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: 

Perform Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums operations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243291  Perform Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums operations 
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 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  8 
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 
This unit standard will enable learners to perform aircraft operations in reduced vertical separation minimums airspace. These operations will be performed in compliance with national and international regulations and safe flying practices. Learners will complete this unit standard within the context of transport piloting.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Evaluate the regulations and procedures relating to, components of and environment in which Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums (RVSM) Operations are performed.
  • Plan and prepare for flight in accordance with Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums rules and regulations.
  • Manoeuvre and manage the aircraft within Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums airspace in co-ordination with all role players and in adherence to all prescripts.
  • Manage and perform operations with the aid of Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) - Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) within Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums airspace in accordance with required procedures and safe practices. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Fly a large multi-engine aircraft in all phases of flight in IMC, VMC by day and by night. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical scope of this unit standard:
  • Safe practice includes but is not limited to lookout, compliance to rules of the air, local and international regulations, airmanship, standard operating procedures, aircraft flight manuals.
  • Assessment of the learner shall be conducted in compliance with CAA/MAA Regulations and in accordance with safe flying practice.
  • The aeroplane and its systems shall be operated within the limitations expressed in the AFM/POH.
  • The assessment of the learner shall be conducted both with and without the use of automatic flight control systems fitted to the aeroplane provided for the assessment.
  • Competence shall be assessed under actual or simulated conditions with sole reference to instruments.
  • Landings shall be conducted at or above Category I ILS minima.
  • Cockpit Resource Management is not to be assessed as a stand-alone element. However, the outcomes resulting from CRM can be assessed. CRM is integral to flight and flight safety. Procedural elements of CRM are to be assessed throughout the assessment of all outcomes in a holistic and integrated way.
    Range of procedural elements include but are not limited to: Use of checklists, route navigation charts, crew briefings, radio phraseology, and standard callouts.
  • Airmanship appropriate to the level of the unit standard should be demonstrated for all outcomes. Additional elements of airmanship specific to outcomes are indicated in range statements within assessment criteria.
  • Emergencies:
    > Assessment of the learner in emergency and non-normal operations shall be conducted using simulated emergency and non-normal situations. If a simulator approved by the regulatory authority is available, use of the simulator is preferred.
    > Assessment of the learner in simulated emergencies should be terminated at a point where successful outcome can be judged, and safe recovery to normal conditions can be achieved.
    > Under no circumstances must the aircraft or its occupants be placed in jeopardy.
  • Competence shall be assessed in a multi-engine aeroplane, (excluding an aeroplane with centre line thrust) with retractable undercarriage and adjustable flaps, and variable pitch propeller, or turbo-propeller or turbo-jet engines, or a flight simulator approved by the regulatory authority.
    > Tolerances shall be in accordance with RSVM rules and regulations. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Evaluate the regulations and procedures relating to, components of and environment in which Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums (RVSM) Operations are performed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    National and International regulations and procedures governing Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums Operations are analysed to determine their applicability and impact on a flight operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedures shall include but are not limited to RVSM approval processes, operational approval and in-flight procedures.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Airborne and ground based components associated with Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums Operations and certification are identified and analysed in order to determine their applicability to a flight operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Components include but are not limited to height monitoring, RVSM required aircraft equipment and allowable equipment limitations and tollerances.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Operator required maintenance procedures for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums Operations are analysed in order to determine safe and legal flight operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Operator and flight crew certification and training requirements are assessed for continued operations within Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums airspaces to ensure legal compliance. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan and prepare for flight in accordance with Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums rules and regulations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    This specific outcome shall be assessed prior to in-flight operations and includes all pre-flight activities. The flight may be simulated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums Operations rules and regulations are analysed and applied in terms of the RVSM airspace in which the flight is to be conducted. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Rules and Regulations include but are not limited to the National and International legal as well as operators' policies and procedures and include Minimum Equipment Lists (MEL), flight folios and aircraft documentation. The aircraft type/simulator must be suitable for the purposes of the assessment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Aircraft and aircrew documentation and systems are reviewed and system functionality tested for compliance to RVSM flight requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Documents include but are not limited to Minimum Equipment Lists (MEL), flight folio, maintenance documents, aircrew licensing documents, RVSM recording data log. Systems include the operational systems required for RVSM flight.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    RVSM transition areas are identified along route and procedures considered for the transition into and out of RVSM airspace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Malfunctions or failures affecting RVSM flight are analysed and contingencies are described in order to ensure safe outcomes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to radio phraseology, crew actions, altitude restrictions, fuel restrictions, diversionary flight planning and reporting of non-RVSM compliance.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Manoeuvre and manage the aircraft within Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums airspace in co-ordination with all role players and in adherence to all prescripts. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Manoeuvre means turning, climbing or descending into or in RVSM airspace. Role players include aircrew, ATC and other aircraft aircrew. Prescripts relate to national and international regulations and operators procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The onboard environment is established in preparation for entry into RVSM airspace. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Onboard environment includes but is not limited to: aircraft system monitoring and assessment to meet RVSM compliance, crew coordination, ATC communication, selection of correct flight levels.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The onboard environment is established during flight in RVSM airspace in accordance with national and international regulations and standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedures include but are not limited to altimeter error log keeping, ATC communication, correct flight level selection and height maintenance.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The onboard environment is established in preparation for exit from RVSM airspace in co-ordination. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Onboard environment management includes but is not limited to: aircraft system monitoring and assessment to meet RVSM compliance, crew coordination, ATC communication, selection of correct flight levels.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Non-normal or emergency conditions are identified and managed in accordance with safe practices during simulated RVSM conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Non-normal or emergency conditions shall be assessed under simulated conditions only. Safety shall be of primary importance during the simulation of non-normal or emergency conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Conditions can include but are not limited to engine failure, loss of cabin pressure, equipment failure. Managing the failure includes but is not limited to maintaining control of the aircraft, executing correct procedures and checks, communicating situation and intentions to ATC and passenger considerations.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Airmanship is demonstrated and Situational Awareness is maintained whist the aeroplane is being manoeuvred in RVSM airspace. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specific observables of airmanship practices includes but are not limited to observance of traffic to effect, following the route given during the clearance, and observance of equipment performance.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Manage and perform operations with the aid of Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) - Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) within Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums airspace in accordance with required procedures and safe practices. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    TCAS - ACAS operations form an integral part of RVSM operations and should be assessed concurrently. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Equipment and terminology associated with TCAS - ACAS Operations are identified and analysed for use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment includes but are not limited to components, controls, ground operation, area of coverage and operation, Traffic Advisory (TA) and Resolution Advisory (RA) indications.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    TCAS - ACAS Traffic Advisories (TA's) conditions, criteria and required actions are investigated and managed in RVSM airspace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    TCAS - ACAS Resolution Advisories (RA's) conditions, criteria and required actions are investigated and managed in RVSM airspace. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Managed refers to the crew coordination and action during the event of a RA, ATC communication and reporting procedures there after.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA in accordance with the current ETQA regulations.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Other ETQA's who have a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA would be responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • National and International Regulations and procedures applicable to Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums Operations.
  • Characteristics, limitations, restrictions and failure modes of equipment required for RVSM and TCAS II operations.
  • Operators policy regarding and approved procedures for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums Operations.
  • Areas of RVSM operations.
  • AFM/POH aeroplane type specific technical, limitations and procedural knowledge.
  • Procedures specific to RVSM airspace being used.
  • Crew qualification and training requirements pertinent to Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums and TCAS II Operations.
  • AFM/POH procedures for operating the aeroplane.
  • Aeroplane systems.
  • AFM/POH procedures for non-normal and emergency situations that might occur during operations.
  • Air traffic control procedures.
  • Procedures specific to the airport being used.
  • Avoidance actions in the event of system failure when operating the aeroplane.
  • Prescribed traffic pattern requirements and procedures.
  • Departure and arrival procedures.
  • ICAO Documents 9574.
  • ICAO Doc 9536.
  • ICAO Doc 9572.
  • JAR TGL 6. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Manoeuvring and managing the aircraft within Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums airspace in co-ordination with all role players and in adherence to all prescripts.
  • Managing and executing operations with the aid of Terminal Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II) - Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) within Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums airspace in accordance with required procedures and safe practices. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • Operation of the aircraft within Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums airspace in co-ordination with all role players and in adherence to all prescripts.
  • Operations with the aid of Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS ) - Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) within Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums airspace.
  • Working in conjunction with ATS and organising the flight in cognisance of other air traffic. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Planning ahead.
  • Complying with applicable legislation.
  • Performing appropriate checks and procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • Operation of the aircraft within Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums airspace in co-ordination with all role players and in adherence to all prescripts.
  • Operations with the aid of Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) - Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) within Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums airspace. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion during:
  • Operation of the aircraft within Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums airspace in co-ordination with all role players and in adherence to all prescripts.
  • Operations with the aid of Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) - Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) within Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums airspace. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Visual scanning the environment to clear the area before and while performing operations in RVSM airspace.
  • Operation of the aeroplane and its systems in accordance with the AFM/POH.
  • Taking prompt corrective action in response to TCAS or ACAS events.
  • Taking prompt corrective action when tolerances are exceeded.
  • Flying the aeroplane in such a way that tolerance exceedences are kept to a minimum. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • A high level of situational awareness, airmanship and safe flying practise is maintained.
  • Airspace restrictions and requirements are adhered to.
  • Procedures and other measures to minimise risk in RSVM airspace. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
  • The assessor must hold a recognised relevant civil or military flying instructor certification as applicable to the stream of assessment.
  • The assessor must be competent in the outcomes of this unit standard. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Definitions:
  • Airmanship

    The application of the principles of skill, proficiency and discipline. It includes but is not limited to: knowledge of equipment, knowledge of self, knowledge of the environment, risks associated with flight operations, appropriate situational awareness and good judgment. Good airmanship is displayed when there are no intentional deviations from accepted regulations, procedures or common sense.
  • Situational Awareness

    The perception of the elements in the environment within a volume of time and space, the comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of their status in the near future.
  • Safe practises in flight operations

    Means a systematic, explicit and proactive process that minimises risks to aviation and the public whilst integrating flight operations, technical systems, financial considerations and resource management.
  • Where the term "Cockpit Resource Management" is used it also means "Crew Resource Management" and vice-versa.
  • Where the term "non-normal" is used it also means the term "abnormal" and vice-versa.
  • Where the term "Captain" is used it also means "Commander" and vice-versa.
  • Where the term "Standard Operating Procedures" are used it also means "Operator Procedures" or "Operating Procedures" and vice versa.
  • The terms "airport" and "aerodrome" and "airfield" are used as synonyms where appropriate.
  • The information contained in this unit standard does not supersede any information contained in manufacturer's instructions or any law.
  • Assessment Guidelines:

    > Assessments shall be carried out in an aeroplane certified for multi-crew operation, shall be conducted as pilot flying during all sections of the assessment. The learner shall also demonstrate competence in pilot-not-flying duties.
    > The learner may choose either pilot seat for the assessment, but in either case will be assessed as pilot in command.
    > Use of distractions during practical assessment - Numerous studies indicate that many accidents have occurred when the pilot has been distracted during critical phases of flight. To strengthen this area of pilot training and evaluation, the assessor shall provide a realistic distraction during the practical test. This will give the assessor a positive opportunity to evaluate the learner's ability to divide attention both inside and outside the cockpit while maintaining safe flight.
    > Assessors must note that Standard Operating Procedures are used as guidance to harmonise and standardise training and a flight operation. Deviation from SOP's or omission of individual items occurs and should be allowed for during assessment if such deviation can be justified. Checklists however, contain critical items and must be followed. Thus deviation from a checklist should only be considered if the nature of an emergency or non-normality dictates such deviation as an appropriate behaviour.
    > Reduced vertical separation minimums airspace refers to airspace in which the minimum vertical separation between opposite direction traffic above Flight Level 280 has been reduced to 1000 feet.

    Abbreviations:
  • ACAS: Airborne Collision Avoidance System
  • AFM: Aircraft Flight Manual
  • ATC: Air Traffic Control
  • ATS: Air Traffic Service
  • CAA: Civil Aviation Authority
  • CRM: Crew Resource Management (Cockpit Resource Management)
  • ICAO: International Civil Aviation Organisation
  • IAS: Indicated Air Speed
  • ILS: Instrument Landing System
  • IMC: Instrument Meteorological Conditions
  • JAR: Joint Aviation Requirements
  • MAA: Military Aviation Authority
  • MEL: Minimum Equipment List
  • POH: Pilot Operating Handbook
  • RA: Resolution Advisory
  • RVSM: Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums
  • SOP's: Standard Operating Procedures
  • TCAS: Traffic Collision Avoidance System II
  • TA: Traffic Advisory 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58008   National Diploma: Aircraft Piloting  Level 6  NQF Level 06  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.
     
    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.