Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:40 PM AWST
22/07/2026 9:40 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.
Operate aerial ignition equipment in an aircraft
Operate aerial ignition equipment in an aircraft
Unit of competency
National Code
PUAFIR312B
PUAFIR312B
State Code
D2996
D2996
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/05/2010
Field of Education
039905 - Fire Technology
Original Release Date
12/05/2010
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit covers the competency required to prepare, operate and maintain aerial ignition equipment in an aircraft. Aerial ignition equipment is used to drop incendiaries (capsules or gelled petroleum) from fixed-wing aircraft or by helicopter.Aerial ignition operations are undertaken to reduce, modify or reduce fuel loads in key areas to reduce fire intensity and suppression difficulty at wildfire or prescribed burn. Aviation operations occur in a heavily regulated environment. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for operations of ignition equipment
- 1.1 Personal protection and safety equipment and procedures are selected and inspected/tested prior to operations commencing.
- 1.2 Organisational procedures relating to personal protection and safety equipment are implemented.
- 1.3 Requirements for operations are identified and confirmed with relevant personnel.
- 1.4 Activities are undertaken in accordance with work health and safety (WHS) requirements, organisational guidelines and aviation regulations.
- 1.5 Incendiary device to be used is confirmed.
- 1.6 Incendiary devices and associated consumable materials are stored and transported in accordance with the organisation’s requirements.
- 1.7 Ignition equipment is installed in aircraft in accordance with the organisation and aircraft operator requirements.
- 1.8 Ignition equipment is inspected to ensure correct operation.
- 1.9 Mixing operations for incendiary device are undertaken as per manufacturer’s guidelines and prevailing conditions.
- 1.10 Incendiary devices are loaded into ignition equipment in accordance with the organisation’s procedures.
- 1.11 Ignition equipment is tested, and adjusted where required, to ensure correct operation.
2. Conduct aerial ignition operations
- 2.1 Ignition equipment is operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and the organisation’s procedures.
- 2.2 Adjustments to ignition equipment are undertaken as required in response to changed conditions or alterations to burn plan.
- 2.3 Emergency procedures are conducted as required.
- 2.4 Communications between pilot, navigator and ignition equipment operator are maintained.
- 2.5 Ignition operations are completed in accordance with burn plan.
3. Service, maintain and store incendiary equipment
- 3.1 Excess incendiary devices are disposed of in accordance with the organisation’s guidelines.
- 3.2 Ignition equipment is serviced, maintained and repaired within scope of authority.
- 3.3 Major faults to equipment are documented and forwarded to appropriate personnel for action.
- 3.4 Ignition equipment is stowed and forwarded to appropriate personnel for rectification.
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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Personal protection and safety equipment may include:
ear protectors
eye protection, gloves and personal protection
fire resistant clothing
footwear
rubber gloves, vapour masks and respirators
safety helmets with visors
Organisational procedures may include:
compliance with:
aeronautical engineer’s orders
aircraft safety procedures
dangerous goods legislation
Fire Code of Practice
flight supplement specifications
installation on hook-up procedures
manufacturer specifications
material safety data sheets (MSDS) or safety data sheets (SDS)
organisational operational procedures
WHS guidelines
Incendiary devices and associated consumable materials may include:
potassium permanganate
ethylene glycol (antifreeze)
unleaded or super petrol
aluminium powder (Surefire)
methanol
Ignition equipment includes:
helitorch/aerial driptorch
hand-held manual incendiary injection
automated incendiary machines
Mixing equipment may include:
hand mixing tools and pumps
air compressors and air operated pumps
Emergency procedures may include:
jammed incendiary device
ignited incendiary device
electrical system fault
fuel spillage
incendiary fire in ignition device
fuel fire
Servicing, maintaining and repairing equipment may include:
strip and assembling equipment
fault finding and rectification
service, cleaning and maintenance according to manufacturer’s specifications
liaising with specialist personnel
security procedures
Personal protection and safety equipment may include:
ear protectors
eye protection, gloves and personal protection
fire resistant clothing
footwear
rubber gloves, vapour masks and respirators
safety helmets with visors
Organisational procedures may include:
compliance with:
aeronautical engineer’s orders
aircraft safety procedures
dangerous goods legislation
Fire Code of Practice
flight supplement specifications
installation on hook-up procedures
manufacturer specifications
material safety data sheets (MSDS) or safety data sheets (SDS)
organisational operational procedures
WHS guidelines
Incendiary devices and associated consumable materials may include:
potassium permanganate
ethylene glycol (antifreeze)
unleaded or super petrol
aluminium powder (Surefire)
methanol
Ignition equipment includes:
helitorch/aerial driptorch
hand-held manual incendiary injection
automated incendiary machines
Mixing equipment may include:
hand mixing tools and pumps
air compressors and air operated pumps
Emergency procedures may include:
jammed incendiary device
ignited incendiary device
electrical system fault
fuel spillage
incendiary fire in ignition device
fuel fire
Servicing, maintaining and repairing equipment may include:
strip and assembling equipment
fault finding and rectification
service, cleaning and maintenance according to manufacturer’s specifications
liaising with specialist personnel
security procedures
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in:
adherence to safe working practice including safety response action in the event of machine or ignition equipment malfunction
demonstration of correct pre-flight testing and installation procedures
accurately dispensing incendiaries
servicing and maintenance of equipment
Consistency in performance
Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments
Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
codes of practice
hazard policy and procedures
job procedures and work instructions
guidelines relating to safe use of equipment
house keeping procedures
following workplace procedures
action taken promptly - accidents and incidents reported within regulatory and organisation’s requirements
work completed systematically in accordance with safe operating procedures to minimise risk of injury to self, others or damage to equipment
Competency in using this equipment is required at least 2 yearly under carriage of dangerous goods CAR 262a
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Assessment will take place in a simulated environment followed by assessment by an accredited operator on-the-job
Specific resources for assessment
aerial ignition equipment and materials
transport of incendiary devices and ignition equipment
personal protective and safety equipment
an area to conduct operations
aircraft and necessary equipment
appropriate tools and equipment for testing, maintenance and inspection of equipment
safe disposal facilities
Method of assessment
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions
It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in:
adherence to safe working practice including safety response action in the event of machine or ignition equipment malfunction
demonstration of correct pre-flight testing and installation procedures
accurately dispensing incendiaries
servicing and maintenance of equipment
Consistency in performance
Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments
Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
codes of practice
hazard policy and procedures
job procedures and work instructions
guidelines relating to safe use of equipment
house keeping procedures
following workplace procedures
action taken promptly - accidents and incidents reported within regulatory and organisation’s requirements
work completed systematically in accordance with safe operating procedures to minimise risk of injury to self, others or damage to equipment
Competency in using this equipment is required at least 2 yearly under carriage of dangerous goods CAR 262a
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Assessment will take place in a simulated environment followed by assessment by an accredited operator on-the-job
Specific resources for assessment
aerial ignition equipment and materials
transport of incendiary devices and ignition equipment
personal protective and safety equipment
an area to conduct operations
aircraft and necessary equipment
appropriate tools and equipment for testing, maintenance and inspection of equipment
safe disposal facilities
Method of assessment
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAY88 | PUAFIR312 | Operate aerial ignition equipment in an aircraft | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C600 | PUA30601 | Certificate III in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations) | Qualification |