Operate helicopter solo in the circuit area

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 6:49 AM AWST

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Unit of competency

National Code
AVIY0089

State Code
OEE21

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 operate helicopter solo in the circuit area in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.It includes lifting off to hover and performing hovering checks, hovering a helicopter in cross- and tail-winds, performing turns around the mast, conducting turns around nose and tail, and performing sidewards and backwards flight. It also includes landing from the hover, managing a mishandled landing, and managing a mishandled lift off.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 Conduct operational communication using an aeronautical radio

1.1 Effective communication is maintained with others on operational matters
1.2 Communication is conducted effectively in unfamiliar, stressful or non-standard situations
1.3 Phonetic alphabet is applied
1.4 Numbers are transmitted
1.5 Transmissions are made using standard aviation phraseology
1.6 Plain English is used effectively when standard phraseology is inadequate, receiving appropriate responses to transmissions
1.7 Transmissions are responded to, and correct actions taken
1.8 Communication errors and misunderstandings are recognised and managed effectively
1.9 Clarification is sought in the time available if a message is unclear or uncertainty exists
1.10 A variety of regional accents are understood and respected

2 Maintain effective lookout

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

3 Assess situations and make decisions

3.1 Problems are identified
3.2 Problems are analysed
3.3 Solutions are identified
3.4 Solutions and risks are assessed
3.5 A course of action is decided on
3.6 Plans of action are communicated
3.7 Tasks are allocated for action, as relevant
3.8 Actions are taken to achieve optimum outcomes for the operation
3.9 Progress is monitored against plan
3.10 Plan is re-evaluated to achieve optimum outcomes

4 Liftoff to hover and perform hover checks

4.1 Aircraft performance is calculated for flight
4.2 Pre-take-off checks are performed
4.3 Helicopter lift-off is completed
4.4 Hover taxi manoeuvre is commenced, maintained and stopped at a constant and safe hover height, while maintaining engine power and rotor revolutions per minute (RRPM) within limits
4.5 Helicopter remains clear of the manufacturer’s ‘height-velocity diagram avoid area’ when applicable
4.6 Aborted take-off from the hover is performed

5 Hover helicopter in cross- and tail-winds

5.1 Helicopter is maintained in hovering flight remaining over a nominated hover point at a nominated height and heading in cross- and tail-winds
5.2 Controlled corrective action is used to maintain a constant rate of turn and to counter wind effects

6 Land from the hover

6.1 Pre-landing checks are completed as required
6.2 Touchdown point is nominated
6.3 Helicopter is lowered onto nominated point from hovering flight without adverse longitudinal, lateral, yawing or rolling movements
6.4 Helicopter is landed at a suitable rate and maintain a constant heading without lateral or longitudinal drift while maintaining the requisite RRPM during the landing sequence
6.5 Helicopter stability on landing gear is ensured prior to fully lowering collective
6.6 Post-landing checks are performed

7 Takeoff helicopter

7.1 Transition to forward flight is performed and take-off path is maintained
7.2 Translational lift effect is recognised and controlled
7.3 Recommended or nominated climb speed is accelerated to and maintained
7.4 Helicopter is controlled to remain outside of the height-velocity (Hv) avoid curve, balanced and trimmed, as applicable
7.5 Obstacle clearance is ensured
7.6 Correct power and attitude are maintained for the profile and indicated airspeed (IAS) to be flown
7.7 Landing gear is retracted after a positive rate of climb is established, as applicable
7.8 Noise abatement procedures are complied with, where applicable
7.9 Post-take-off checks are completed

8 Approach to hover

8.1 Suitable termination point is selected
8.2 Checklists are completed as applicable for manoeuvre
8.3 Correct approach angle and track is intercepted and maintained
8.4 Power and attitude are adjusted to achieve a controlled decreasing closure rate to the termination point
8.5 Landing gear is aligned to the planned approach direction
8.6 Loss of translational lift is recognised and controlled
8.7 RRPM is controlled within limits
8.8 Approach is terminated to the hover over the termination point

9 Perform go-round procedure

9.1 Adverse conditions that require the execution of a go-round are recognised
9.2 Go-round is initiated safely in the time available
9.3 Power and attitude are set to achieve safe climb at appropriate IAS
9.4 Control throughout go-round procedure is maintained
9.5 Landing gear is aligned with the planned take-off direction until the point at which balanced flight is required
9.6 Post-take-off checks performed

10 Perform circuits and approaches

10.1 Descent is planned and conducted
10.2 Traffic pattern is joined
10.3 Safe separation is maintained from other traffic joining, departing or in the traffic pattern
10.4 Upwind is tracked on extended centreline to 500 ft or according to local safety conditions
10.5 Circuit is adjusted to ensure spacing with preceding traffic
10.6 Helicopter is established on cross-wind tracking 90° to the runway
10.7 Helicopter is established on downwind at circuit height tracking parallel to the runway at a specified distance from the runway
10.8 Pre-landing checks are performed
10.9 Aircraft is established on base leg a specified distance from helicopter landing site
10.10 Rate of descent to maintain approach path is commenced and controlled
10.11 Helicopter is aligned with specified runway when applicable
10.12 Helicopter is established on final approach in approach configuration not below 500 ft above ground level (AGL) or according to local safety conditions
10.13 Termination point is selected
10.14 Closure rate to the termination point is maintained
10.15 Helicopter is maintained on extended centreline, approach slope and approach speed
10.16 Speed is adjusted to compensate for wind gusts
10.17 Final approach checks are completed
10.18 Helicopter is balanced and trimmed, as applicable
10.19 Approach at the termination point is completed

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
OBB76	AVIY0060	Control helicopter in hovering flight	Unit of competency
OBB72	AVIY0061	Take off helicopter and approach to hover	Unit of competency

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