Conduct helicopter pre-solo exercises

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:25 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.

Unit of competency

National Code
AVIY0084

State Code
OEE29

TGA Status
Current

DTWD Status
Approved

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
20/10/2022

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

17/03/2023

Field of Education

031505 - Aircraft Operation

Original Release Date

17/03/2023

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to conduct helicopter pre-solo exercises in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.It includes performing pre-operational checks; climbing, turning and descending helicopter; performing air taxiing manoeuvres and air transiting manoeuvres. It also includes performing turns around the mast in addition to communicating and completing documentation.This unit addresses aviation technical skill requirements (physical, mental and task-management abilities) related to aircraft operational duties of flight crew and contributes to safe and effective performance in complex aviation operational environments.Operations are conducted as part of commercial and military aircraft activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian aviation industry.Work is performed independently or under limited supervision within a single-pilot or multi-crew environment.If the Manual of Standards is amended after the publication of this unit of competency, the delivery of the unit must be in accordance with the latest Manual of Standards as published by CASA.Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1 Communicate facetoface

1.1 Words are pronounced clearly, using an accent that does not cause difficulties in understanding
1.2 Information is conveyed in clearly structured sentences without confusion or ambiguity
1.3 Extensive vocabulary is used to accurately communicate on general and technical topics, without excessive use of jargon, slang, or colloquial language
1.4 Messages are communicated fluently without long pauses, repetition, or excessive false starts
1.5 Communications are responded to with actions that demonstrate that the information has been received and understood
1.6 Information is exchanged clearly in a variety of situations with both expert and non-expert English speakers while giving and receiving timely and appropriate responses
1.7 Techniques are used to validate communications

2 Conduct operational communication using an aeronautical radio

2.1 Plain English is used effectively when standard phraseology is inadequate
2.2 Appropriate responses to transmissions are received
2.3 Transmissions are responded to, and appropriate action is taken
2.4 Communication errors and misunderstandings are recognised and managed effectively
2.5 Clarification is sought in the time available if a message is unclear or uncertainty exists

3 Plan fuel requirements

3.1 Required fuel reserves are determined
3.2 Quantity of fuel required is determined taking into account operational requirements and relevant abnormal or emergency conditions and contingencies
3.3 Total fuel required for the flight is determined

4 Manage fuel system

4.1 Fuel quantity on-board aircraft prior to flight is verified using two independent methods
4.2 Fuel caps are secured and confirmed
4.3 Fuel quality check prior to flight is performed
4.4 Fuel drain cocks are closed
4.5 Fuel usage during the flight is monitored
4.6 Fuel pumps and engine controls are operated correctly

5 Maintain effective lookout

5.1 Traffic separation is maintained using a systematic visual scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility, and terrain
5.2 Radio listening watch is maintained, and transmissions are interpreted to determine traffic location and intentions
5.3 Airspace-cleared procedure is performed before commencing any manoeuvre

6 Comply with airspace requirements

6.1 Correct aeronautical charts are interpreted and used to maintain airspace compliance requirements
6.2 Circuit departure is performed
6.3 Helicopter is maintained within a specified area and/or track while complying with air traffic requirements, controlled or restricted airspace conditions or limitations while reacting to factors that affect the safe progress of a flight
6.4 Orientation is maintained to geographical features with the aid of suitable charts and maps
6.5 Circuit join is conducted

7 Recognise and manage threats

7.1 Relevant environmental or operational threats that are likely to affect the safety of the flight are identified
7.2 Competing priorities and demands that may represent a threat to the safety of the flight are identified
7.3 Countermeasures to manage threats are developed and implemented
7.4 Flight progress is monitored and assessed to ensure a safe outcome, or actions modified when a safe outcome is not assured

8 Recognise and manage errors

8.1 Checklists and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are applied to prevent aircraft handling, procedural or communication errors
8.2 Committed errors before safety is affected or the aircraft enters an undesired state are identified
8.3 Countermeasures are implemented to prevent errors or actions taken in the time available to correct errors before the aircraft enters an undesired state

9 Recognise and manage undesired aircraft state

9.1 Undesired aircraft state is recognised
9.2 Tasks are prioritised to ensure an undesired aircraft state is managed effectively
9.3 Non-normal or emergency situations are recognised
9.4 Control of aircraft flight path is maintained during abnormal and emergency response procedures
9.5 Affected aircraft system or sub-system is identified and confirmed
9.6 Checklist procedures are recalled and implemented during abnormal and emergency situations using appropriate techniques
9.7 Non-normal or emergency procedures are performed in accordance with relevant workplace and emergency procedures and regulatory requirements
9.8 Corrective actions are applied to recover an undesired aircraft state in a safe and timely manner
9.9 Course of action is evaluated and revised to achieve safest outcomes
9.10 Location and operation of emergency systems applicable to aircraft type are explained

