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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relationship between aircraft flight systems, aerodrome facilities and aeronautical navigation facilities 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244201  Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relationship between aircraft flight systems, aerodrome facilities and aeronautical navigation facilities 
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  20 
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 demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relationship between aircraft flight systems, aerodrome facilities and aeronautical navigation facilities. Learners will be provided an opportunity to develop their practical skills with the essential knowledge required for air traffic services.

A learner credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Describe aircraft characteristics and systems.
  • Describe aerodrome features.
  • Describe aeronautical navigation systems.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of radar systems.

    Learners who have achieved this unit standard will increase their opportunities for professional development and employability within the Aviation industry. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Communication at NQF Level 4 or equivalent. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Where necessary ranges are specified in relation to specific outcomes and assessment criteria within the body of the standard. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe aircraft characteristics and systems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Aircraft characteristics and systems include both components and performance aspects. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Wake turbulence categories are identified and matched with aircraft types. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Types of aircraft are identified in accordance with international aircraft designators. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aircraft identification can include but is not limited to:
  • Make and model, type of propulsion, number of engines.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Aircraft are identified in terms of its performance characteristics and implications for air traffic control services. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Performance characteristics include but are not limited to speed range, rate of climb, endurance, wake turbulence category.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Roles of aircraft are categorised in terms of their implications for air traffic control services. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Roles of aircraft include but is not limited to:
  • Military, civilian, recreational, law enforcement.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The main aircraft functional systems are described in terms of their impact on flight. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aircraft functional systems include but are not limited to pressurization systems, flight control systems, electrical systems, landing gear, hydraulic systems, glass cockpit.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Aircraft instruments are discussed in terms of principles of operation, construction, accuracy and errors. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aircraft instruments include but are not limited to:
  • Pitot/static systems, altimeter, airspeed indicator, mach meter, turn and slip indicator (TSI), artificial horizon (AH), vertical speed indicator (VSI), air data computer (ADC).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Aircraft propulsion systems are discussed in terms of their impact on air traffic management. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Propulsion systems include piston, turbine and jet.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe aerodrome features. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Features include but are not limited to manoeuvring area layout, lighting, facilities, markings and equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The types of aerodromes are discussed in order to reflect the differences. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of aerodromes include heliports, water aerodromes and land-based.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Aerodrome layout is described in terms of its relationship to air traffic management. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aerodrome layout includes manoeuvring area and apron area.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Aerodrome markings are described in terms of its uses and relationship to air traffic management. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Aerodrome lighting is described in terms of its uses and relationship to air traffic management. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Aerodrome facilities is described in terms of its uses and relationship to air traffic management. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Facilities include but not limited to engine run-up bay, refuelling areas and compass swing areas.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Aerodrome equipment is described in terms of its uses and relationship to air traffic management. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment includes emergency services, airport maintenance, power supply.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe aeronautical navigation systems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Systems include both airborne and ground-based. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Navigational aids are discussed in terms of their utilisation in air traffic management. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Navigational aids include but are not limited to direction finding (D/F), Automatic direction finding (ADF), non-directional beacon (NDB) Conventional very high frequency omni-directional range (CVOR), instrument landing system (ILS) and Doppler very high frequency omni-directional range (DVOR).
  • Utilisation includes but are not limited Signals, Accuracy, limitations and errors, Calculation of bearings.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Precision and non-precision approaches are differentiated from each other in order to determine their functionality and application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Radio navigation flight procedures are described in terms of its applicability to specific air traffic management scenarios. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Navigation flight procedures include but are not limited to SIDs, STARs, RNAV, holding patterns.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The system principles of Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) are differentiated in terms of functionality and application. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Communication includes but is not limited to ATN, AMSS, data linking.
  • Navigation includes but is not limited to RNP, GNSS, satellite navigation.
  • Surveillance includes but is not limited to ADS, ADS-B, ACAS.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The principles of air traffic management (ATM) are described in terms of functionality and application in the aviation environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Principles of air traffic management include but are not limited to capacity management, flow management, flexible use of airspace.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate an understanding of radar systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Radar principles, components and use are described with reference to its role in air traffic management. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Principles include but are not limited to advantages and limitations, propagation, clutter, slant.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Primary radar systems are identified and described with reference to its use in air traffic management. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Primary radar systems include but are not limited to en-route surveillance radar, terminal approach radar and precision approach radar.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Secondary surveillance radar (SSR) and transponder principles and techniques are described with reference to its use in air traffic management. 


