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 QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Diploma: Flight Dispatch 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
59256  National Diploma: Flight Dispatch 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Aerospace Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
TETA - Transport Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Diploma  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Physical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  248  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 EXCO 07158/17  2015-07-01  2016-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2017-12-31   2019-12-31  

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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners and education and training providers with the standards required to satisfy the challenges of participating effectively in the flight dispatch environment. The qualification will be useful to both new entrants into the service, and existing workers in the sector. For those who have been in the workplace for a long time, this qualification can be used in the recognition of prior learning process to assess and recognise workplace skills acquired without the benefit of formal education and training. For the new entrant, this qualification will give them the opportunity to orient themselves within a new sector, and to develop and balance their practical skills with the essential knowledge needed to earn a formal qualification in flight operations without formal education becoming an impassable barrier. For education and training providers, this qualification provides guidance for the development of appropriate learning programmes and assessment documentation.

For employers, this qualification enables skills gaps to be identified and addressed ensuring that a safe and efficient flight dispatch environment is supported and maintained. The combination of learning outcomes that comprise this qualification will provide the qualifying learner with vocational knowledge and skills appropriate to the context of flight operations. The learner will have an understanding of the flight dispatch environment and how he or she should operate within the legislative, safety and quality systems which govern it. It will also equip learners with a foundation for further academic development, opportunities for gainful employment and reward for contributions to society.

The Qualification aims to equip learners to produce flight dispatch information and monitor operational situations and flight progress in order to ensure the safe and efficient completion of a flight by:
  • Demonstrating an understanding of safe practices in the field of aviation.
  • Analysing and applying meteorological and aeronautical information in the flight operations environment.
  • Generating flight operational documentation.
  • Disseminating all required flight operational data.
  • Providing operational and strategic support to flight crew.

    Rationale:

    This qualification is aimed at people who work or intend to work within a flight operations environment. Typical candidates will be either career flight dispatchers or persons wishing to progress from other areas of flight operations in to flight dispatch work or from flight dispatch into other areas of flight operations. In the past many practitioners in the flight operations area were denied mobility of employment, as a result of a lack of formal qualifications. The introduction of a unit standards-based National Diploma in Flight Dispatch will allow learners access to such mobility. This qualification will also facilitate the development of a professional community of Flight Dispatchers who are able to contribute towards a safe and efficient flight dispatch environment through the application of enhanced knowledge and skills relating to the production of flight dispatch information to aircrew and the provision of in-flight tactical support. The competencies contained in this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation, empowerment and upliftment within the flight operations environment, whilst simultaneously improving the skills base of the aerospace industry. This qualification facilitates further learning in the aerospace operations environment as well as ensuring compatibility and compliance with international regulations and standards and industry best practice.

    This qualification includes learning related to Special Operations and Special Rules Areas include Extended Twin Operations/Long Range Operations (ETOPS/LROPS), Decompression, Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM), Minimal Navigational Performance Specifications (MNPS), Decision Point Procedure (DPP), Re-dispatch Decision Point (RDP), non-normal aircraft configurations, Random Navigation (RNAV), Least Time Track and Mach Number Technique. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this Qualification will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Communication skills, NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Geography at or equivalent to NQF Level 4
  • Physical science at or equivalent to NQF Level 4.
  • Computer Literacy at or equivalent to NQF Level 3.

    Access to the Qualification:

    This Qualification is open to anyone with access to learning opportunities and exposure in the areas reflected in the exit level outcomes and unit standards, bearing in mind, the learning assumed to be in place. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Qualification is made up of a combination of learning outcomes from Fundamental, Core and Elective components, totalling 248 credits.

    Fundamental:
  • There are 74 credits for the Fundamental component. All the Fundamental Unit Standards are compulsory.

    Core:
  • 134 credits have been allocated to the Core Unit Standards. All the Core Unit Standards are compulsory.

    Electives:
  • The elective component consists of individual unit standards from which the learner must choose unit standards totalling a minimum of 40 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of safe practices in the field of aviation.

