Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:35 AM AWST
22/07/2026 5:35 AM 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.
Select and test aeronautical engineering materials
Select and test aeronautical engineering materials
Unit of competency
National Code
MEA350A
MEA350A
State Code
W8448
W8448
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
17/06/2014
Field of Education
031503 - Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Original Release Date
17/06/2014
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit of competency covers selecting appropriate materials and materials and components tests for aeronautical engineering applications.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify classes of materials, based on properties and materials tests relevant to aeronautical engineering
- 1.1. Classes of materials are identified, based on properties, required for particular aeronautical engineering applications
- 1.2. Relate material properties are related to common production and construction methods and processes
- 1.3. Common characteristics, faults or flaws in materials and components or product are identified in particular engineering applications
- 1.4. Test methods for materials and components or product are identified in particular engineering applications
- 1.5. Specific industrial test standards/codes, calibration requirements, regulations and authorities related to selection of materials and products are identified for particular engineering applications
- 1.6. The role of Australia's national measurement system is investigated
2. Identify and use sources of information on engineering materials, materials tests and test equipment, including manufacturers' catalogues and websites
- 2.1. Appropriate sources of information on materials are identified and used
- 2.2. Appropriate sources of information on methods of testing of properties of materials are identified and used to ensure suitability for a particular application
- 2.3. Appropriate sources of information on materials, materials tests, test calibration, test certificates, regulations, standards, standards councils/societies/authorities/regulatory bodies are identified and used
- 2.4.The use of standards and codesare investigated and reported on
- 2.5. Appropriate sources of information on MSDS are identified and used
3. Specify and implement materials for particular aeronautical engineering applications.
- 3.1. Materials for particular applications are specified and implemented
4. Specify and implement methods used to test or obtain the properties of engineering materials
- 4.1. Tests of materials are specified and implemented to ensure quality, safety or suitability for a range of applications
- 4.2.Traceability of measurement standard is ensured
- 4.3. Test sheets/certificates for appropriate materials are obtained for applications in accordance with organisational procedures and/or codes and regulations
- 4.4. Appropriate MSDS are obtained for applications in accordance with organisational procedures and/or codes and regulations
5. Report on and record materials design data and methods and results of materials tests
- 5.1. Materials selections are reported and recorded against design functional requirements in accordance with organisational procedures, codes and regulations, including environmental impact and sustainability assessment.
- 5.2. Materials tests and test sheets/certificates are reported and recorded in accordance with organisational procedures, codes and regulations
- 5.3.Appropriate calibration and traceability are ensured
- 5.4. Appropriate MSDS are reported and recorded for applications in accordance with organisational procedures, codes and regulations
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.
Classes of materials, based on properties
Classes of materials include:
non-ferrous metals and alloys (copper, aluminium, zinc, lead, tin and their alloys), ferrous metals (carbon steels, alloy steels and cast irons), non-metallic composite materials, bearing materials, lubricants, non-metals (timber, ceramics, polymers and fabrics, adhesives and electrical insulation materials), thermal conductors and insulators, electrical conductors, semiconductors and insulators
Properties of materials include:
strength, elasticity, plasticity, malleability, toughness, brittleness, fatigue endurance, mouldability, weldability, machinability, formability, resistance to creep and stress relaxation, resistance to degradation (e.g. use of plastic fillers to enhance UV resistance), adhesion, electrical, magnetic, thermal, chemical and optical, material structure and effect on properties, and flammability of fabrics
Other factors include:
corrosion and corrosion protection methods.
aging of metals
the effect of manufacturing and construction processes on material properties.
the effect of property enhancement on design (e.g. adhesives plus sintering replacing some forging and machining of gears on shafts)
lay-up methods for composite structures.
