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.

Operations are conducted:
daily
in variable weather conditions

Aerodromes may include:
licensed aerodromes
unlicensed aerodromes
Aircraft Landing Areas (ALAs)

Radio equipment may include:
HF radio
VHF radio

An aircraft radio system may include:
battery switch
radio master switch
indicating meters
fuses and circuit breakers
microphone and voice activated
transmitter
receiver
headphones and speaker
antenna systems appropriate to the radio

Radio operations may include:
maintaining the aircraft radio system
transmitting and receiving on VHF and HF
using squelch controls
establishing a listening watch
conducting a communication check
use of Automatic Terminal Information Services (ATIS)
use of an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)

Relevant frequencies (as per ERSA) are:
Mandatory Broadcast Zones (MBZ)
Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF)
other air traffic agencies (e.g. air traffic control)
Automatic Terminal Information Services (ATIS)

Phraseology and phonetic considerations include but are not limited to:
standard procedural words and phrases
pronunciation of phonetic alphabet and numbers
correct use of aircraft call signs
transmission of numbers
transmission of time
radio test procedure/reliability scale
listening to the radio (avoiding over transmissions)
establishing and maintaining communications
clipped transmission and consequences

Emergency radio procedures are:
a Distress Message (Mayday call)
an Urgency Message (Pan call)

Appropriate responses to emergency transmission include:
establishing priority of calls
imposing radio silence

At aerodromes with air traffic control:
alternative communication methods, in the advent of radio failure, will include the use of light signals

Dependent on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:
company procedures
enterprise procedures
organisational procedures
established procedures
standard operating procedures

Information/documents may include:
relevant sections of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders pertaining to radio communications (including CAR Part 5 Div 3 and CAR 82-85 inclusive)
Manual of Standards - Aerodromes (previously Rules and Practices for Aerodromes [RPA])
workplace procedures and instructions and job specification
Flight Manual/Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)
Manual of Standards - Pilot Licensing (MOS-PL)
Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP)
En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA)
Civil Aviation Advisory Publication (CAAP) No. AIRWAYS - 3(0)
manufacturers specifications for the operation and maintenance of radio equipment
relevant operations manuals
approved checklists for radio operation and minor maintenance
induction and training materials
conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:
relevant Civil Aviation Regulations, Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders pertaining to radio communications (including CAR Part 5 Div 3 and CAR 82-85 inclusive)
relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation
relevant Australian Standards

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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:

the underpinning knowledge and skills
relevant legislation and workplace procedures
other relevant aspects of the range statement

Context of, and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
Processes and techniques must be equitable and fulfil regulatory requirements. This includes the assessment of language and literacy proficiency to the required workplace standard

Resources for assessment include:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

relevant and appropriate materials and/or equipment, and/or
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests

Practical assessment must occur:

through appropriately simulated activities at the registered training organisation, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace