Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:29 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.

Observe non-fire incident from an aircraft

Observe non-fire incident from an aircraft

Unit of competency
National Code
PUAFIR006
State Code
OCZ90
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
08/02/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
16/06/2021
Field of Education
031507 - Air Traffic Control
Original Release Date
16/06/2021
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to observe a non-fire incident from an aircraft and to collect intelligence information relating to an incident. It includes working safely as air observation team member, preparing for air observation mission, planning flight route, preparing for flight, validating flight path en route to mission area, collecting and recording incident intelligence, reacting to changed conditions and emergencies and concluding air observation mission.The unit is applicable to personnel responsible for collecting intelligence relating to incidents such as flood, storm, cyclone, earthquake or tsunami from either a fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft or from the ground using remotely piloted aircraft. Authorisation to perform this role is subject to organisational policies and procedures.The fire sector is those sections of government departments, statutory authorities or organisations that have responsibility under jurisdictional arrangements for the delivery of firefighting and fire management services. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Work safely as air observation teammember
  • 1.1 Team Resource Management (TRM) principles are applied during air observation mission
  • 1.2 Compliance is maintained with relevant legislation, regulations and organisational policies and procedures
  • 1.3 Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements for air operations are implemented
  • 1.4 Job hazards are identified and action is taken to eliminate, minimise or control them
2 Prepare for air observation mission
  • 2.1 Briefing on air observation mission is obtained from task supervisor
  • 2.2 Mission information is collated
  • 2.3 Maps, navigation equipment and personal protective clothing and equipment for mission are prepared
3 Plan flight route
  • 3.1 Mission aircraft, its performance capability and fuel range are confirmed with task supervisor
  • 3.2 Preliminary flight plan using available information including known terrain, hazards, mission requirements, weather forecast and expected time duration is prepared
  • 3.3 Alternative landing areas in flight area are identified in consultation with pilot
  • 3.4 Flight plan and communication arrangements for mission are confirmed with pilot
  • 3.5 Flight following and search and rescue arrangements are confirmed
4 Prepare for flight
  • 4.1 Pilot is briefed on mission
  • 4.2 Briefing from pilot is received on aircraft safety and emergency procedures
  • 4.3 Communication equipment is tested for correct frequencies and functionality
  • 4.4 Satellite navigation equipment, where required, for the mission is checked for correct programming and operability
5 Validate flight path en route to mission area
  • 5.1 Communication is maintained with pilot to ensure planned route is followed and mission objectives are achieved
  • 5.2 Flight following protocols are established and maintained
  • 5.3 Flight route is followed on map and/or using satellite navigation technology and location is confirmed through identification of ground features
  • 5.4 En route, diversion and arrival reporting information is transmitted in accordance with organisational procedures
6 Collect and record incident intelligence information
  • 6.1 Spatial data on incident location and progress of incident response strategies is recorded and communicated in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 6.2 Observations of current and projected incident behaviour including factors that may affect incident behaviour are collected and recorded
  • 6.3 Intelligence information is communicated to task supervisor within agreed timeframes using approved communication arrangements
7 React to changed conditions and emergencies
  • 7.1 Contact is made with task supervisors and ground based supervisor, where appointed, to confirm communication arrangements
  • 7.2 Observed hazards that pose a risk to people, property, assets or the environment are reported to task supervisor and ground based supervisor, where appointed
  • 7.3 Observed changes in operational conditions are communicated to task supervisor and ground based supervisor, where appointed
8 Conclude air observation mission
  • 8.1 After action review is conducted with air observation personnel
  • 8.2 Equipment is stored in accordance with organisational procedures and faults are referred to approved personnel for attention
  • 8.3 Details of air operations mission are recorded in accordance with organisational procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
OAY63 PUAFIR408 Plan aircraft operations Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BEM8 PUA40319 Certificate IV in Public Safety (Firefighting Supervision) Qualification