    2. Analyse and apply meteorological and aeronautical information in the flight operations environment.

    3. Generate flight operational documentation.

    4. Disseminate flight operational data.

    5. Provide operational and strategic support to flight crew. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Knowledge and understanding of the legal framework is demonstrated as applicable to flight dispatch.
  • Non-compliant scenarios/situations are identified and evaluated in order to take appropriate actions for the completion of a flight.
  • The impact of non-standard events, aircraft configurations and/or factors of operational significance is determined in order to take appropriate actions for the completion of a flight.
  • The human factors that can affect and influence rational decision-making are identified, in order to take appropriate actions for the completion of a flight.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Information is sourced and selected for the planned operation.
    > Range: Operation refers to route and time of a planned flight.
  • Information is analysed and applied in order to make informed decisions regarding the planning of all phases of the flight.
  • Information related to the planned operation is presented to the flight crew in accordance with Standard Operating Procedure.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • An operational flight plan is compiled in accordance with the applicable international and national regulations.
    > Range: International and national regulations include but are not limited to those prescribed by:
    > Current South African legislation.
    > FAA (Federal Aviation Authority).
    > EASA (European Aviation Safety Authority).
    > DGAC (French Civil Aviation Authority).
    > CAA-SA (Civil Aviation Authority South Africa).
    > ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation).
    > IATA (International Air Transport Association).
    > IOSA (IATA Operational and Safety Audit).
    > An operational flight plan is compiled in terms of optimising the route.

    > Range: Route optimising includes but is not limited to:
    > The evaluation of navigation fee.
    > Fuel costs.
    > Aircraft flight time related costs.
    > Cruise speed constraints.
    > Flight time considerations as dictated crew flight and duty limits.
    > Slot and aero-political constraints.
    > Aircraft type speed limitations and payload restrictions. Also taken into account are the aircraft non-standard configurations.
    > Special en-route limits.
    > Depressurisation.
    > Suitability of en-route alternate aerodromes.
    > The rules governing Extended Twin Operations (ETOPS).
    > Long Range Operations (LROPS).
    > Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM).
    > Minimum Navigational Performance Specifications (MNPS) operations.
    > Re-dispatch Decision Point (RDP).
    > Decision Point Procedure (DPP).
  • An operational flight plan is compiled considering the aircraft technical status and/or serviceability.
  • The produced operational flight plan is assessed to determine the impact of environmental factors on the aircraft take off, en route and landing performance.
  • The produced operational flight plan is assessed in terms of compliance with the aircraft manufacturer's structural and performance limitations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The flight operational data are communicated to all role players according to prescribed specifications.
    > Range: Specifications include but are not limited to National and international Standards.
  • Received confirmation or rejection is analysed in order to take necessary corrective action.
  • Disseminated data documentation is archived in accordance with all relevant regulations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Progress of flight is monitored for conformance against the produced flight plan.
  • Evolving conditions en-route are monitored in order to keep the flight crew informed.
  • Emergency notification procedures are described and related responses are activated in a simulated scenario.
  • Any deviations from the planned flight are identified, alternative solutions analysed and assessed and the most suitable intervention selected.
    > Range: Analysis includes but is not limited to verification for accuracy, currency and precedence.
    > Range: Selection takes into account added value based on available information.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The importance of integrated assessment is to confirm that the learner is able to demonstrate applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive) and ensure that the purpose of this Qualification is achieved. Both formative and summative assessment methods and strategies are used to ensure that Exit Level outcomes and the purpose of this Qualification are achieved.

    Formative assessment is an on-going process which is used to assess the efficacy of the teaching and learning process. It is used to plan appropriate learning experiences to meet the learner's needs. Feedback from assessment informs both teaching and learning. If the learner has met the assessment criteria then s/he has achieved the Exit Level Outcomes of the Qualification.

    Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the Qualification. Such judgement must include integrated assessment(s) which test the learners' ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes, which are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes.

    Integrated assessment must be designed to achieve the following:
  • An integration of the achievement of the Exit Level Outcomes in a way that reflects a comprehensive approach to learning and shows that the purpose of the Qualification has been achieved.
  • Judgement of learner performance to provide evidence of applied competence or capability. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The purpose of the international comparability is to ensure the measure in which this Qualification will meet the training standards for ICAO signatories. South Africa as a signatory to ICAO is obliged to comply with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (ISARPS). Thus the comparison is made with the ICAO standards and not with training offered by individual countries.

