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 aeroplane take-offs, landings and go-arounds 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243326  Perform aeroplane take-offs, landings and go-arounds 
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  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 actual take-off, landing and go-around procedures for commercial, Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flights by day and by night in compliance with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or Military Aviation Authority (MAA) Regulations and safe flying practice. This unit standard will benefit learners within the arena of commercial piloting.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Perform take-offs during real and or simulated flight operations.
  • Perform landings during real and or simulated flight operations.
  • Perform go-arounds during real and or simulated flight operations. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4.
  • Physical Science at NQF Level 4.
  • Communication at NQF Level 4.
  • Perform pre- and post-flight procedures and administration.
  • Controlling the aeroplane by visual reference in normal flight. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • 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 Aircraft flight Manual (AFM) or Pilot Operating Handbook (POH).
  • Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) 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, crew briefings, radio calls, and callouts.
  • Assessment:

    > Assessments shall be conducted in an aeroplane certified for single pilot operation.
    > If a multi-engine aeroplane is provided for assessment, the learner shall be assessed on competence in carrying out appropriate manoeuvres with one engine (simulated) inoperative.
    > Assessments shall be conducted in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), by day and by night.
  • Competence shall be assessed in a single or multi-engine aeroplane with retractable undercarriage and adjustable flaps, and variable pitch propeller, or turbo-propeller or turbo-jet engines, or an equivalent flight simulator approved by the regulatory authority.
  • Tolerances:

    > The assessor shall make allowance for environmental conditions and the handling qualities and performance of the type of aircraft.
    > Assessors should not over emphasize staying within the tolerances at the expense of smooth flying.

    > General Flying:

    > ± 5 ° heading, ± 5 kts IAS, ± 50 ft altitude.
    > Aircraft is balanced to within ¼ of the balance ball.

    > Asymmetric flight (applicable only to multi-engine aeroplane):

    > Heading ± 10 °, +10 / -5 kts IAS, ± 100 ft altitude.
    > Aircraft is balanced to within ½ of the balance ball.
  • Emergencies (simulated):
    > Under no circumstances shall the aircraft or its occupants be placed in jeopardy.
  • Good 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. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Perform take-offs during real and or simulated flight operations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Take-offs include but are not limited to: short-field take-offs, soft-field take-offs, crosswind take-offs, contaminated surface take-offs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Take-off is planned according to prescribed procedures taking into account influencing conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Take-off planning includes but is not limited to: determination of appropriate configuration, calculation of required distances and critical speeds and decisions on normal and contingency procedures.
  • Prescribed procedures include those set out in the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) and operator's approved procedures.
  • Conditions include but are not limited to: aircraft weight; meteorological conditions; noise abatement procedures; runway conditions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Aircraft is prepared for take-off according to the planned procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aircraft preparation includes but is not limited to: pre-take-off checks and procedures; liaison with Air Traffic Control (ATC); briefings; setting of planned configuration.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A take-off is performed using planned procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Emergency and non-normal situations during take-off are managed according to their nature and planned contingency procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Emergency and non-normal situations may include but are not limited to: engine failure before decision speed (V1) and engine failure after V1 (multi-engine only); fire; runway incursion; windshear, bird strikes. The situations may be simulated.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Perform landings during real and or simulated flight operations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Landings may include short field landings; crosswind landings, various configuration landings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Landing is planned according to prescribed procedures taking into account influencing conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Landing planning includes but is not limited to: determination of appropriate configuration, calculation of required distances and speeds and decisions on normal and contingency procedures.
  • Prescribed procedures include those set out in the AFM and operator's approved procedures.
  • Conditions include but are not limited to: aircraft weight; meteorological conditions; noise abatement procedures; runway conditions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Aircraft is prepared for landing according to the planned procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aircraft preparation includes but is not limited to: pre-landing checks and procedures; liaison with Air Traffic Control (ATC); briefings; setting of planned configuration.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A landing is performed using planned procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Emergency and non-normal situations during landing are managed according to their nature and planned contingency procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Emergency and non-normal situations may include but are not limited to: engine failure; fire; runway incursion; windshear, birdstrikes. The situations may be simulated.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform go-arounds during real and or simulated flight operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Go-around is planned according to prescribed procedures taking into account influencing conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Go-around planning includes but is not limited to: determination of appropriate configuration and speeds and decisions on go-around flightpath.
  • Prescribed procedures include those set out in the AFM and operator's approved procedures and ATC instructions.
  • Conditions include but are not limited to: aircraft weight; meteorological conditions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Conditions, which make a go-around advisable, are identified in order to inform decision making. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Conditions include but are not limited to: ATC instruction; inadequate visual reference to the runway; excessive speed or height of the aircraft; runway incursion.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Go-around is performed to position the aircraft for the next phase of flight according to planned procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Go-around plan is formulated and performed in accordance with the prevailing circumstances. 