10 Conduct pre-flight actions and procedures

10.1 Information contained in the required pre-flight operational documentation is obtained, interpreted, and applied
10.2 Aircraft weight and balance is confirmed
10.3 Pre- and post-flight maintenance release (flight technical log) and flight administration is completed in accordance with regulatory requirements and/or operations manual
10.4 Aircraft serviceability is determined by daily inspection, and certification of daily inspection in maintenance release (flight and technical log) is completed in accordance with regulations
10.5 Equipment and documentation, as required by regulation, is identified, and secured in aircraft
10.6 Hazards are identified, risks are assessed, and hazard management implemented
10.7 Internal and external checks are completed in accordance with approved checklist

11 Start engine and rotor

11.1 Helicopter is positioned with a view to safety and rotor clearance when starting engine and rotors
11.2 Pre-start and start actions are performed
11.3 Blade sailing is controlled during start by appropriate positioning of helicopter and use of cyclic pitch
11.4 Rotor is engaged
11.5 Control main rotor disc and anti-torque system

12 Climb helicopter

12.1 From straight and level flight, attitude and power is adjusted to achieve a climb at normal, best rate (Vy), best angle (Vx) and cruise climb flight configurations
12.2 Aircraft systems, sub-systems (equipment) and devices applicable to aircraft type and task are operated and managed
12.3 Aircraft systems, sub-systems (equipment) and devices are monitored using a systematic scan technique
12.4 Aircraft systems and flight environment information are analysed to identify actual and potential threats or errors
12.5 Automated aircraft systems are utilised to manage cockpit workload
12.6 Hazards are identified, risks are assessed, and hazard management implemented
12.7 Checklist procedures are completed as appropriate to aircraft system
12.8 Correct altimeter settings are set
12.9 Helicopter is maintained in balanced flight during adjustments to power
12.10 Power is maintained as altitude increases
12.11 Helicopter is levelled off from climb at nominated altitude
12.12 Lookout is maintained during climb using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility, and terrain
12.13 Situational awareness is maintained

13 Descend helicopter

13.1 Attitude and power are adjusted to enter and maintain a descent from straight and level
13.2 Helicopter is levelled from a descent at a nominated altitude
13.3 Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility, or terrain
13.4 Clearance ahead and below is maintained
13.5 Air traffic control (ATC) altitude restrictions are observed as required
13.6 Helicopter does not exceed aircraft flight manual limits during descent
13.7 Correct altimeter settings are set
13.8 Situational awareness is maintained at all times during helicopter descent

14 Turn helicopter

14.1 Attitude and power are adjusted to enter and maintain turns at varying rates from level, climbing and descending flight to achieve nominated tracks, during level turns, climbing turns with 20° bank angle and powered descending turn with 30° bank angle
14.2 Helicopter is rolled out from the turn to achieve a nominated heading or geographical feature
14.3 Helicopter is balanced and trimmed, as applicable
14.4 Lookout is maintained in direction of turn and above or below using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility and terrain
14.5 Engine operating limits are not exceeded

15 Conduct lift-off to hover and perform hover checks

15.1 Aircraft performance is calculated for the flight
15.2 Pre-take-off checks are performed
15.3 Flight controls are set to prepare for lift-off to the hover
15.4 Flight and power controls are used to lift helicopter off the surface to a stable hover at the appropriate height for the helicopter while controlling heading
15.5 Wind effect is anticipated and accounted for with appropriate control inputs to maintain position over nominated hover point
15.6 Awareness of adverse effects of rotor downwash on surrounding aircraft, people, objects and environment is demonstrated
15.7 Hover checks are performed
15.8 Flight control functions, centre of gravity and hover power requirements are checked
15.9 A hover taxi manoeuvre at a constant and safe hover height, is commenced, maintained and stopped while maintaining power and rotor revolutions per minute (RRPM) within the limits
15.10 Coordinated corrective action is used to counter the effects of wind
15.11 Implications of environmental conditions are assessed and appropriate compensation is made
15.12 Helicopter is maintained clear of obstructions
15.13 Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility or terrain

16 Perform turns around the mast

16.1 Helicopter is turned around the mast while maintaining a constant height at a specified rate of turn
16.2 Turn is completed on a nominated heading
16.3 Controlled corrective action is used to control the effects of wind
16.4 Helicopter is maintained clear of obstructions
16.5 Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility, obstructions and terrain
16.6 Revolutions per minute (RPM) is managed within limits during the turn