Cost includes:
manufacture of material and source of material,typical applications and possibilities
Aeronautical engineering
Aeronautical engineering refers to:
the engineering discipline concerned with the conceptual development, research, design, manufacture, implementation, installation, commissioning and maintenance of aerospace mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel and fire products, processes, systems or services for civil and military applications
Australia's national measurement system
Australia's national measurement systems includes:
National Standards Commission (legal metrology)
Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organisation (physical standards)
National Association of Testing Authorities, Aust. (Laboratory accreditation)
Standards Australia International Ltd (AS standards specifications)
Standards councils/ societies/ authorities/regulatory bodies
Standards councils/societies/authorities/regulatory bodies include:
Australian Standards Council
ASTM
MIL Spec
ASME
ISO
Regulatory bodies include:
CASA
ADF
United States Federal Aviation Authority,
European Joint Aviation Authority
Standards and codes
Standards and codes include:
NDT and mechanical test standards
chemical test standards
electrical test standards
compliance test standards for components
Tests of materials
Tests of materials include:
destructive, including tensile, compression, impact, hardness, fatigue, corrosion, stress relaxation and creep, and peel resistance (adhesives)
mon-destructive, including hardness, ultrasonics, X-ray, dye penetrant, eddy current, surface friction, conductivity, heat expansion, photoelastic, heat capacity refractive index, magnetic hysteresis loop
Traceability
Traceability ensures test calibrations can be traced back to the relevant base unit in the relevant measurement system
Classes of materials, based on properties
Classes of materials include:
non-ferrous metals and alloys (copper, aluminium, zinc, lead, tin and their alloys), ferrous metals (carbon steels, alloy steels and cast irons), non-metallic composite materials, bearing materials, lubricants, non-metals (timber, ceramics, polymers and fabrics, adhesives and electrical insulation materials), thermal conductors and insulators, electrical conductors, semiconductors and insulators
Properties of materials include:
strength, elasticity, plasticity, malleability, toughness, brittleness, fatigue endurance, mouldability, weldability, machinability, formability, resistance to creep and stress relaxation, resistance to degradation (e.g. use of plastic fillers to enhance UV resistance), adhesion, electrical, magnetic, thermal, chemical and optical, material structure and effect on properties, and flammability of fabrics
Other factors include:
corrosion and corrosion protection methods.
aging of metals
the effect of manufacturing and construction processes on material properties.
the effect of property enhancement on design (e.g. adhesives plus sintering replacing some forging and machining of gears on shafts)
lay-up methods for composite structures.
Cost includes:
manufacture of material and source of material,typical applications and possibilities
Aeronautical engineering
Aeronautical engineering refers to:
the engineering discipline concerned with the conceptual development, research, design, manufacture, implementation, installation, commissioning and maintenance of aerospace mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel and fire products, processes, systems or services for civil and military applications
Australia's national measurement system
Australia's national measurement systems includes:
National Standards Commission (legal metrology)
Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organisation (physical standards)
National Association of Testing Authorities, Aust. (Laboratory accreditation)
Standards Australia International Ltd (AS standards specifications)
Standards councils/ societies/ authorities/regulatory bodies
Standards councils/societies/authorities/regulatory bodies include:
Australian Standards Council
ASTM
MIL Spec
ASME
ISO
Regulatory bodies include:
CASA
ADF
United States Federal Aviation Authority,
European Joint Aviation Authority
Standards and codes
Standards and codes include:
NDT and mechanical test standards
chemical test standards
electrical test standards
compliance test standards for components
Tests of materials
Tests of materials include:
destructive, including tensile, compression, impact, hardness, fatigue, corrosion, stress relaxation and creep, and peel resistance (adhesives)
mon-destructive, including hardness, ultrasonics, X-ray, dye penetrant, eddy current, surface friction, conductivity, heat expansion, photoelastic, heat capacity refractive index, magnetic hysteresis loop
Traceability
Traceability ensures test calibrations can be traced back to the relevant base unit in the relevant measurement system
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 select and test aeronautical engineering materials.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.
Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is, the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.
Method of assessment
This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with selecting and testing aeronautical engineering materials or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
Guidance information for assessment
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to select and test aeronautical engineering materials.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.
Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is, the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.
Method of assessment
This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with selecting and testing aeronautical engineering materials or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
Guidance information for assessment
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUF90 | MEA707 | Select and test aeronautical engineering materials | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D756 | MEA60211 | Advanced Diploma of Aviation Maintenance Management (Mechanical) | Qualification |
| S758 | MEA60210 | Advanced Diploma of Aviation Maintenance Management (Mechanical) | Qualification |
| S756 | MEA50410 | Diploma of Aviation Maintenance Management (Mechanical) | Qualification |
| D753 | MEA50411 | Diploma of Aviation Maintenance Management (Mechanical) | Qualification |
| D740 | MEA60311 | Advanced Diploma of Aviation Non-Destructive Testing | Qualification |
| J368 | MEM60112 | Advanced Diploma of Engineering | Qualification |
| J367 | MEM50212 | Diploma of Engineering - Technical | Qualification |