Elements and Performance Criteria

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.


1. Elevator, aileron and rudder primary flight control systems and associated trim systems
2. Speed brake, spoiler, flap and high lift systems
3. Ailerons, elevators, rudders, trim tabs, speed brakes, spoilers, flaps, slats
4. Actuators - mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or electric
5. Mechanical flight control components (cables, pulleys, guides, fairleads, tension regulators, control rods, bellcranks, torque tubes, chains, sprockets, control sticks, wheels or columns, trim wheels or handles, rudder pedals).

Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to apply hand skills and use maintenance publications to inspect, test and troubleshoot fixed wing aircraft flight control systems and components while applying all relevant safety precautions.

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 the aircraft fixed wing flight systems. It is essential that testing procedures take into account all safety precautions associated with flight control system operation, in particular where system operation/switching inter-relates to other systems being maintained, and that an awareness be demonstrated of dual inspection requirements associated with work on flight controls and systems.
Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to inspection, testing and troubleshooting is essential. This may be demonstrated through application across a number of aircraft types. Ability to interpret inspection procedures and specifications (allowable limits) and apply them in practice is critical. In addition, knowledge of dual inspection requirements must be demonstrated. The application of ground 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 the Unit of Competency are being achieved under routine supervision on at least one item from each of Groups 1 to 5 in the Range Statement. 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 aircraft maintenance manuals. It is also expected that general purpose tools, test and ground support equipment found in most routine situations would be used where appropriate. The level of troubleshooting is limited in its application to the use of fault diagnosis guides or other similar information.