Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

Operations may be conducted:
by day or night
in variable weather conditions

Performance may be demonstrated in:
simulated situations, and/or
an operational air traffic control workplace

Air traffic control workplace may be a workstation in:
Area Control
Approach Control
Aerodrome Control

Situation awareness (SA):
involves an awareness of airspace and flight path history, an awareness of the current airspace model and awareness of the probable future airspace and flight path situation
involves the ability to notice incoming information and cues
involves the integration and comprehension of the information leading to
involves the projection and prediction of future airspace and flight path scenarios
must be present at all times while providing ATS
must also exist in teams where team members share critical information to achieve team goals and synergy

Factors affecting situational awareness include:
the projection and prediction of future airspace and flight path scenarios
individual - abilities, knowledge, skills, health, attitude, training and experience
environment - system capabilities and interface, stress, workload, complexity, automation, fatigue and distraction

Loss of situational awareness identifiers include:
ambiguity or confusion
fixation or channelled attention
poor R/T communication
failure to meet targets
failure to stay ahead of the traffic

Loss of situational awareness prevention techniques include:
delegation during high workload
solicit information and input from team
verbalise important conditions
avoid preoccupation and fixation - rotate attention
monitor and evaluate current status relative to plan
project ahead and consider contingencies
create visual and aural reminders for interrupted tasks
speak up when SA appears to be breaking down

Factors affecting team situational awareness include:
level of communication and coordination
degree of information sharing
assertiveness of team members
personality conflict
level of team experience and training

Information/documents may include:
training curricula and syllabi
relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations
relevant CASA Manuals of Standards (MOS)
air traffic control Local Instructions (LI) and Temporary Local Instructions (TLI)
Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS)
Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP)
Training Standards Manual (TSM)
ICAO Document 4444, ATM/501, Procedures for Air Navigation Services, Air Traffic Management
workplace procedures and instructions
occupational specification for air traffic controllers
equipment manufacturers specifications and instructions
induction and training materials
conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards
training and assessment records
operator s handbook and system manuals
documented learning and assessment strategies

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARP)
Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) and Manuals of Standards (MOS)
relevant Defence Orders and Instructions
Airservices Act (Commonwealth) 1995
OH&S Legislation (state and federal)
Civil Aviation Act (Commonwealth) 1988 and the Civil Aviation Amendment Act 1995

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.
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
Processes and techniques must be equitable and fulfil regulatory requirements. This includes the assessment of language and literacy proficiency to the required workplace standard

Resources for assessment include:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and 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/or equipment, and/or
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 appropriately simulated activities at the registered training organisation, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace