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: 

Manage flight environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243335  Manage flight environment 
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 manage the aircraft, aircraft systems, crew, passengers and cargo to accomplish the objectives of a flight in a safe and efficient manner, taking into account physical, regulatory and economic constraints and the prevailing internal and external conditions.

This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner within the context of commercial piloting. Learners will need to demonstrate competency during real or simulated flights.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Manage aircraft environment.
  • Manage aircraft and aircraft systems.
  • Manage the flight operation. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4.
  • Physical Science at NQF Level 4.
  • Fly a single-engine aircraft in all phases of flight in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) by day and by night.
  • Communication at NQF Level 4.
  • Demonstrate understanding of human performance limitations in aviation.
  • Demonstrate understanding of cockpit resource management L5. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical scope of this unit standard:
  • Assessment of the learner shall be conducted in compliance with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or Military Aviation Authority (MAA) Regulations and in accordance with safe flying practice.
  • The aircraft 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:

    > 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 in a helicopter with a maximum certificated mass of at least 500 kg.
    > An equivalent flight simulator approved by the regulatory authority may be substituted for the aircraft.
    > If a single engine aircraft is provided for assessment of the learner then the aircraft shall be certified for single pilot operation.
    > If a multi-engine aircraft is provided for assessment, the learner shall be assessed on competence in carrying out appropriate manoeuvres with one engine (simulated) inoperative.
  • 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 ± 5 °, +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.
  • High speed effects and high altitude flying do not form part of the assessment of the learner. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Manage aircraft environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Passengers are managed in accordance with regulatory requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The term manage includes but is not limited to: briefing passengers, initiating cabin safety measures, informing passengers about flight progress, considering special needs passengers.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Cargo is managed according to handling regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Regulations refers to regulations that deal with dangerous goods, how cargo is secured, positioned and loaded and special cargo handling requirements. The range does not extend to external loads- bambi buckets, cargo slinging and external ordnance, external fuel tanks (attached to the aircraft).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Flight crew is managed according to organisational operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Flight crew includes all licensed crew planned as part of a flight, from the time of reporting for duty until completion of duty.
  • The term manage refers to delegating of duties in accordance with AFM and POH, communicating with flight crew, prioritising flight crew duties in accordance with prevailing flight conditions.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Manage aircraft and aircraft systems. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    The AFM/POH and the operators procedures shall form the basis for management of the aircraft and aircraft systems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Systems includes but are not limited to fuel system, environmental system, lubrication system, powerplant(s), airframe, hydraulic systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Resources are utilised and conserved to achieve flight objectives. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Resources include but are not limited to: consumable stores; fatigue life; wearing parts; limited-lifetime components; energy sources.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Aircraft systems status is monitored to identify trends and events to inform actions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Trends or events include but are not limited to: fuel consumption; deviations from planned groundspeed; system failures; annunciator indications.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Identified trends and events are analysed to inform applicable subsequent decisions and actions where necessary. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Manage the flight operation. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Manage refers to the responsibilities of the pilot. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Factors which influence flight operations are assessed against the actual flight performance in order to inform decisions and actions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors includes but are not limited to: regulatory environment, objectives of the flight, economic environment (such as components of operating costs; components of revenue; operator's business objectives and policy; operator's public image; market competition).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The flight and flight contingencies are managed within constraints to maximise achievement of the flight objectives. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Contingencies include but are not limited to: diversion; delays; malfunctions; adverse weather; special passenger or cargo requirements.
     


    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 
  • The definition of airmanship.
  • Definition of situational awareness.
  • AFM/POH procedures for operating the aircraft.
  • AFM/POH procedures for abnormal and emergency situations that might occur.
  • Air traffic control procedures.
  • Procedures specific to the airport being used.
  • Aircraft systems and operating limitations.
  • Regulatory requirements and restrictions for piloting an aircraft.
  • Legal and operational requirements for flying multi-engine aircraft.
  • Sources for obtaining flight planning information.
  • Techniques for determining aircraft mass and balance.
  • Techniques for compiling a flight plan.
  • Operational documentation requirements and procedures.
  • Pre- and post-flight inspection procedures.
  • Safety procedures: fuelling the aircraft, positioning the aircraft for start-up and taxiing.
  • Procedures for securing equipment, passengers and loads.
  • Radio communication procedures. 
    		•

    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:
  • Planning and performing flights to achieve objectives within the constraints of the aircraft 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 aircraft 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 aircraft and its systems in accordance with the AFM/POH.
  • Taking prompt corrective action when tolerances are exceeded.
  • Flying the aircraft 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 
    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:
  • MAA: Military Aviation Authority.
  • CAA: Civil Aviation Authority.
  • CRM: Cockpit Resource Management.
  • AFM: Aircraft Flight Manual.
  • POH: Pilots Operating Handbook.
  • VMC: Visual Meteorological Conditions.
  • ATS: Air Traffic Services.
  • PEDs: Portable Electronic Devices.

    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
    Core  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.