    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 
  • AFM checks and procedures.
  • Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Definitions of terms associated with take-off and landing distances.
  • Regulations governing take-offs and landings.
  • Noise abatement procedures.
  • Interpretation of aeroplane performance data.
  • Determination of critical speeds.
  • Interpretation of aerodrome charts.
  • Aviation services procedures.
  • Communication channels.
  • The aviation legislation.
  • Aviation operations.
  • Aviation operations in fulfilling mandates whilst providing a service to stakeholders.
  • Causality of events.
  • Standard operating procedures.
  • Operational procedures, methods and techniques.
  • Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies:
    > Civil Aviation Act as amended.
    > Civil Aviation Regulations and Technical Standards.
    > Military Aviation Regulations.
    > ICAO. 
    		•

    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:
  • Performing flights to achieve objectives within the constraints of the aeroplane limitations and regulatory requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • Acting as pilot-in-command of a flight crew.
  • Communicating with Air Traffic Service (ATS) and organising the flight in cognisance of other air traffic.
  • Establishing and maintaining an open communication environment conducive to good team work. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Plan ahead.
  • Compliance with applicable legislation.
  • Performing appropriate checks and procedures.
  • Using checklists where appropriate.
  • Exercising command ability and manoeuvring the aeroplane within its limits in order to achieve the desired outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • Identifying symptoms of instrument, system and engine malfunctions.
  • Identifying changes to the conditions and the prevailing weather.
  • Identifying changes to the traffic flow which may require adaptation of the flight path. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Radio and cockpit communication is in accordance with standard procedures and phraseology to ensure clarity and brevity of communication is achieved.
  • Establishing and maintaining an open communication environment conducive to good team work. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Proper and effective visual scanning to clear the area before and while performing manoeuvres by visual reference.
  • Operation of the aeroplane and its systems in accordance with the AFM/POH.
  • 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 is maintained.
  • Airspace restrictions and requirements are adhered to.
  • Curfews, noise abatement procedures and other measures to minimise disturbance to the environment and the public are observed.
  • Safe flying practice is maintained. 
    		•

    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 
    Notes:

    Learners who are not competent in the language proficiency standard for ICAO defined operational English at ICAO level 4 will find it difficult to meet licensing requirements.

    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 flight portion of 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.

    The information contained in this unit standard does not supersede any information contained in manufacturer's instructions or any law.

    Abbreviations:
  • IFR: Instrument Flight Rules.
  • VFR: Visual Flight Rules.
  • VMC: Visual Meteorology Conditions.
  • CAA: Civil Aviation Authority.
  • MAA: Military Aviation Authority.
  • AFM: Aircraft flight Manual.
  • POH: Pilot Operating Handbook.
  • CRM: Cockpit Resource Management.
  • ATC: Air Traffic Control.
  • ATS: Air Traffic Service.
  • V1: Take-off decision speed.

    Definitions:
  • Airmanship is defined as incorporating the ability to make sound judgements and execution of safe practices.
  • 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. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58023   National Diploma: Aircraft Piloting  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.
     
    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.