SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate understanding of South African Aviation law, International Civil Aviation Organization rules and procedures for small commercial aeroplane operations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120156  Demonstrate understanding of South African Aviation law, International Civil Aviation Organization rules and procedures for small commercial aeroplane operations 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Air Defence 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of international agreements and organisations active in civil aviation.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of aircrew licensing for commercial purposes.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of civil aviation regulations.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of aircraft operations.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of air traffic services and air traffic information.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of aerodrome construction and layouts.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of search and rescue procedures.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of security procedures in terms of the influence on aircrew and safety operations.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the procedures to be followed by aircrew in the event of an aircraft accident and incident. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4.
  • Physical Science at NQF Level 4.
  • Communication NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The terms "aircraft" and "aeroplane" are used as synonyms where appropriate.

    Aviation Law and Procedures as are applicable to:
  • Flights by South African registered aircraft and / or flights in South African airspace.
  • General International Civil Aviation Organisation rules.
  • Commercial flights in small aeroplanes. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of international agreements and organisations active in civil aviation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role of International Civil Aviation Organization is described in terms of its origins, structures, functions and obligations of its member states. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Functions include but are not limited to:
  • Publications.
  • Research.
  • International oversight.

    Obligations include but are not limited to:
  • Legislation.
  • National oversight.
  • Infrastructure.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    International agreements are discussed in term of its influence on international civil aviation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    International agreements include but are not limited to:
  • Chicago Convention.
  • Warsaw Convention.
  • Tokyo, La Haye and Montreal Convention.
  • Hague Convention.
  • Rome Convention.
  • International Air Transit and Air Transport Agreement.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    International aviation agencies are described in terms of the role is international civil aviation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    International aviation agencies and authorities include but are not limited to:
  • European Agency for Aviation Safety.
  • Agence pour le securitè de la navigation aèrienne en Afrique et a Madagascar.
  • Federal Aviation Authority.
  • Joint Aviation Authority.
  • Eurocontrol.
  • International Air Transport Association.
  • European Civil Aviation Conference.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Annexes to the Chicago Convention are described in terms of purpose and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The operation of aircraft as described in term of International Civil Aviation Organization standards and recommended practises. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    International Civil Aviation Organization Standards include but not limited to Annex 6 Parts I, II and III.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of aircrew licensing for commercial operations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Pilot licensing includes but is not limited to: Commercial pilot's licence, airline transport Pilot licence, instrument rating, night rating, safety pilot rating, type ratings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The requirements for the cockpit crew (pilot and or navigator) licenses and ratings are described in terms of commercial aviation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The term licenses includes the issuing, renewal, validation and re-issuing of licenses.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The requirements for medical certification are discussed in terms of commercial aviation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The requirements for type ratings are described in terms of commercial aviation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The requirements to act as a flight crew member are described in terms of commercial aviation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The privileges and limitations of the flight crew licenses and ratings are described in terms of commercial aviation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The regulations applicable to logging of flight time are described in terms of commercial aviation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate understanding of civil aviation regulations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • "Regulations" includes but is not limited to the South African Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) and Civil Aviation Technical Standards (CATS).
  • Pilot is used as a synonym for a navigator as the rules apply to the operation of an aeroplane and navigators need to adhere to them. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Regulations of the South African Civil Aviation Authority applicable to pilots and the operation of aircraft are explained in terms of civil aviation activities. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Regulations of the South African Civil Aviation Authority refer to Part 47 and 91.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Regulations of the South African Civil Aviation Authority applicable to pilots and the operation of aircraft are explained as applicable to the category of aircraft for which the license is sought in terms of civil aviation regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Regulations of the South African Civil Aviation Authority refer to Parts 121, 127 and 135.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Regulations of the South African Civil Aviation Authority applicable to aircraft are identified and discussed in terms of obtaining a licence. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Regulations of the South African Civil Aviation Authority refer to Parts 43 and 145.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Airworthiness requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization are discussed in relation to aeroplane performance operating limitations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The International Civil Aviation Organization refers to Annex 8. Annex 6 refers to the Chicago convention.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Facilitation procedures for crew, passengers, mail and cargo are explained in terms of civil aviation regulations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate an understanding of aircraft operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The definitions and procedures used for instrument flight are explained in terms of International Civil Aviation Organization rules and PANSOBS document. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Departure, en-route, arrival, holding, approach and missed approach procedures are described in terms of flight operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Secondary surveillance radar (transponder) operating procedures are described with reference to document 8168. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Operation of Airborne Collision and Avoidance System equipment as prescribed is described with reference to document 8168. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Prescribed Aircraft Operation Regulations are described in terms of the influence on operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Requirements include but are not limited to:
  • General.
