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.
Classes of materials, based on properties
Classes of materials include:
non-ferrous metals and alloys (copper, aluminium, zinc, lead, tin and their alloys), ferrous metals (carbon steels, alloy steels, cast irons), non-metallic composite materials, bearing materials, lubricants, non-metals (timber, ceramics, polymers and fabrics, adhesives, electrical insulation materials), thermal conductors and insulators, electrical conductors, semiconductors and insulators
Properties of materials include:
strength, elasticity, plasticity, malleability, toughness, brittleness, fatigue endurance, mouldability, weldability, machinability, formability, resistance to creep and stress relaxation, resistance to degradation (e.g. use of plastic fillers to enhance UV resistance), adhesion (electrical, magnetic, thermal, chemical and optical), material structure and effect on properties
Other factors include:
corrosion and corrosion protection methods
the effect of manufacturing and construction processes on material properties
the effect of property enhancement on design (e.g. adhesives plus sintering replacing some forging and machining of gears on shafts)
Cost includes:
manufacture of material and source of material, typical applications and possibilities
Avionic engineering
Avionic engineering refers to:
the engineering discipline concerned with the conceptual development, research, design, manufacture, implementation, installation, commissioning and maintenance of aerospace electrical, instrument, radio and electronic systems and components and related test equipment for civil and military applications
Australia's national measurement system
Australia's national measurement system includes:
National Standards Commission (legal metrology)
Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organisation (physical standards)
National Association of Testing Authorities, Aust. (Laboratory accreditation)
Standards Australia International Ltd (AS standards specifications)
Sources of information
Sources of information includes:
reference texts, manufacturer's catalogues and industrial magazines
websites, use of phone, email and fax information gathering
Standards councils/societies/authorities/ regulatory bodies
Standards councils/societies/authorities include:
Australian Standards
ASTM
MIL Spec.
ASME
ISO
Regulatory bodies include:
CASA
ADF
United States FAA
European Joint Aviation Authority
Standards and codes
Standards and codes include:
NDT and mechanical test standards
chemical test standards
electrical test standards
compliance test standards for components
Tests of materials
Tests of materials include:
destructive, including tensile, compression, impact, hardness, fatigue, corrosion, stress relaxation and creep,and peel resistance (adhesives)
non-destructive, including hardness, ultrasonics, X-ray, dye penetrant, eddy current, surface friction, conductivity, heat expansion, photoelastic, heat capacity refractive index, and magnetic hysteresis loop
Traceability
Traceability ensures:
test calibrations can be traced back to the relevant base unit in the relevant measurement system

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 select and test avionic engineering materials.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.
Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is, the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.
The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.
Method of assessment
This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with selecting and testing aeronautical engineering materials or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
Guidance information for assessment