17 Perform air taxiing manoeuvres

17.1 Helicopter is manoeuvred over the ground on a prescribed track at constant height associated with ground effect and speed adjusted to suit helicopter type, surface conditions, congestion, maintenance of control and to avoid collision with obstacles or other aircraft
17.2 Landing gear is aligned as far as operational limitations allow, with the direction of travel
17.3 Awareness of adverse effects of rotor downwash on surrounding aircraft, people, objects and environment is demonstrated
17.4 RPM is managed within normal operating limits

18 Perform air transiting

18.1 Transit clearance is obtained and complies with ATC instructions (if applicable)
18.2 Helicopter is manoeuvred, while allowing for prevailing conditions, over a prescribed track at a height not above 100 ft above ground level (AGL) at airspeeds greater than speeds used for air taxiing
18.3 Movement is limited within the aerodrome boundaries, without incident
18.4 Helicopter remains clear of manufacturer’s height-velocity diagram avoid area
18.5 Height is maintained
18.6 Instruments, switches or devices are manipulated, when safe to do so, including when the release of the collective pitch level is required, while maintaining height, heading, speed and attitude and not exceeding RPM or power limits
18.7 Conditions that could lead to loss of tail rotor or anti-torque effectiveness are avoided
18.8 Helicopter is aligned with track, or balances, as applicable
18.9 Air transit ground speed is adjusted to suit helicopter type, traffic conditions, congestion and maintenance of control and to avoid collision with obstacles or other aircraft
18.10 RRPM is maintained within normal operating limits
18.11 Adverse effect of rotor wash on other aircraft, facilities, loose objects and personnel are avoided
18.12 Final approach path is clear of conflicting traffic

19 Hover helicopter in crosswind and tailwind

19.1 Helicopter is maintained in hovering flight remaining over a nominated hover point at a nominated height and heading in cross and tail winds
19.2 Coordinated corrective action is used to maintain a constant rate of turn and counter the effects of wind

20 Perform turns around nose and tail

20.1 Helicopter is turned around a nominated point on or forward of the nose while maintaining a constant height and specified rate of movement around that point
20.2 Helicopter is turned around a nominated point on or aft of the tail while maintaining a constant height and specified rate of movement around that point
20.3 Controlled corrective action is taken to counter the effects of wind
20.4 Helicopter is maintained clear of obstructions during turning manoeuvres
20.5 Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility, obstructions and terrain
20.6 Turns in a specified direction are commenced and stopped at a specified heading
20.7 RPM is managed within limits during the turn
20.8 Ground track is maintained at a constant distance from the nominated point
20.9 Anti-torque pedals are used to ensure helicopter nose or tail is pointed at the nominated turning point

21 Perform sideways and rearwards flight

21.1 Helicopter is transitioned from static hover to sideways and rearward flight
21.2 Lookout is maintained in direction of flight using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility, obstructions and terrain
21.3 Rearward movement is only conducted after visually checking behind helicopter, and height is adjusted as required
21.4 Helicopter directional control is maintained and manoeuvred clear of obstructions during sidewards and backwards flight manoeuvres
21.5 RPM is managed within limits during the turn
21.6 Rate of movement of helicopter is maintained at a safe speed
21.7 Sideways and rearward flight is terminated over a nominated hover point

22 Land from the hover

22.1 Pre-landing checks are complete if applicable
22.2 Helicopter is lowered on to a nominated point from hovering flight using a controlled rate of descent, without adverse longitudinal, lateral, yawing or rolling movements
22.3 Helicopter is stable on its landing gear prior to fully lowering collective
22.4 Post-landing checks are performed

23 Manage a mishandled landing

23.1 An adverse landing situation is identified when developing
23.2 Action is taken to discontinue the landing and return to a safe hover

24 Manage a mishandled lift-off

24.1 An adverse lift-off situation is identified when it is developing
24.2 Action is taken to discontinue the lift-off and return to the ground safely

25 Stop engine

25.1 Shutdown and post-shutdown actions are performed
25.2 Blade sailing is controlled during shut down by correct positioning of helicopter and use of cyclic pitch
25.3 Rotor brake is operated correctly, as applicable
25.4 Control main rotor disc and anti-torque system

26 Complete post-flight actions and procedures

26.1 Post-flight inspection is conducted and the aircraft is secured if applicable
26.2 All required post-flight administration documentation is completed
26.3 Flight equipment and documentation are removed from aircraft
26.4 Aircraft is secured in accordance with manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
OBB77	AVIY0059	Control helicopter on the ground	Unit of competency
OBB88	AVIY0048	Taxi helicopter	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BIA5	AVI50322	Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter)	Qualification