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

Describe elementary aerodynamic principles of flight 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244206  Describe elementary aerodynamic principles of flight 
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  5 
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 describe elementary aerodynamic principles of flight that would include an understanding of the theory and the physiology of flight and principles of flight. Learners will be provided an opportunity to develop their practical skills with the essential knowledge required for air traffic services.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Describe the elements of physics relating to aerodynamic principles.
  • Describe basic aerodynamic principles.
  • Explain the effects of change of control surfaces in flight.

    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 
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4.
  • Physical Science at NQF Level 4.
  • Communication at NQF level 4. 
    		•

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

    The learner must be able to demonstrate knowledge of elementary aerodynamic principles. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the elements of physics relating to aerodynamic principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Concepts of physics are described with examples and calculations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Concepts of physics include but are not limited to Gravity, Mass and weight, Force, Speed and velocity, Acceleration, Inertia, Work, power and energy, Pressure, Density, Vectors.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Newton's laws of motion are described in relation to aerodynamics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Moments and couples are described in relation to aerodynamics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Physics units of measurement are described in relation to aerodynamics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Motion in a circular path is described in terms of velocities, acceleration and forces. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe basic aerodynamic principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The concepts of fluid flow are described in relation to its influence on flight. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Concepts of fluid flow include but are not limited to equation of continuity, Bernoulli's theorem, streamline flow, angle of attack, characteristics and shapes of an aerofoil section, pressure distribution about a wing.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The theory of flight is explained in terms of aerodynamic concepts. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aerodynamic concepts include but are not limited to the concept of lift, concept of drag, causes of drag, effect on total drag.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The concept of supersonic flight is described in terms of the behaviour of gas. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Gas behaviour includes but is not limited to compressibility, sonic speed definition, heating, shock stall, Mach buffer.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the effects of change of control surfaces in flight. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The effect of slipstream and thrust on flight is described in terms of its influence on aircraft performance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The concept of stalling is explained in terms of its relationship to the stability of flight. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The concept of spinning is described in qualitative terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The concept of stability is described in terms of its impact on flight dynamics. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Stability may refer to longitudinal static, dynamic stability, lateral stability and directional stability.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Factors affecting the control of the aircraft are described in terms of its effect on control surfaces. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include but are not limited to moments, centre of gravity, forces, yaw, roll, pitch.
     


    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 
  • Awareness of conditions and hazards most likely to produce surface contamination.
  • Applied aerodynamic principles for accelerated flight:
    > Velocities.
    > Acceleration and forces applicable to motion in a circular path.
  • Static and dynamic stability of the aeroplane.
  • Balance of forces and moments in straight and level flight.
  • Newton's laws of motion.
  • Balance of forces in descending flight.
  • Calculations using the relevant physical concepts and laws.
  • Elements of physics relating to aerodynamic principles.
  • Basic aerodynamic principles.
  • Applied aerodynamic principles for steady flight.
  • Adverse aileron yaw.
  • Flaps and slats.
  • Primary and secondary effects of aileron, elevator and rudder.
  • Vortices and its impact. 
    		•


    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:
  • Explaining the effects of change of control surfaces in flight. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • 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:
  • Planning ahead.
  • Complying with applicable legislation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • The concept of supersonic flight is described in terms of the behaviour of gas. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion during:
  • The theory of flight is explained in terms of aerodynamic concepts. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • The effect of slipstream and thrust on flight is described in terms of its influence on aircraft performance.
  • The concept of stalling is explained in terms of its relationship to the stability of flight.
  • The concept of spinning is described in qualitative terms.
  • The concept of stability is described in terms of its impact on flight dynamics. 
    		•

    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:
  • Factors affecting the control of the aircraft are described in terms of its effect on control surfaces. 
    		•

    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
    Core  59256   National Diploma: Flight Dispatch  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 
    Fundamental  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 
    Fundamental  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.