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: 

The effective and responsible arial application of agrochemical products 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116328  The effective and responsible arial application of agrochemical products 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Primary Agriculture 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  14 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 
A person achieving this unit standard will be able to apply agrochemicals in an effective and responsible manner using an aerial application method. Furthermore, the person will be able to give the necessary consideration to the impact of his/her decisions on the environment, fellow human beings and the broader community. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that a learner attempting this unit standard will demonstrate competence against the unit standards or equivalent:
  • NQF 4: Apply effective and responsible pest, disease and weed control.
  • NQF 5: Apply integrated pest management principles. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Whilst range statements have been defined generically to include as wide a set of alternatives as possible, all range statements should be interpreted within the specific context of application.

    Range statements are neither comprehensive nor necessarily appropriate to all contexts. Alternatives must however be comparable in scope and complexity. These are only as a general guide to scope and complexity of what is required. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of aerial application of agrochemical products. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Aerial application includes but is not limited to the spraying of chemicals, releasing of mass produced sterile insects, baiting, using an aircraft, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The type, properties and limitations of agrochemicals, products or elements to be applied and the implications thereof on selection and application is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The type and properties of targeted crop and its requirements and the implications thereof on the selection and application of agrochemicals is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Droplet behaviour, droplet dynamics and aerodynamics and the implications thereof on the aerial application of agrochemicals are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The effect of temperature, humidity, water quality and wind on the aerial application of agrochemical products is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The considerations that need to be taken with regards to wild life in the area, sensitive ecosystems, water bodies, factors influencing drift, potential contamination and ferry behaviour and the impact thereof on aerial application of agrochemical products are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain legal and regulatory aspects of aerial application of agrochemical products. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Legal and regulatory aspects include but are not limited to the laws of operating an aircraft and the legal aspects governing the application of agrochemical products. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The legal and regulatory requirements for the aerial application of agrochemicals is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The legal and regulatory limitations for the aerial application of agrochemicals are discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The implications of Act 36 of 1947 on the aerial application of agrochemicals is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Environmental law governing the aerial application of agrochemicals is discussed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Analyse and evaluate the spraying performance of the aircraft and implement the necessary technological modifications. (Equipment, calibration, monitoring during application). 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Analysis and evaluation of spray performance of the aircraft may include but is not limited to the calibration of the equipment, the amount of water etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An understanding of how the aircraft's dispensing unit is checked to establish that it is in correct working condition is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The calibration of equipment is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An interpretation of a graphical representation is provided. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An understanding of how the above information impacts on the modification of the design of the dispensing system such as nozzles and boom are demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Determination of the flow rate and monitoring of the dispensing system are demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate an understanding of and implement effective and responsible flying skills. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Effective flying skills include but are not limited to height, direction speed and formation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Maintaining optimum spraying height is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An understanding of how optimum flying speed with regard to aircraft altitude and target is maintained, is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safe turns are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Flight safety is explained in terms of maintaining air-worthiness of craft, scouting of the area, good knowledge of obstacles and potential hazards, topography and density altitude. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An understanding of how the spray valve is opened with regard to aircraft position is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Manage effective and responsible preparation of spray mixture. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Spray mixture includes but is not limited to the mixing of agrochemical, water and wetting products. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correct mixing procedure for the specific agrochemical as per crop to be treated is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The application of the correct quantity of agrochemical is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correct and safe loading techniques are demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The method of determining compatibility of chemicals is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The correct use of protective clothing is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The correct safety precautions are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Deal with emergencies. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Emergencies could include but are not limited to leaks, spills, mechanical problems etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correct procedures of how chemical spills are contained, absorbed, collected and disposed are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A strategy to address aircraft performance problems is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The treatment of human and wildlife poisonings are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An emergency plan is described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Perform post-operational practices. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Post operational practices may include but is not limited to the disposing of excess product, cleaning and storing of equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The process of cleaning and /or sanitising the equipment is demonstrated or described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The disposal of rinse water id described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The record keeping procedure involved in aerial application of agrochemicals is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of records with respect to auditing and what the farming enterprise receives is described. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The assessment of qualifying learners against this standard should meet the requirements of established assessment principles.

