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: 

Provide aerodrome control assistance 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244210  Provide aerodrome control assistance 
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  15 
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 provide aerodrome control assistance in accordance with nationally and internationally recognised procedures, phraseology, standards and recommended practices. 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:
  • Explain factors influencing air traffic management within the aerodrome environment.
  • Relay air traffic clearances to departing traffic in a controlled airspace.
  • Operate aerodrome control tower equipment according to standard operating procedures.

    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.
  • Mathematical literacy NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain factors influencing air traffic management within the aerodrome environment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Factors include but are not limited to circuit patterns, division of airspace, runway selection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of air traffic priorities within South Africa are explained in terms of Civil Aviation Authority and Military Aviation Authority regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Priorities include but are not limited to VIP, IFR, VFR, medical evacuations, emergencies.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The division of airspace is explained in terms of Civil Aviation Authority and Military Aviation Authority regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Criteria for establishing take-off and landing directions are explained in terms of International Civil Authority Organisation and related publications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Criteria includes but is not limited to:
  • Type of aircraft, length of runway, traffic patterns, pilot's visibility, prevailing weather, noise-abatement procedures, serviceability of taxiways, crosswinds.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Patterns flown by aircraft within South Africa controlled airspace are compared in accordance with ICAO, CAA and/or MAA related publications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Relay air traffic clearances to departing traffic in a controlled airspace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of routes flown by aircraft within South Africa are described in terms of Civil Aviation Authority and Military Aviation Authority regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Routes include but are not limited to:
  • Airways, advisory routes, information routes, Area navigation routes (RNAV).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Types of air traffic control separation are explained in terms of International Civil Authority Organisation and organisational policy. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Separations include but are not limited to separations based on:
  • Time, track, speed and altitude.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Air Traffic Control clearances are obtained and recorded in accordance with local procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Recording includes flight progress strip completions, electronic flight progress systems.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Air Traffic Control clearances are formulated and communicated to air traffic on the ground in the prescribed formats. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The use of ATC clearances are explained with reference to their role in air traffic management. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Operate aerodrome control tower equipment according to standard operating procedures. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Operate also refers to serviceability checks and reporting of serviceability status.
  • Equipment includes but is not limited to:

    > Radio, intercom, meteorological equipment, navigation, surveillance and communication monitoring equipment. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Light signals in aerodrome traffic control are described in terms of their operating principles, uses and limitations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Light signals include but are not limited to:
  • Aldis lamp, pyrotechnic flares, airfield lighting.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The operating principles of control tower equipment are described in accordance with manufacturers specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment includes but is not limited to:
  • Radio, intercom, meteorological equipment, navigation, surveillance and communication monitoring equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Operation of control tower equipment for air traffic services is demonstrated in a given scenario. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment includes but is not limited to:
  • Radio, intercom, meteorological equipment, navigation, surveillance and communication monitoring equipment, light signals.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Notify relevant units of unserviceable control tower equipment in accordance with local procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Relevant units include but are not limited to airfield maintenance, electricians, and avionics.
     


    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 snit 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 
  • Standardised procedures for the coordination and transfer of control of flights.
  • Coordination between ATC units providing ATS within contiguous control areas.
  • Release, Transfer of control and Contact.
  • Coordination between Aerodrome Control and Approach Control.
  • Coordination between Approach Control and Area Control.
  • EAT and OCT.
  • Transfer of communications between Area Control units.
  • Transfer of control between Area Control units.
  • Transfer of control and communications from Area Control.
  • Release and transfer of control and communications.
  • Coordination between a unit providing Approach Control and a unit providing Aerodrome Control service.
  • Coordination in respect of ATS, FIS and Alerting Service.
  • Coordination between Area Control and Approach Control.
  • Approach Control clearances.
  • Coordination procedures for over flying flights.
  • Essential traffic information.
  • Basic knowledge of separation standards:

    > Horizontal separation.
    > Radar separation minima.
    > Lateral separation.
    > Geographical separation.
    > Longitudinal separation.
    > Vertical separation.
    > Same track, reciprocal tracks and crossing tracks.
  • IFR inbound arrivals: clearances and coordination.
  • VFR arrivals: clearances and coordination.
  • Radar Approach and Area clearances and coordination.
  • Use of flight progress strips.
  • Use of flight progress strip holders.
  • Annotations for paper flight progress strips.
  • Use of ATIS.
  • Air traffic control theory and procedures (includes but is not limited to):

    > Flight rules.
    > Emergency procedures.
    > Radar.
    > Semi-circular rule.
    > Clearance procedures.
    > Division and classification of airspace.
    > Position reporting procedures.
    > Altimeter setting procedures.
  • Separation standards.
  • Aircraft instruments and navigation.
  • Aerodrome layout.
  • Ground-based aeronautical instrumentation.
  • RT procedures and phraseology.
  • ICAO Standards and recommended practices for communicating written information i.e. NOTAM, instrument and approach procedures, meteorological information.
  • Flight plans.
  • Flight progress strips.
  • 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:
  • Maintain communication with air traffic controllers and provide required information relevant to developing situations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Organise oneself and ones activities so that a safe and effective clearance delivery service is maintained. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion during:
  • Maintain correct pronunciation and clarity of speech to ensure reliable and effective communication. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Use communication systems to relay information with speed and efficiency. 
    		•

    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 impact of accurate and timeous communication of information in ensuring the safety of aircraft, passengers, crew and other aircraft in the immediate vicinity. 
    		•

    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:
  • RT: Radiotelephony.
  • ICAO: International Civil Aviation Organisation.
  • NOTAM: Notice to Airmen.
  • ATC: Air Traffic Control.
  • AIP: Aeronautical information publication.
  • AIC: Aeronautical information circulars.
  • JAA: Joint Aviation Authority.
  • MAA: Military Aviation Authority.
  • CAA: Civil Aviation Authority.
  • RNAV: Area navigation.
  • ATIS: Automatic Terminal Information Service.
  • VIP: Very important person.
  • IFR: Instrument flight rules.
  • VFR: Visual flight rules.
  • ATS: Air traffic service.
  • EAT: Expected approach time.
  • OCT: Onward clearance time.
  • FIS: Flight information service. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  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 


    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.