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 an understanding of the principles of air traffic management communications systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
230208  Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of air traffic management communications systems 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Aerospace Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Physical Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
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 
The qualifying learner will be capable of demonstrating an understanding of the principles of Air Traffic Management Communications Systems.

Qualifying learners will be capable of:
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the principles of Voice Air-Ground Radio communication systems.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the principles of Voice Ground-Ground communications system.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the principles of Data Communications Network. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that a learner will be competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain Voice Air-Ground communication systems principles. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Communications Systems include, but are not limited to:
  • An integrated network of HF.
  • VHF and UHF Radio Transmitters and Receivers.
  • Telephone.
  • Video and Intercom systems.
  • Radio.
  • Optical Fibre and Landline link Equipment.
  • Communication switching and control systems.
  • Air Traffic Control (ATC) communication positions. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Voice air-ground communication systems principles are explained in terms of Air Traffic Control requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Air Traffic Control requirements include, but are not limited to: the concepts and terminology in use and the role of voice air-ground communications in Air Traffic Control.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Voice air-ground communication systems principles are explained in terms of system architecture. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    System architecture includes, but is not limited to: the functional elements of Very High Frequency radio systems and the methods used to route and switch voice communications.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Voice air-ground communication systems principles are explained in terms of a typical system. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A typical system includes, but is not limited to: functionality, emergency systems, transmission, reception, aerial systems and signal switching.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Voice air-ground communication systems principles are explained in terms of Human-Machine interface (HMI) requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Human-machine interface requirements will includes, but is not limited to: the Air Traffic Control Suite layout, the signal path from the control suite to the aircraft and aircraft cockpit layout.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain Voice Ground-Ground communications system principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Voice ground-ground communication systems principles are explained in terms of Air Traffic Management requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Air Traffic Management requirements include, but are not limited to: the concepts and terminology in use and the role of voice ground-ground communications in Air Traffic Management.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Voice ground-ground communication systems principles are explained in terms of system architecture. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    System architecture includes, but is not limited to:
  • The functional elements of High Frequency radio systems.
  • Telephone systems.
  • Intercom Systems.
  • Radio link.
  • Optical Fibre Link.
  • Land-line link equipment and the methods used to route.
  • Switch voice communications within and between these systems.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Voice ground-ground communication systems principles are explained in terms of typical systems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Typical systems will include, but are not limited to:
  • Functionality.
  • Stand-by systems.
  • Transmission.
  • Reception.
  • Aerial systems.
  • Signal switching.
  • Recording equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Voice ground-ground communication systems principles are explained in terms of Human-Machine interface (HMI) requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Human-machine interface requirements will include, but are not limited to: the Air Traffic Control Suite layout, the interface to other suites and users in the Air Traffic Management environment.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain Data Communications Network principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Data Communications Network principles are explained in terms of purpose and use in Air Traffic Management. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Purpose and use includes, but is not limited to:
  • Terminology.
  • Phraseology.
  • The role of Data Communications networks in Air Traffic Management.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Data Communications Networks are explained in terms of their principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Principles include, but are not limited to:
  • Network theory.
  • Data transmission concepts.
  • Software functions and applications.
  • Packet switching and protocols.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Data Communications Network principles are explained in terms of range and types of networks. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of networks in use include, but are not limited to:
  • Local Area Network (LAN).
  • Wide Area Network (WAN).
  • Open System Interconnection (OSI).
  • Data Links.
  • Packet switching.
  • Protocols.
  • Test and monitoring tools.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Data Communications Network principles are explained in terms of function and performance of systems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Systems includes, but are not limited to: Local Area Network (LAN) Wide Area Network (WAN) and Data Links.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Data Communications Network principles are explained in terms of Air Traffic Management Specific Networks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    ATM specific networks include, but are not limited to:
  • Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunications Systems (AFTN).
  • Satellite Systems.
  • Automatic Dependent Systems ADS/CPDLC.
  • SITA.
  • On-Line Data Interchange (OLDI).
  • Mode S.
  • VSAT.
  • Satellite Communications Systems SATCOM. 
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • External Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA at its discretion.
  • The accredited Training Provider will oversee internal moderation of assessment.
  • Internal and external moderation should encompass achievement of competence described in the specific outcomes of the unit standard as well as the integrated competence described in the purpose of the unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Radio Transmission.
  • Radio Reception.
  • Aerial Systems.
  • Signal Switching.
  • VHF Radio Communication.
  • HF Radio Communication.
  • Radio links.
  • Fibre-Optic Links.
  • Land-line links.
  • Telephone systems.
  • Intercom systems.
  • Air routes and the impact of Communications System serviceability on the safety of air navigation along these routes.
  • National ATM Communications System architecture. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others when liasing with Air Traffic Controllers and other role players in the ATM environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively ensuring that information communicated via technical reports is accurately recorded in a neat and logical format that can be readily accessed and understood by end-users and that ongoing oral communication is maintained with Air Traffic Control during the monitoring and operation of Communications systems. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Demonstrate scientific and technological competence by applying knowledge and understanding of scientific processes to the correct understanding of sophisticated, high technology communications equipment and diagnostic systems. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that the role of the technician is a vital part of the integrated Communication System which is used by Air Traffic Control, Airline Pilots and the flying community at large and as such should therefore not be regarded as a role which is performed in isolation of this network. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
  • Assessors must be registered as assessors with a relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessors must be in possession of a relevant qualification at a minimum of NQF Level 6. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Fundamental  57229   National Certificate: Communications, Navigation and Surveillance Support  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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 


    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.
     
    1. Aviation Training Academy 


    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.