    It will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which the qualifying learners are working. These activities and tools may include an appropriate combination of self-assessment and peer assessment, formative and summative assessment, portfolios and observations etc.

    The assessment should ensure that all the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge are assessed.

    The specific outcomes must be assessed through observation of performance. Supporting evidence should be used to prove competence of specific outcomes only when they are not clearly seen in the actual performance.

    Essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in its own right, through oral or written evidence and cannot be assessed only by being observed.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a qualifying learner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a qualifying learner is able to perform the specific outcomes but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, then thy should not be assessed as competent.

    Evidence of the specified critical cross-field outcomes should be found both in performance and in the essential embedded knowledge.

    Performance of specific outcomes must actively affirm target groups of qualifying learners, not unfairly discriminate against them. Qualifying learners should be able to justify their performance in terms of these values.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor 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.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The person is able to demonstrate a working knowledge of:
  • Interpretation of pictograms, colour coding and symbols.
  • General legal implications of misuse/ abuse i.e. off-label use.
  • Potential hazards associated with agrochemicals.
  • Cleaning and maintenance of equipment.
  • General symptoms of poisoning.
  • Impact of product on the environment, humans and other organisms.
  • Basic storage principles and requirements.
  • Principles and methods of mixing.
  • Empty container and waste disposal.
  • Emergency procedures.
  • Legislation and Codes of Practice.
  • First aid.
  • Hygiene.
  • Contamination.
  • Product spectrum.
  • Principles of product categorisation and segregation.
  • Resistance and management thereof.
  • Terminology.
  • Principles of pest, weed, disease and nematode control.
  • Effective use of standard reference material and other resources.
  • Reading and understanding labels.
  • Calibration.
  • Principles and procedures of responsible application.
  • Correct use of equipment.
  • Health and safety.
  • Principles of integrated pest management.
  • Environmental knowledge.
  • Information resources.
  • Storage requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving relates to specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of aerial application of agrochemical products.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the legal and regulatory aspects of aerial application of agrochemical products.
  • Analyse and evaluate the spraying performance of the aircraft and implement the necessary technological modifications.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and implement effective and responsible flying skills.
  • Manage effective and responsible preparation of spray mixture.
  • Deal with emergencies. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork relates to specific outcomes:
  • Manage effective and responsible preparation of spray mixture.
  • Deal with emergencies.
  • Perform post-operational practices. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and management relates to specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of aerial application of agrochemical products.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the legal and regulatory aspects of aerial application of agrochemical products.
  • Analyse and evaluate the spraying performance of the aircraft and implement the necessary technological modifications.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and implement effective and responsible flying skills.
  • Manage effective and responsible preparation of spray mixture.
  • Deal with emergencies. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation relates to specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of aerial application of agrochemical products.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the legal and regulatory aspects of aerial application of agrochemical products.
  • Analyse and evaluate the spraying performance of the aircraft and implement the necessary technological modifications.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and implement effective and responsible flying skills.
  • Manage effective and responsible preparation of spray mixture. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication relates to specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and implement effective and responsible flying skills.
  • Manage effective and responsible preparation of spray mixture.
  • Deal with emergencies. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology relates to specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of aerial application of agrochemical products.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the legal and regulatory aspects of aerial application of agrochemical products.
  • Analyse and evaluate the spraying performance of the aircraft and implement the necessary technological modifications.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and implement effective and responsible flying skills. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems relates to specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of aerial application of agrochemical products.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the legal and regulatory aspects of aerial application of agrochemical products.
  • Analyse and evaluate the spraying performance of the aircraft and implement the necessary technological modifications.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and implement effective and responsible flying skills. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Professional development relates to all specific outcomes. 

    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 
    The person must have a valid and current commercial pilots licence. The person should also be registered with the national department of agriculture as being competent to make decisions on which agrochemicals to apply and at what rate and frequency. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  49010   National Diploma: Plant Production  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    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. AVCASA 
    2. Tau Fresh Products (Pty) 
    3. The Skills Development Hub (Pty) Ltd 


    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.