Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:44 AM AWST
22/07/2026 4:44 AM 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.
Inspect, test and troubleshoot fixed wing single axis autopilot systems and components
Inspect, test and troubleshoot fixed wing single axis autopilot systems and components
Unit of competency
National Code
MEA291A
MEA291A
State Code
D4461
D4461
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
10/05/2012
Field of Education
031503 - Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Original Release Date
10/05/2012
Nominal Hours
80
Description
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 single axis autopilot systems and components of fixed wing aircraft. 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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Inspect fixed wing single axis autopilot 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. Single axis autopilot system 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 fixed wing single axis autopilot 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. Autopilot 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 fixed wing single axis autopilot 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. Autopilot 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 enterprise procedures
- 3.5. Rectification requirements are determined
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.
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
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
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 fixed wing single axis autopilot 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 fixed wing aircraft single axis autopilot 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 an autopilot system and its components. 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 an autopilot system and its components. 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
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to inspect, test and troubleshoot fixed wing single axis autopilot 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 fixed wing aircraft single axis autopilot 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 an autopilot system and its components. 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 an autopilot system and its components. 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
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUE47 | MEA291 | Inspect, test and troubleshoot fixed wing single axis autopilot systems and components | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D743 | MEA40611 | Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Avionics) | Qualification |
| D746 | MEA41011 | Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechatronics) | Qualification |