
State Code
WB775
WB775
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/03/2013
Field of Education
031505 - Aircraft Operation
Original Release Date
21/03/2013
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to navigate an aircraft including completing pre-flight planning; obtaining, acting on and complying with air traffic information and clearances; departing from and arriving at an aerodrome; navigating under normal and abnormal conditions; and carrying out emergency procedures. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1Prepare chart and flight plan
- 1.1 Charts suitable for the intended flight are selected and prepared
- 1.2 Applicable information is obtained, analysed and applied to produce a flight plan which details tracks, distances, times and fuel requirements to reach a destination
- 1.3 Pre-flight planning is used to minimise in-flight navigational work load
- 1.4 A decision to proceed with the cross country flight is made after analysis of meteorological and air traffic control conditions
- 1.5 Hazards are marked on charts where applicable
2Comply with airspace procedures
- 2.1 Air traffic clearances are obtained and compliance with them is maintained
- 2.2 Compliance is maintained with airspace procedures
- 2.3 Controlled airspace is only entered with a clearance
- 2.4 Traffic separation is maintained
3Conduct departure procedures
- 3.1 Pre-flight planning and cockpit organisation is conducted to ensure charts, documentation and navigational equipment are accessible from the control seat
- 3.2 Departure administration and communication is conducted
- 3.3 Track is intercepted within five nautical miles of airfield and departure time is recorded
- 3.4 Orientation is always maintained
- 3.5 Priority is given to controlling the aircraft before conducting navigation administration or communication
- 3.6 Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain
- 3.7 Local and published noise abatement requirements and curfews are observed
4Navigate aircraft en route
- 4.1 Planned route is maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements and procedures
- 4.2 In-flight documentation and communication is completed in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures
- 4.3 Estimated Time of Arrivals (ETAs) are checked and revised as required
- 4.4 Fuel consumption is monitored and reserves are revised
- 4.5 Pre-descent or navigation turning point checks are executed
- 4.6 A navigation cycle which ensures accurate navigation is used
- 4.7 Separation with air traffic is maintained
- 4.8 Emphasis is placed on controlling the aircraft before conducting navigation administration or communication
- 4.9 Deteriorating meteorological and navigation situations are recognised and early corrective action is taken
- 4.10 Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain
5Navigate at low level and in reduced visibility
- 5.1 Compliance with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) is maintained during navigation at low level or in reduced visibility
- 5.2 Pre-descent and/or navigation turning point checks are executed in accordance with regulatory requirements
- 5.3 Planned route is maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements and procedures
- 5.4 In-flight documentation is completed
- 5.5 ETAs are checked and revised as required and a safe alternate plan is formulated and applied if required
- 5.6 Aircraft is operated and configured to maintain minimum height AGL and safe separation from terrain
- 5.7 Awareness of current and forecast weather conditions is maintained
- 5.8 Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain
- 5.9 Low flying hazards and threats are identified and avoided
- 5.10 Effects of wind velocity, false horizons, rising ground, adverse environmental conditions (e.g. setting sun) and mountainous terrain are managed, and contingency actions are planned where appropriate
- 5.11 Situation awareness is maintained at all times
6Perform lost procedure
- 6.1 Position is fixed and new track to destination attainable within limits of fuel and daylight is determined
- 6.2 Track to destination is re-established or replanned with consideration of fuel usage and reserves
- 6.3 ETAs are re-calculated
- 6.4 Radio, navigation aids, transponder and ATC services are used for assistance
- 6.5 A timely precautionary search and landing is planned for possible circumstances of being lost or having no fuel or no light
- 6.6 Emotional stability is maintained
7Perform diversion procedure
- 7.1 Requirement to perform diversion is identified and a decision is made in accordance with procedures, regulatory requirements, and current and forecast weather conditions
- 7.2 New route is determined and maintained
- 7.3 ETAs are calculated
- 7.4 Fuel requirements are recalculated
- 7.5 Operational information is reviewed
- 7.6 Compliance with airspace procedures is maintained
- 7.7 Air traffic control is advised of action where possible
- 7.8 All required 'airways clearances' are obtained
- 7.9 SARWATCH is cancelled after arrival
8Use navigation aids
- 8.1 Navigation aids/systems are utilised to confirm position, track and navigation information
- 8.2 ATC radar is used for position information and tracking assistance
- 8.3 Integrity of navigation aid/systems information is monitored and maintained
9Execute arrival procedures
- 9.1 Applicable aviation weather and traffic information is obtained and applied
- 9.2 Radio communications are established and maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements
- 9.3 Descent point is calculated
- 9.4 Arrivals and circuit procedures are executed at aerodromes in accordance with airspace and regulatory requirements
- 9.5 Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain
- 9.6 Airfield markings/lights/signals/indicators are interpreted, applied and followed
- 9.7 Situation awareness is maintained
- 9.8 Local and published noise abatement requirements and curfews are observed
- 9.9 SARWATCH is cancelled
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 aircraft
multi engine aircraft
variable air traffic conditions
variable flight situations
abnormal situations
classes of airspace as designated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Aircraft may include:
fixed wing
helicopter
other commercial or military aircraft
Crew may include:
single pilot
multi crew
Instruments may be:
fitted flight instruments
head up displays
Limitations may be imposed by:
local noise abatement requirements and curfews
airspace endorsements
Classes of airspace may be:
as designated by the regulator
restricted and danger areas
military control zones
Air Defence Identification Zones
Production methods for flight plans may utilise:
manual planning methods, and
Automated Flight Planning Systems
Navigation aids may include electronic, mechanical and/or radio systems such as:
ADF (Automatic Direction Finder)
VOR (VHF Omni-directional Radio Range)
DME (Distance Measuring Equipment)
RADAR
GPS (Global Positioning System)
FMS (Flight Management Systems)
Moving Map Displays
TACAN
INS
Operation of navigation aids/systems may include:
normal mode
degraded mode
Low flying hazards and threats may include:
man-made e.g. power lines, masts
terrain
birds/wildlife
environmental
other airspace operations
Circuits procedures at an aerodrome may include:
upwind
crosswind
downwind
base
finals
joining/departing
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
Information/documents may include:
relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders pertaining to the navigation of an aircraft
in ADF 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) or equivalent
relevant sections of the Civil Aviation Advisory Publications (CAAP)
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
relevant Bureau of Meteorology, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and/or World Meteorology Organization (WMO) publications
Applicable regulations and legislation may include:
relevant Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders
in ADF 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 aircraft
multi engine aircraft
variable air traffic conditions
variable flight situations
abnormal situations
classes of airspace as designated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Aircraft may include:
fixed wing
helicopter
other commercial or military aircraft
Crew may include:
single pilot
multi crew
Instruments may be:
fitted flight instruments
head up displays
Limitations may be imposed by:
local noise abatement requirements and curfews
airspace endorsements
Classes of airspace may be:
as designated by the regulator
restricted and danger areas
military control zones
Air Defence Identification Zones
Production methods for flight plans may utilise:
manual planning methods, and
Automated Flight Planning Systems
Navigation aids may include electronic, mechanical and/or radio systems such as:
ADF (Automatic Direction Finder)
VOR (VHF Omni-directional Radio Range)
DME (Distance Measuring Equipment)
RADAR
GPS (Global Positioning System)
FMS (Flight Management Systems)
Moving Map Displays
TACAN
INS
Operation of navigation aids/systems may include:
normal mode
degraded mode
Low flying hazards and threats may include:
man-made e.g. power lines, masts
terrain
birds/wildlife
environmental
other airspace operations
Circuits procedures at an aerodrome may include:
upwind
crosswind
downwind
base
finals
joining/departing
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
Information/documents may include:
relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders pertaining to the navigation of an aircraft
in ADF 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) or equivalent
relevant sections of the Civil Aviation Advisory Publications (CAAP)
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
relevant Bureau of Meteorology, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and/or World Meteorology Organization (WMO) publications
Applicable regulations and legislation may include:
relevant Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders
in ADF 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S6798 | AVI4H108B | Navigate aircraft - VFR | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVX32 | AVIH4001 | Navigate aircraft under visual flight rules | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S630 | AVI40108 | Certificate IV in Aviation (Commercial Pilot Aeroplane Licence) | Qualification |
| S631 | AVI40208 | Certificate IV in Aviation (Commercial Pilot Helicopter Licence) | Qualification |