Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:06 PM AWST

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Operate aerial drip torch

Operate aerial drip torch

Unit of competency
National Code
PUAFIR007
State Code
ODA01
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
031505 - Aircraft Operation
Original Release Date
16/06/2021
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to prepare, operate and maintain an aerial drip torch, also called an aerial helitorch, as part of an aerial ignition operation. It includes preparing for aerial ignition operation, preparing drip torch, conducting aerial ignition operation and maintaining aerial drip torch within scope of authority. The unit is applicable to an aerial drip torch operator responsible for dropping ignited gelled petroleum from a helicopter as part of aerial ignition operations, which introduces fire into the landscape in order to ignite either a prescribed burn or burning as part of a fire suppression strategy. Because of the risks involved aerial ignition must be conducted in accordance with an approved burn plan or incident action plan with the ignition sequence and intervals planned and monitored.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 Prepare for aerial ignition
  • 1.1 Personal protective clothing and equipment and other safety equipment is tested and worn in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 1.2 Requirements for aerial ignition are identified and confirmed with relevant personnel
  • 1.3 Activities are undertaken in accordance with industry standards, legislation, organisational procedures and Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements
  • 1.4 Aerial drip torch and gelled petroleum are stored and transported in accordance with organisational procedures and regulatory requirements
2 Prepare aerial drip torch
  • 2.1 Aerial drip torch power loom is installed on aircraft in accordance with the organisational procedures and aircraft operator requirements
  • 2.2 Aerial drip torch is inspected by pilot to ensure correct sling configuration for operation
  • 2.3 Mixing operations for gelled petroleum are monitored to ensure they are undertaken in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 2.4 Gelled petroleum is loaded into aerial drip torch in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 2.5 Aerial drip torch is tested and adjusted, where required, to ensure correct operation
3 Conduct aerial ignition operations
  • 3.1 Principles of Team Resources Management (TRM) are established and maintained for aerial ignition operations
  • 3.2 Briefing is received from pilot on aircraft safety including aircraft emergency procedures
  • 3.3 Response procedures for emergency situations involving the aerial drip torch are confirmed with the pilot
  • 3.4 Aerial drip torch is attached via sling to the aircraft in accordance with organisational procedures and aircraft operator requirements
  • 3.5 Communication with the pilot is maintained to ensure aerial ignition achieves its objectives
  • 3.6 Aerial drip torch is operated in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturers' specifications
  • 3.7 Adjustments to the aerial drip torch are made, as required, in response to changed conditions or alterations to burn plan
  • 3.8 Response to emergencies involving aircraft or aerial drip torch is undertaken in accordance with aircraft and organisational procedure
4 Maintain aerial drip torch within scope of authority
  • 4.1 Aerial drip torch is shut down in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturers' guidelines prior to departure of aircraft from ignition site
  • 4.2 Excess gelled petroleum is stored or disposed of in accordance with organisational procedures and regulatory requirements
  • 4.3 Aerial drip torch is maintained within scope of authority
  • 4.4 Aerial drip torch faults are documented and forwarded to appropriate personnel for repair, if required
  • 4.5 Aerial drip torch is stored in accordance with organisational procedures
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