Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:05 PM AWST
22/07/2026 7:05 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.
Maintain and pack parachutes
Maintain and pack parachutes
Unit of competency
National Code
MEA505A
MEA505A
State Code
D4502
D4502
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
17/06/2014
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
17/06/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit of competency is part of the Aeroskills Life Support and Furnishing Certificate III and IV training pathways. It covers the competencies required to maintain and pack parachutes. Maintenance includes inspecting, testing, isolating faults, replacing components, repairing and cleaning prior to packing. This unit is used in workplaces that operate under the airworthiness regulatory systems of the ADF and CASA.This unit is equivalent to PUADEFLS005B Maintain and pack parachutes.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Maintain parachute
- 1.1. Parachute is inspected for serviceability in accordance with standard procedures
- 1.2. Parachute is tested for serviceability in accordance with standard procedures and manufacturer's specifications
- 1.3. Identified faults beyond own authority to rectify are reported to supervisor and faulty parachute is quarantined
- 1.4. Unserviceable parts of the parachute are replaced to render parachute serviceable in accordance with standard procedures
- 1.5. Basic parachute repairs are completed in accordance with standard procedures
- 1.6. Parachute is cleaned in accordance with standard procedures
- 1.7. Parachute is presented for inspection by supervisor in accordance with standard procedures
- 1.8. Maintenance documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
2. Pack parachute
- 2.1. Parachute is packed for use in accordance with standard procedures
- 2.2. Parachute is presented for inspection by supervisor in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
- 2.3. Relevant documentation is completed and processed in accordance with standard enterprise procedures
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.
Standard procedures
Standard procedures may be found in any or all of:
state/territory/Commonwealth OHS legislation, regulations and codes
Australian Standards
equipment manufacturers' specifications and procedures
industry practices
safety manual
maintenance schedules
work instructions
maintenance organisation manual
MSDS
Defence regulations and instructions
CASR and advisory material
standing instructions
Faults
Faults may include:
broken stitching
broken quick release fitting springs
contamination
corrosion of metal parts
damaged hardware
damaged quick release fitting screws
excessive wear
expired parachute components
frayed lines
incorrect manufacture
pulled threads
incorrect rigging line sequence
seized quick release fitting lugs
stretched lines
tears in parachute
UV degradation
Parts of the parachute
Parts of the parachute may include:
canopy
hardware (e.g. buckles, eyelets and connector links)
harness
parachute housing (e.g. pack)
quick release fitting
rigging lines
Basic parachute repairs
Basic parachute repairs may include:
broken stitching
corrosion (e.g. fittings)
damaged hardware
frayed lines
pulled threads
tears in parachute
Application
Application of this unit may relate to:
scheduled or unscheduled maintenance activities
individual or team-related activities
Standard procedures
Standard procedures may be found in any or all of:
state/territory/Commonwealth OHS legislation, regulations and codes
Australian Standards
equipment manufacturers' specifications and procedures
industry practices
safety manual
maintenance schedules
work instructions
maintenance organisation manual
MSDS
Defence regulations and instructions
CASR and advisory material
standing instructions
Faults
Faults may include:
broken stitching
broken quick release fitting springs
contamination
corrosion of metal parts
damaged hardware
damaged quick release fitting screws
excessive wear
expired parachute components
frayed lines
incorrect manufacture
pulled threads
incorrect rigging line sequence
seized quick release fitting lugs
stretched lines
tears in parachute
UV degradation
Parts of the parachute
Parts of the parachute may include:
canopy
hardware (e.g. buckles, eyelets and connector links)
harness
parachute housing (e.g. pack)
quick release fitting
rigging lines
Basic parachute repairs
Basic parachute repairs may include:
broken stitching
corrosion (e.g. fittings)
damaged hardware
frayed lines
pulled threads
tears in parachute
Application
Application of this unit may relate to:
scheduled or unscheduled maintenance activities
individual or team-related activities
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 maintain and pack parachutes while observing 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 aircraft life support equipment maintenance activities. It is essential that parachute testing and inspection procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret maintenance and packing procedures and apply them in practice is critical.
Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to parachute maintenance and packing is essential. This is to be demonstrated through demonstration of the ability to recognise faults, replace components and perform appropriate repairs that are within the bounds of the individual's authority, and through the demonstration of correct packing procedures. 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 the following range of tasks:
correctly packing a minimum of three (3) parachutes consecutively and without the need for corrective action by the supervisor
recognising the limits of own authority
replacing canopy/harness, including line sequence tests
correctly repairing a tear in parachute canopy material through patching
inspecting, testing and replacing unserviceable parts of a quick release fitting
recognising a range of faults and their serviceability limits and repairing within limitations/tolerances.
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 workplace or simulated workplace using materials, tools and equipment specified in the maintenance manuals and applicable procedures. It is also expected that general and special purpose tools and ground support equipment would be used where appropriate.
Method of assessment
Guidance information for assessment
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to maintain and pack parachutes while observing 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 aircraft life support equipment maintenance activities. It is essential that parachute testing and inspection procedures, cleanliness requirements and safety precautions are fully observed, understood and complied with. Ability to interpret maintenance and packing procedures and apply them in practice is critical.
Evidence of transferability of skills and knowledge related to parachute maintenance and packing is essential. This is to be demonstrated through demonstration of the ability to recognise faults, replace components and perform appropriate repairs that are within the bounds of the individual's authority, and through the demonstration of correct packing procedures. 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 the following range of tasks:
correctly packing a minimum of three (3) parachutes consecutively and without the need for corrective action by the supervisor
recognising the limits of own authority
replacing canopy/harness, including line sequence tests
correctly repairing a tear in parachute canopy material through patching
inspecting, testing and replacing unserviceable parts of a quick release fitting
recognising a range of faults and their serviceability limits and repairing within limitations/tolerances.
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 workplace or simulated workplace using materials, tools and equipment specified in the maintenance manuals and applicable procedures. It is also expected that general and special purpose tools and ground support equipment would be used where appropriate.
Method of assessment
Guidance information for assessment
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUE32 | MEA505 | Maintain and pack parachutes | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D747 | MEA41111 | Certificate IV in Aircraft Life Support and Furnishing | Qualification |
| D742 | MEA30311 | Certificate III in Aircraft Life Support and Furnishing | Qualification |