  • Operator certification and supervision.
  • Operational procedures.
  • All weather operations.
  • Instrument and equipment.
  • Communication and navigation equipment.
  • Aeroplane maintenance.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate understanding of air traffic services and air traffic information. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The essential definitions from Annex 11 and Annex 15 are identified and explained in terms of air traffic services. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Annex 11 annex 15 refers to the sections of the Chicago convention.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The types, functions and limitations of air traffic services are described in order to comply with safety operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The classes of airspace and procedures applicable to each class of airspace are identified and described in order to comply with safety operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The sources of information and their contents are identified and described to conduct safe and legal operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The sources of information include but are not limited to:
  • Aeronautical Information Publications.
  • Notice to airman.
  • Aeronautical Information Circular.
  • Pre- flight Information Bulletin.
  • Snow information to airman.
  • Meteorological reports.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Demonstrate an understanding of aerodrome construction and layouts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The essential definitions from Annex 14 are identified and described in order to comply with safety operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Annex 14 refer to the Chicago convention.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Aerodrome lights and visual aids are identified and described in order to comply with safety operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Lights and visual aids include but are not limited to:
  • Obstruction lights.
  • Approach and runway lights.
  • Signs.
  • Surface markings.
  • Signals.
  • Markings indicating restricted surface areas.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Aerodrome movement areas are identified and described in order to comply with safety operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aerodrome movement areas include but are not limited to:
  • Taxi ways.
  • Runways, stopways and clearways.
  • Parking areas.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Aerodrome data is identified and interpreted in order to comply with safety operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Data includes but is not limited to:
  • Aerodrome reference point.
  • Runway directions.
  • Obstacles and their position.
  • Threshold elevation.
  • Aerodrome charts and symbols.
  • Runway contamination and braking action.
  • Declared, take-off and landing distances.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Aerodrome rescue and fire fighting services are identified and described in order to comply with safety operations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Demonstrate understanding of search and rescue procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Definitions from Annex 12 are identified and described in terms of the implications on flight operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Annexure 12 refers to the Chicago convention.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The organisation of the search and rescue service is described in terms of the implications on flight operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Search and rescue procedures are described in terms of the implications on flight operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Search and rescue signals are described in terms of the implications on flight operations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
    Demonstrate understanding of security procedures in terms of the influence on aircrew and safety operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Definitions from Annex 17 are identified and described in terms of airport safety. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Annex 17 refers to the Chicago convention.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The types of threats and general preventive security measures are identified and described in terms of airport safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons for security are discussed in order to maintain airport safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    General procedures as outlined in Annex 2 for dealing with unlawful interference are described in oder to maintain airport and aeroplane safety. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Annex 2 refers to the Chicago convention.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Special considerations in respect of flight crew as outlined in Annex 6 are described in order to maintain airport safety. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Annex 6 refers to the Chicago convention.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The security requirements as applicable to flight crew as outlined in Annex 14 and International Civil Aviation Organization Document 4444 are described in order to maintain airport safety. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Annex 14 refers to the Chicago convention and Document 4444 refer to Procedures for Air Navigation Services Rules and Conventions (PANSRAC).