    The following countries are examples of signatories to ICAO and thus this Qualification is indirectly compared to training provided in these countries:
  • Singapore.
  • United Kingdom.
  • Germany.
  • United States of America.
  • Canada.
  • Australia.
  • New Zealand.
  • United Arab Emirates.
  • Kenya.
  • Egypt.
  • Mauritius.
  • Seychelles.
  • Reunion.
  • Brazil.

    There is currently no qualification available in the SADC community, which satisfactorily addresses the international requirement for relevant formal skills and competency development within the International Civil Aviation Flight Technical Support and Flight Dispatch environments.

    Certain member states have Dispatcher licensing requirements and programmes in line with ICAO requirements. However, where licensing is not a requirement ICAO prescribes that training for Dispatchers should be conducted as if it were a requirement. Currently South African Flight Dispatchers are not required to be licensed. However, the SACAA is in the process of formulating ICAO compliant regulations in respect of licensing.

    Aircraft manufacturers generally provide training in performance and weight and balance so as to ensure the correct operation of their aircraft. Due to our remote geographic location, South Africa has on occasion been requested to provide training and operational support to other SADC airlines.

    The requirement for Dispatcher training and licensing is articulated at length in the following and amongst other relevant documentation:
  • International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annexes 1 and 6.
  • ICAO Doc 7192 Part D 1998, curriculum for Flight Dispatcher Training.
  • Transport Canada.
  • Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 121.
  • International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit Standards (IOSA).
  • European Aviation Safety Association (EASA) Joint Aviation Authority (JAA) JAR-OPS.

    The deficiencies inherent in the non-application of the ICAO and IOSA Standards are highlighted when IATA member airlines seek to enter into code share agreements with other IATA member carriers. IOSA Standards address and stress at length both adherence to these training and qualification standards and the administration of such training and certification. Non-compliance on the part of a carrier being subjected to audit will negate any code share agreement being concluded.

    The IOSA Standards encapsulate not only all the relevant ICAO, FAA and JAA standards and regulations but include all that which is considered by the international aviation community to be reflective of best practice, even that which exceeds the statutory requirements in some cases. European Union States, particularly the Western States, are increasingly introducing ICAO compliant training at industry level.

    This Qualification complies with the ICAO specifications as set out in Document 7192 part D3, which has the following subject matter:
  • IATA Operations Control Flight Operations - Phase 1.
  • Navigation - General.
  • Aviation Meteorology.
  • Radio and Radio Aids.
  • Weight and Balance.
  • Principles of Flight.
  • Aircraft Performance.
  • Flight Planning.
  • Extended Twin Operations (ETOPS).
  • Human Factors (Dispatcher Resource Management/Crew Resource Management).
  • IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
  • Restricted Radio Telephony Licence.
  • Minimum Navigation Performance Specifications (MNPS).
  • Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM).
  • Alarm Notification.
  • Emergency Planning.
  • Air Operators Certificate.
  • Categorisation of Airfield Rescue and Fire Fighting Services.
  • Company Operations Manual.
  • IATA Airport Handling Manual Ground Handling Agreements.
  • Slot Allocation and Flow Control.
  • Euro Control.

    Plus:
  • Organisational Ab-initio Training Programmes.
  • Organisational Structured On-the-job Training, Coaching and Mentoring.
  • Organisational Computerised Flight Planning.
  • Organisational Annual Competency Checks.
  • Organisational Recurrent Training.
  • Organisational Route and Flight Deck Familiarisation Flights.

    Conclusion:

    As an imperative to both attaining and maintaining international comparability in the context of civil aviation industry related training and qualification, the establishment of a suitable and relevant qualification is well justified. All the contents shown above are either contained in the South African Qualification as Unit Standards or Specific Outcomes within specific Unit Standards. It must also be noted that some of the above content is also found in the learning assumed to be in place.

