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: 

Conduct tactical air operations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115462  Conduct tactical air operations 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Special Combat Capabilities 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Sovereignty of the State 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2007-10-14  2010-04-07  SAQA 0480/09 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2011-04-07   2014-04-07  

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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
376363  Perform as a team member during tactical air operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Qualifying learners are able plan for and successfully participate in a wide range of air related operations.

The achievement of this unit standard will contribute to the personal development of members in the special operations environment and further mobility and transportability within the civilian environment of emergency services and security services.
This unit standard integrates the following unit standards and prepares learners to successfully take part in air and helicopter operations for the purpose of maintaining peace and security in the RSA.
  • Conduct fast roping operations.
  • Basic rope work from fixed platforms.
  • Conduct rope work operations from helicopters.
  • Pack a static line square main parachute.
  • Prepare for and conduct descends with a round parachute utilising a static line as the means of opening the parachute.
  • Prepare for and conduct static line square parachute descents. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners applying to enter this programme are assumed to be competent in:
  • English literacy.
  • Use a hand held compass for navigational purposes NQF level 4.
  • Interpreting a topographical map for navigational purposes NQF level 4.
  • Perform basic life support and or first aid procedures in emergencies.
  • Pack a static line square main parachute NQF level 4.
  • Prepare for and conduct descends with a round parachute utilising a static line as the means of opening the parachute NQF level 4.
  • Prepare for and conduct static line square parachute descents NQF level 5. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan tactical air operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to differentiate between offensive and supporting air tasks as determined by work place procedures is demonstrated while planning tactical air operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The various categories of transport aircraft (e.g. medium range, short range aircraft, supporting helicopter and light aircraft) that can be used during tactical air operations are recognised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The various types of rotary wing aircraft (e.g. BK 117, Alouette III, Oryx, etc) that can be used during tactical air operations are recognised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The ability to analyse the role, application, statistical data and limitations of the various aircraft (fixed and rotary wing) used in tactical air operations and select a specific aircraft for a given task is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The ability to apply organisational doctrine and procedures to formulate a tactical air operations plan is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Participate in parachute operations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Day and night.
  • With and without equipment. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The concept of the employment of airborne forces is understood and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The tasks of airborne troops are described according to doctrine or work place procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The characteristics and limitations (as described in doctrine) of parachute operations are considered during the planning and conducting of parachute operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The principles of grouping during parachute operations as described in work place procedures is applied. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The drills at a rendezvous as described in work place procedures are evaluated and demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The prescribed handling of casualties on a drops zone is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Establish landing zones for fixed wing aircraft. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Day and night.
  • For Heavy (e.g. C130, C160), medium (e.g. CASA 212, DC3) and light aircraft (e.g. Cessna 185). 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to locate and assess an area according to a given criteria to determine its suitability as a landing zone for fixed wing aircraft is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The method of marking a landing zone for a given fixed wing aircraft is demonstrated as described in work place procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to inform the aircraft of the location of the landing zone and approach route is demonstrated according to work place procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Establish a parachute drop zone. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Day and night. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to locate and assess an area according to the various types of drop zones (e.g. static line, free fall, unmarked, water, area) and specific aircraft being used to determine its suitability as a drop zone for parachutists is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to compile a drop zone report as described in work place and communicate it to the aircraft is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The method of marking a drop zone for a parachutist drop from a given aircraft is demonstrated as described in work place procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The ability to coordinate and control the dropping of parachutists onto a drop zone is demonstrated as described in work place procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Establish a landing zone for helicopters. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    1. Day and night.
    2. With any of the following aids:
  • Helios Mirrors.
  • Day-glo panels.
  • Smoke.
  • Flares.
  • Strobe lights.
  • Torches.
  • Fires.
  • Vehicle lights. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to locate and assess an area according to a given criteria to determine its suitability as a landing zone for rotary wing aircraft (helicopters) is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The method, as described in work place procedures, of marking a landing zone for a given rotary wing aircraft is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to guide the aircraft to the location of the landing zone and approach route is demonstrated according to work place procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The duties and responsibilities of the stick leader during helicopter operations is demonstrated according to work place procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The emplaning and deplaning drills for the range of helicopters used during tactical air operations (e.g. Alouette III, Oryx, BK 117, etc) are demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The loading and unloading of the range of helicopters used during tactical air operations (e.g. Alouette III, Oryx, BK 117, etc) are demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Use radio terminology to guide aircraft during tactical air operations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Day and night.
  • Rotary and fixed wing aircraft. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The use of phonetics to communicate with an aircraft is demonstrated according to work place procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to use organisational brevity code to communicate with and guide a given aircraft towards a specific area or location is demonstrated. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

    2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or will assess this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.

    3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

    4. Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any relevant assessment agency, assessor or provider institution, which is accredited by the relevant ETQA.

    5. For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills, subject matter experience and assessment experience.
  • As a minimum requirement, the assessor needs to be competent in the unit standard "Plan and Conduct assessment of learning outcomes" NQF level 5.
  • The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Qualifying learners be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of:
  • The types of aircraft used during air operations.
  • The use of the aircraft during operations.
  • The methods of communicating with an aircraft while in flight.
  • The establishment of landing zones for aircraft.
  • The establishment of drop zones for parachutists and cargo.
  • The establishment of landing zones for rotary wing aircraft.
  • The procedure for guiding an aircraft into a landing zone.
  • The procedures for the controlling a drop zone.
  • Factors influencing air operations.
  • The employment of airborne forces. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking has been made. Learners are required to evaluate the areas for suitability as landing zones for aircraft and drop zones for airborne troops or cargo as well as consider the limitations of the aircraft when planning for landing zones. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community. Learners are capable of preparing a landing zone or drop zone as part of a team. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. Learners are required to locate and evaluate the suitability of an area to be used as a landing zone or drop zone. They are further required to consider the various roles and tasks that the different aircraft can perform when planning tactical air operations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual and language skills in modes of oral and written persuasion. Learners will be able to effectively communicate by means of visual and oral commands while guiding a aircraft onto a landing zone or drop zone. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others. Learners credited with this unit standard are able to apply science and technology to ensure the safe landing of aircraft and parachutists on a predetermined landing or drop zone. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation. Learners can recognise hazards posed by ground and air obstacles during air operations and are aware of the implications of poor decisions or inaccurate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors should keep in mind the following general guidelines and principles when designing and conducting assessments:

    1. Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the specific outcomes of the unit standard and ensure that the assessment is integrated rather than fragmented.

    2. Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.

    3. Assessment must include practical demonstration either in the workplace or through simulation. A range of assessment methods should be used, including:
  • Direct observation - watch the Learner carry out the tasks or produce the desired outcome.
  • Simulation of a specific task - set a specific task for the learner to demonstrate in a simulated environment (e.g. the establishment of a drop zone or guiding an aircraft to a drop zone).
  • Questioning (verbal or written) - ask the relevant questions linked to the unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 376363, which is "Perform as a team member during tactical air operations", NQF Level 5, 7 Credits.

    Supplementary information

    Definitions:

    Landing Zone:
    A specified ground area used for landing an aircraft.
    The landing zone may vary in size so as to accommodate one or more aircraft.

    Drop Zone:
    The landing area where a parachutist or air delivered cargo will land.

    Credits
    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcomes:

    Classroom learning 20 hours
    On-the-job learning 30 hours
    Self directed learnin 10 hours
    Coaching required 10 hours
    Other 0 hours
    Total 70 hours 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48879   National Diploma: South African Special Forces Operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2010-04-07  Was SAS SETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    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.