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 9 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the procedures to be followed by aircrew in the event of an aircraft accident and incident. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Definitions from Annex 13 and Part 1 are identified and described in terms of accident investigation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Annex 13 and part 1 refers to the Chicago conventions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The terms "accident" and "incident" are distinguished in order to identify the necessary procedures to follow. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Procedures in the event of an accident are described in order to manage after event activities. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedures include those required under Part 12 of the Chicago convention.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Procedures in the event of an incident are described in order to manage after event activities. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedures include those required under Part 12 in the Chicago convention.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Procedures followed in the investigation of aircraft accidents are summarised in order to determine most probable cause of events. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 10 
    Demonstrate an understanding of aircrew licensing for airline transport operations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Pilot licensing includes but is not limited to: Airline Transport Pilot's License, instrument rating, type ratings and validations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The requirements for the issue, renewal, validation and re-issue of cockpit crew (pilot and or navigator) licenses and ratings are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The requirements for medical certification are discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The requirements for type ratings are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The requirements to act as a flight crew member are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The privileges and limitations of the flight crew licenses and ratings are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The regulations applicable to logging of flight time are described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 11 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the rules of the air. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    "Regulations" includes but is not limited to Civil Aviation Regulations and Civil Aviation Technical Standards.
    Pilot is equivalent for navigator as the rules apply to the operation of an aeroplane and navigator need to adhere to them. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Regulations made under Parts 121 and 127 applicable to pilots and the operation of aircraft are explained as applicable to the category of aircraft for which the license is sought. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • South African Civil Aviation Regulations
    > Parts 1,12, 43, 47, 91, 121, 127, 135 and 145.
  • International Civil Aviation Organization annexes:

    > Airworthiness:
    > Annex 8.
    > Aeroplane performance operating procedures:
    > Annex 6.
    > Facilitation procedures:
    > Annex 9.
    > Air traffic services and information:
    > Annex 11 and 15.
    > Aerodrome construction and layout:
    > Annex 14.
    > Search and rescue procedures:
    > Annex 12.
    > Security procedures:
    > Annex 17.
    > Annex 2 - Unlawful interference.
    > Annex 6 - Special considerations in respect of flight crew.
    > Annex 14 - Security requirements in respect of flight crew.
    > Accident and incident procedures:
    > Annex 13.
  • Chicago convention and Civil Aviation Technical Standards (CATS) and Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR)
  • International Civil Aviation Organization documents:
    > Security procedures:
    > Document 4444.
    > Air navigation procedures:
    > Document 8168.
    > Q codes (those still in use) 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Activating and canceling search, rescue and security procedures timeously.
  • Identify, understand and apply aviation legislation specific to the type of operation and prevailing conditions in order to prevent transgressions.
  • Utilising a thorough knowledge of legislation and practices applicable to incident and accident reporting in order to minimise potential legal exposure thereto. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Activating and canceling search, rescue and security procedures timeously.
  • Utilising a thorough knowledge of legislation and practices applicable to incident and accident reporting in order to minimise potential legal exposure thereto.
  • Arranging one's activities to comply with applicable regulations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Arranging one's activities to comply with applicable regulations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion by:
  • Making reports as required by the regulations and/or operators' procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Relating aerodrome operating minima to meteorological forecasts and reports and making decisions based on the comparison. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
  • Understanding and applying all relevant agreements and international organisation information and the rules of the air.
  • Understanding the legal context in which air transport operations are conducted and the responsibilities of the role players. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Abbreviations:

    ICAO: International Civil Aviation Organization
    PANSRAC: Procedures for Air Navigation Services Rules and Conventions
    CAA: Civil Aviation Authority
    CAR: Civil Aviation Regulations
    CATS: Civil Aviation Technical Standards 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Fundamental  49950   National Certificate: Navigation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  TETA 
    Fundamental  58023   National Diploma: Aircraft Piloting  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 
    Fundamental  59256   National Diploma: Flight Dispatch  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 
    Elective  60549   National Diploma: Aeronautical Information Management Practice  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 
    Elective  50500   National Diploma: Electronic Warfare  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.