    The South African Qualification places more emphasis on 'Communication' than does the ICAO standards. This is evident in our Fundamental component. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation can be found in the following Qualifications:
  • ID 49950: National Certificate: Navigation, NQF Level 5.
  • ID 58023: National Diploma: Aircraft Piloting, NQF Level 5.
  • ID 58581: National Certificate: Air Traffic Services Support, NQF Level 5.
  • ID 58580: National Certificate in Aerodrome Control, NQF Level 5.
  • ID 49853: National Diploma in Defensive Mission Control, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical articulation can be found in the following Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science: Aviation Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Administration: Aviation Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Commerce: Aviation Management, NQF Level 6.
  • ID 58579: National Diploma: Aircraft Traffic Control, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • This Qualification will be internally assessed and externally moderated by a moderator registered by the relevant accredited ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the accredited ETQA. Providers should establish or refine existing moderation procedures and systems at their institutions with a view to aligning them with the requirements of the relevant ETQA.
  • The learner's performance/results should be moderated by one or more external moderators. Moderators should report not only on the standard of achievement but also on the validity and reliability of the assessment strategies, design and criteria in relation to the purpose and Exit Level Outcomes of the Qualification.
  • Moderators must be competent at the level of the Qualification and registered with the relevant accredited ETQA to ensure that the standard is consistent. Moderators must also be registered assessors with the relevant ETQA. A relevant accredited ETQA will monitor and quality assure moderation and assessment according to the guidelines in the Qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Criteria for the registration of assessors:
  • Relevant Qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher.
  • Registration as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  244207  Apply elementary principles of aircraft navigation theory  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  252121  Calculate and adjust aircraft weight and balance parameters  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Core  244201  Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relationship between aircraft flight systems, aerodrome facilities and aeronautical navigation facilities  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  20 
    Core  120059  Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of operation and use of radio aids in air navigation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  120157  Demonstrate understanding of aeroplane loading  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  2 
    Core  120058  Demonstrate understanding of the principles of navigating an aircraft  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Core  244206  Describe elementary aerodynamic principles of flight  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  252123  Determine the optimum route for a flight  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Core  120042  Interpret meteorology for aviation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Core  252124  Monitor a flight and analyse evolving conditions  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  252122  Produce aircraft load-sheets  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  16 
    Core  252127  Produce operational and Air Traffic Service (ATS) flight plans  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  16 
    Core  252120  Provide operational and strategic support for a flight  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  243278  Analyse and apply safety principles in aviation  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  5 
    Fundamental  242706  Analyse problems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  120304  Analyse, interpret and communicate information  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  9 
    Fundamental  15234  Apply efficient time management to the work of a department/division/section  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  243325  Apply safety principles for flight operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Fundamental  15096  Demonstrate an understanding of stress in order to apply strategies to achieve optimal stress levels in personal and work situations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Fundamental  244209  Demonstrate team resource management within a specific work environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Fundamental  120047  Demonstrate understanding of human performance and limitations in aviation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Fundamental  120156  Demonstrate understanding of South African Aviation law, International Civil Aviation Organization rules and procedures for small commercial aeroplane operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Fundamental  120041  Demonstrate understanding of the principles of flight  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Fundamental  15238  Devise and apply strategies to establish and maintain relationships  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Fundamental  115823  Gather and manage information for decision-making  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Fundamental  12433  Use communication techniques effectively  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  8054  Manage and implement quality assurance systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Elective  120476  Adhere to professional conduct and organisational ethics  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  15216  Create opportunities for innovation and lead projects to meet innovative ideas  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  15219  Develop and implement a strategy and action plans for a team, department or division  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  15224  Empower team members through recognising strengths, encouraging participation in decision making and delegating tasks  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  116949  Establish how a value system underpins organisational transformation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Elective  117871  Facilitate learning using a variety of given methodologies  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Elective  15215  Identify and interpret Best Practice guidelines, and plan for and implement Best Practice within the team, department or division  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  116926  Implement skills development as workplace learning to support organisational transformation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Elective  114925  Manage learner information using an information management system  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  15230  Monitor team members and measure effectiveness of performance  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  13237  Optimise the quality assurance system  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Elective  114885  Prepare and communicate a productivity improvement plan for a functional unit  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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.