DAO level 5 Certifcate In Applied Aviation Studies (Helicopter Crewman)

DEFENCE-AWARDING-ORGANISATION

vocational

This element equips the helicopter crewman with the skills to plan and execute concealed approaches and departures (CAD) in challenging terrain, conduct confined area reconnaissance and manoeuvring, manage sloping ground landings, and navigate safely under high tension wires. Emphasis is placed on effective crew resource management, precise verbal guidance to the pilot, and demonstrating sound airmanship to mitigate risks in undulating, confined, and hazardous environments.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for demonstrating the ability to produce a detailed concealed approach and departure plan, including consideration of wind, obstacles, escape routes, and crew coordination.
Award credit for clearly and confidently directing the pilot during the approach, hover, and departure phases with standardised commands, maintaining obstacle clearance and situational awareness.
Award credit for performing a systematic reconnaissance of a confined area, assessing size, surface, slope, obstacles, and approach/departure paths, and communicating findings effectively.
Award credit for assisting the pilot during sloping ground operations by accurately identifying slope angle and aspect, guiding the aircraft to the correct touchdown attitude, and managing passenger/cargo safety.
Award credit for proactively identifying and announcing high tension wire hazards, recommending safe flight paths, and maintaining a safe distance while assisting the pilot during wire crossing or under-wire flight.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for demonstrating the ability to produce a detailed concealed approach and departure plan, including consideration of wind, obstacles, escape routes, and crew coordination.
Award credit for clearly and confidently directing the pilot during the approach, hover, and departure phases with standardised commands, maintaining obstacle clearance and situational awareness.
Award credit for performing a systematic reconnaissance of a confined area, assessing size, surface, slope, obstacles, and approach/departure paths, and communicating findings effectively.
Award credit for assisting the pilot during sloping ground operations by accurately identifying slope angle and aspect, guiding the aircraft to the correct touchdown attitude, and managing passenger/cargo safety.
Award credit for proactively identifying and announcing high tension wire hazards, recommending safe flight paths, and maintaining a safe distance while assisting the pilot during wire crossing or under-wire flight.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡During practical assessments, verbalise every step of your reconnaissance and decision-making process; this demonstrates a thorough understanding and helps the assessor follow your logic.
💡When guiding the pilot in confined areas, use precise clock-face references and distance cues, and always confirm the pilot's acknowledgment before proceeding.
💡In written or oral questioning, always link your actions to the principles of threat and error management and crew resource management, showing you prioritise safety over expediency.
💡For simulated wire hazards, practice calling out wire height, crossing angle, and recommended clearances early, and be prepared to discuss emergency actions if a wire strike occurs.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Failing to maintain a continuous scan for wires and obstacles, especially when focusing on directing the pilot during high workload phases.
Providing ambiguous or late directional commands, leading to pilot hesitation or incorrect manoeuvring in confined spaces.
Misjudging the landing site slope steepness or being unaware of aircraft limitations, resulting in excessive bank or tail rotor clearance issues.
Overlooking the need for a go-around or abort point during concealed approaches when the landing site becomes unsuitable.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Plan a Concealed Approach and Departure (CAD).Know how to fly a Concealed approach and Departure.Know how to direct the Helicopter pilot during a Concealed Approach and Departure.Know how to display airmanship during a Concealed Approach and Departure.Operate as a crewman during a concealed approach and departure to a pre nominated landing site.Know how to carry out a reconnaissance of a confined area.Know how to carry out the procedure required to approach, manoeuvre in and depart from a confined area.Know how to display airmanship when operating in confined spaces.Assist the pilot to land and take off from a confined area.Know the characteristics of landing on sloping ground.Know how to assist the pilot to land and take off from sloping ground.Assist the pilot to land and take off from sloping ground.Know how to carry out flight under High Tension wires.Display airmanship when flying under High Tension wires.Assist the pilot in order to fly under High Tension cables

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

DAO level 5 Certifcate In Applied Aviation Studies (Helicopter Crewman)

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Key Terminology

Ready to test yourself?

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