Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
21/07/2026 11:36 PM AWST

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Apply basic aircraft design characteristics

Apply basic aircraft design characteristics

Unit of competency
National Code
MEA341A
State Code
W8439
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
23/01/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
30/06/2011
Field of Education
031503 - Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Original Release Date
30/06/2011
Nominal Hours
120
Description
This unit of competency is part of Diploma and Advanced Diploma training pathways. It covers the aerodynamic shape and structure of aircraft.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Research and evaluate aeroplane aerodynamic shape
  • 1.1. Common wing plan forms are identified and relative advantages and disadvantages are evaluated
  • 1.2. Common wing configurations are identified and relative advantages and disadvantages are identified
  • 1.3. Aerofoil characteristics are discussed in terms of aircraft performance
  • 1.4. Aeroplane .stability and control is discussed in terms of aerodynamic design
  • 1.5. Types of primary and secondary flight control surfaces are identified and control balancing is discussed
  • 1.6. Types of lift augmentation device are identified and compared
  • 1.7. Factors that affect an aircraft in subsonic and high speed flight are identified
2. Research and evaluate rotary wing aerodynamic design
  • 2.1. Common rotor configurations are identified and their aerodynamic characteristics discussed
  • 2.2. Rotary wing aircraft control and stability are discussed
3. Research and evaluate basic aircraft structural design
  • 3.1. The loads acting on an aircraft structure are identified
  • 3.2. The methods of construction of airframes and power plant support structures are identified and compared
  • 3.3. The materials of construction commonly used in aircraft structures are identified and their relative advantages and disadvantages are discussed
  • 3.4. Fabrication methods commonly used in aircraft structure are identified and discussed
  • 3.5. Maintenance requirements for aircraft structure are identified
4. Research and evaluate basic landing gear design and construction
  • 4.1. The configurations of landing gear are identified and discussed in terms of relative advantages and disadvantages
  • 4.2. The relative benefits of fixed and retractable landing gear are identified and discussed
  • 4.3. Construction materials used in landing gear components are identified and discussed
5. Apply basic aircraft design characteristics
  • 5.1. Given required aircraft use and performance characteristics, an appropriate aerodynamic shape is determined
  • 5.2. An appropriate method of construction, materials of construction and fabrication method are proposed
  • 5.3. An appropriate landing gear configuration is proposed
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.
Application
Application of this unit may relate to:
individual or team-related activities
Common wing plan forms
Common wing plan forms may include:
straight
tapered
swept
delta
variable geometry
canard
Common wing configurations
Common wing configurations may include:
mid-wing
low wing
high wing
Common rotor configurations
Common rotor configurations may include:
main rotor and tail rotor
two main rotors
two blade main rotor
multiple blade main rotor
hinged main rotor blades
rigid rotor
Configurations of landing gear
Configurations of landing gear may include:
tricycle
tail wheel
tail skid
floats
skis
helicopter skids
helicopter wheels and brakes
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 identify and apply basic aircraft design characteristics. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.
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, teacher'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.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit may be assessed off the job in a training environment equipped to provide exposure to the relevant aircraft design characteristics and to theory of flight. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required and must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.
Method of assessment

Guidance information for assessment
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AUD71 MEA341 Apply basic aircraft design characteristics Unit of competency