Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:08 PM AWST

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Lay out and set up aircraft systems

Lay out and set up aircraft systems

Unit of competency
National Code
MEA340A
State Code
W8438
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
30/06/2011
Field of Education
031503 - Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Original Release Date
30/06/2011
Nominal Hours
120
Description
This unit of competency is part of Diploma and Advanced Diploma training pathways. It covers the basic design and schematic layout of aircraft systems, including mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and fuel systems. A basic hydraulic system is set up and operated.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Select and lay out schematically aircraft mechanical systems
  • 1.1. Mechanical system applications in aircraft design and their relative advantages and disadvantages compared to other system types are identified
  • 1.2. Components of mechanical systems are identified
  • 1.3. A mechanical system is selected for an application, the schematic layout is sketched and all components are labelled
  • 1.4. Mechanical system maintenance requirements are identified
2. Select and lay out schematically aircraft hydraulic systems
  • 2.1. Hydraulic system applications in aircraft design, their operation and their relative advantages and disadvantages compared to other system types are identified
  • 2.2. Aircraft hydraulic fluids, their characteristics and handling precautions are identified
  • 2.3. Components of hydraulic systems are identified and their operation is described in general terms
  • 2.4. A hydraulic system is selected for an application, the schematic layout is sketched and all components are labelled
  • 2.5. Hydraulic system maintenance requirements are identified
3. Select and lay out schematically aircraft pneumatic systems
  • 3.1. Pneumatic system applications in aircraft design, their operation and their relative advantages and disadvantages compared to other system types are identified
  • 3.2. Components of pneumatic systems are identified and their operation is described in general terms
  • 3.3. A pneumatic system is selected for an application, the schematic layout is sketched and all components are labelled
  • 3.4. Pneumatic system maintenance requirements are identified
4. Select and lay out schematically aircraft fuel storage and distribution systems
  • 4.1. Typical fuel storage and distribution systems used in aircraft design are identified.
  • 4.2. Components of fuel storage and distribution systems are identified and their operation is described.
  • 4.3. A fuel storage and distribution system is selected for an application, the schematic layout is sketched and all components are labelled.
  • 4.4. Types of aircraft fuel, their characteristics and handling precautions are identified.
  • 4.5. Fuel storage and distribution system maintenance requirements are identified.
5. Set up and operate a simple hydraulic system
  • 5.1. The hydraulic system is sketched and all components are labelled
  • 5.2. Required components are obtained
  • 5.3. The system is assembled and operated
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.
Application
Application of this unit may relate to:
individual or team-related activities
Mechanical system applications
Mechanical system applications may include:
flight controls
flap operation
nose wheel steering
landing gear door operation
entrance door mechanisms
Components of mechanical systems
Components of mechanical systems may include:
cables
chains
sprockets
pulleys
fairleads
cable tensioners
gearboxes
screwjacks
rods
universal joints
constant velocity joints
clutches
bearings and bushes
Hydraulic system applications
Hydraulic system applications may include:
flight controls
flap and spoiler operation
landing gear retraction and extension
brakes (including anti-skid)
nose wheel steering
shimmy damping
door operation
Components of hydraulic systems
Components of hydraulic systems may include:
pumps
plumbing
valves (manual and electrically operated)
actuators
motors
check valves
pressure gauges (direct reading and electrical)
electrical control circuit micro switches
reservoirs
accumulators
filters
heat exchangers
Pneumatic system applications
Pneumatic system applications may include:
landing gear retraction and extension
pneudraulic emergency systems for landing gear extension and brakes
engine bleed air
engine starting
anti-icing
de-icing
pressurisation
air cycle air conditioning
Components of pneumatic systems
Components of pneumatic systems may include:
pre-coolers
pressure regulator and shutoff valves
temperature modulating valve
check valves
over-pressure valves
temperature regulating valves
underloading valves
shuttle valves
back pressure valves
outflow valves
moisture separators
chemical driers
filters
mechanical compressors
compressed air bottles
de-icing boots
ducting
Components of fuel storage and distribution systems
Components of fuel storage and distribution systems may include:
integral fuel cells
rigid and flexible fuel cells
external fuel tanks
rigid and flexible plumbing and couplings
manifolds
selector valves
anti-surge valves
anti-gravity valves
fuel quantity indication
fuel flow indication
boost pumps
transfer pumps
filters
strainers
fuel heaters
Required components
Required components may include:
hydraulic rig
manual selector valve
filter
accumulator
check valve
linear actuators
rigid and flexible plumbing
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 apply basic knowledge of aircraft system design and layout for a range of aircraft applications. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.
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, teacher'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 off the job in a training environment equipped to provide exposure to the range of system types and provide for the layout, set-up and operation of basic hydraulic systems. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required and must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.
Method of assessment

Guidance information for assessment
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AUE12 MEA340 Lay out and set up aircraft systems Unit of competency