Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:44 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.

Maintain airframe systems of basic light fixed wing aircraft

Maintain airframe systems of basic light fixed wing aircraft

Unit of competency
National Code
MEA351A
State Code
D4463
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
23/01/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
10/05/2012
Field of Education
031503 - Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Original Release Date
10/05/2012
Nominal Hours
90
Description
This unit of competency is part of the Mechanical Certificate IV (Aircraft Maintenance Stream) training pathway. It covers the competencies required to maintain basic light fixed wing aircraft airframe systems and components. Where a CASA licensing outcome is sought this unit forms part of the CASA requirement for the granting of the applicable 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 basic light fixed wing airframe systems
  • 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. Airframe system 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 basic light fixed wing airframe 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. Airframe system is functionally tested in accordance with maintenance manual for evidence of serviceability or malfunction
  • 2.3. System adjustment/rigging is performed in accordance with maintenance manual
3. Troubleshoot basic light fixed wing airframe systems
  • 3.1. Available information from maintenance documentation, inspection and test results are 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. Airframe 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
4. Remove and install basic light fixed wing airframe system components
  • 4.1. System is rendered safe in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual and isolation tags are fitted, where necessary, to ensure personnel safety
  • 4.2. Airframe system component removal is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual
  • 4.3. Required maintenance documentation is accurately completed and correctly processed
  • 4.4. Removed components are tagged, sealed and packaged in accordance with specified procedures
  • 4.5. Components to be installed are checked to confirm correct part numbers, serviceability and modification status
  • 4.6. Mass balance of control surfaces to be installed is checked in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual, if required
  • 4.7. Installation is carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual
  • 4.8. Required maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
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.
Note
Range statements listed below are numbered to facilitate specification of the assessment requirements included in the Evidence Guide
Maintenance documentation
Relevant maintenance documentation includes:
servicing schedules
maintenance manuals
Airframe systems
Airframe systems may include:
1. Flight control systems
2. Fixed undercarriage shock absorbers
3 Master/slave cylinder brake systems
4. Fuel systems
5. Cabin heating systems
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting involves the use of test sets, downloaded maintenance data and fault-finding charts or similar, to line replacement level
Airframe system components
Airframe system components may include:
6. Ailerons, elevators, rudders, trim tabs, flaps and slats
7. Flight control wheels or sticks, cables, pulleys, guides, fairleads, bellcranks, rods, torque tubes, chains, sprockets, trim wheels or handles and rudder pedals or bars
8. Fixed undercarriage hydraulic and rubber shock absorbers
9. Wheels and brake units
10. Brake master cylinders and rigid or flexible plumbing
11. Rigid or flexible fuel tanks, selector/shutoff valves and rigid or flexible plumbing
12. Cabin heater ducting and control valves
Application
Application of this unit may relate to:
scheduled or unscheduled maintenance
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 airframe systems and remove and install a range of airframe system components that is representative of the scope of the listed variables in accordance with relevant maintenance manual instructions while applying all relevant OHS procedures and standard processes.
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 airframe systems and components of basic light fixed wing aircraft. It is essential that relevant procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions 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, troubleshooting and component removal and installation is essential. This may be demonstrated through application across a range of airframe systems and components as listed in the Range Statement. 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 this unit of competency are being achieved under routine supervision on groups listed in the Range Statement, as follows:
at least one of each system listed in Groups 1 to 5
a representative range of components from each of Groups 6 to 12.
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 work environment or simulated work environment using tools and equipment specified in maintenance documentation. It is also expected that general purpose tools and test equipment found in most routine situations would be used where appropriate.
Method of assessment

Guidance information for assessment
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AUD63 MEA351 Maintain airframe systems of basic light fixed wing aircraft Unit of competency