    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 
  • Aerodromes and other Landing Surfaces.
  • Aerodrome reference codes.
  • Aerodrome reference point.
  • Aerodrome and runway elevation.
  • Aerodrome reference temperature.
  • Aerodrome physical dimensions and related information.
  • Strength of pavements.
  • Pre-flight altimeter check locations.
  • Inertial navigation system (INS) check point(s).
  • Declared distances.
  • Conditions of movement area and related facilities.
  • Obstacles restriction and removal.
  • Obstacles limitation requirements.
  • Objects outside the obstacle limitation surfaces.
  • Other objects.
  • Visual Aids for Navigation.
  • Visual aids for denoting obstacles.
  • Marking of objects.
  • Lighting of objects.
  • Visual aids for denoting restricted use areas.
  • Heliports.
  • Water aerodromes.
  • Aerodrome equipment and service.
  • Environmental protection.
  • NDB-Principles, units, application, limitations and range.
  • VOR-Principles, units, application, limitations and range.
  • DME-Principles, units, application, limitations and range.
  • VDF-Principles, units, application, limitations and range.
  • Locator marker system-Principles, units and application, limitations and range.
  • ILS-Principles, units, application, limitations, range, accuracy and categories.
  • MLS-Principles, units, application, limitations, range, accuracy and categories.
  • GPS-Principles, units, application, limitations, range and accuracy requirements for en-route and terminal application.
  • INS/IRS-Principles, units, application, limitations, range and accuracy.
  • NDB, VOR, ILS, MLS, GNSS precision and non-precision approaches.
  • Radar-application, range, limitations and accuracy.
  • Airspeed indicator.
  • Machmeter.
  • Altimeter.
  • Artificial horizon.
  • Magnetic compass.
  • Direction indicator.
  • Vertical speed indicator.
  • The Glass cockpit.
  • Primary flight display (FDP).
  • Navigation display (ND).
  • Engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS).
  • Multi-function display (MFD).
  • ATN.
  • AMSS.
  • SSR Mode S.
  • Data linking.
  • CPDLC.
  • RNP.
  • GNSS.
  • RNAV.
  • Augmentation.
  • WGS-84.
  • Satellite navigation.
  • Random and flex operations.
  • ADS.
  • ADS-B.
  • ACAS.
  • Air Traffic Flow Management.
  • Role and performance of different types of aircraft operating in the airspace.
  • Wake turbulence.
  • Make, model and characteristics of different types of aircraft.
  • Physical features and facilities associated with an aerodrome.
  • Air traffic services administrative process.
  • Air traffic services co-ordination procedures.
  • Computer based flight data processing systems.
  • Air traffic control system, coordination and transfer of control.
  • Meteorological phenomena.
  • Meteorological maps and charts.
  • Alerting service system and procedures.
  • Search and Rescue procedures.
  • Emergency procedures.
  • Aviation legislation.
  • Flight data processing equipment. 
    		•

    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:
  • Identify alternative methods for communicating/transmitting information when communication equipment failure is experienced. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • Monitor the status of air traffic services facilities, identify and report facilities which have become unserviceable. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • All equipment breakdown/failure is immediately reported to appropriate personnel to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted flow of information. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • Prioritise and communicate information by order of importance.
  • All information is verified and confirmed prior to distribution. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion during:
  • Maintain communication with Air Traffic Controllers and provide required information relevant to developing situations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Meteorological measuring instruments are used correctly so that weather conditions can be accurately assessed.
  • Computer systems are used correctly to process accurate flight data. 
    		•

    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:
  • Recognise the importance of providing efficient and effective support in an air traffic service environment. 
    		•

    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:
  • SAR: Search and Rescue.
  • ATS: Air Traffic Service.
  • TSI: Turn and slip indicator.
  • AH: Artificial horizon.
  • VSI: Vertical speed indicator.
  • ADC: Air data computer.
  • D/F: Ground direction finding.
  • ADF: Automatic direction finding.
  • NDB: Non-directional beacon.
  • CVOR: Conventional very high frequency omni-directional range.
  • ILS: Instrument landing system.
  • DVOR: Doppler very high frequency omni-directional range.
  • SID: Standard instrument departure.
  • STAR: Standard instrument arrival.
  • RNAV: Area navigation.
  • CNS: Communication, Navigation and Surveillance.
  • ATN: Aeronautical telecommunication network.
  • AMSS: Aeronautical mobile satellite system.
  • RNP: Required navigation performance.
  • GNSS: Global navigation satellite system.
  • ADS: Automatic dependant surveillance.
  • ADS-B: Automatic dependant surveillance broadcast.
  • ACAS: Airborne collision avoidance system.
  • ATM: Air traffic management.
  • SSR: Secondary surveillance radar.
  • INS: Inertial navigation system.
  • VOR: Very high frequency omni-directional range.
  • DME: Distance measuring equipment.
  • VDF: Very high frequency direction finding.
  • MLS: Microwave landing system.
  • GPS: Global positioning system.
  • IRS: Inertial reference system.
  • FDP: Primary flight display.
  • ND: Navigation display.
  • EICAS: Engine indication and crew alerting system.
  • MFD: Multi-function display.
  • MFD: Multi-function display.
  • CPDLC: Controller-pilot data link communication.
  • WGS: World geodetic system. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58581   National Certificate: Air Traffic Support  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 
    Core  60549   National Diploma: Aeronautical Information Management Practice  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 
    Core  59256   National Diploma: Flight Dispatch  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.