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: 

Integrate the functions of the Air Picture Display System 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120043  Integrate the functions of the Air Picture Display System 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Air Defence 
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  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
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 
This unit standard will be utilised by learners who will be required to work in an airspace control environment and are required to integrate the functions of an Air Picture Display System (APDS) in order to enhance the air picture.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the application of the Air Picture Display System
  • Operate the APDS in the Operations Mode
  • Operate the APDS in the Alpha-Numeric Entry Device (ANED) Mode
  • Operate the APDS in the Configuration and Air Traffic Control (ATC) Modes
  • Operate the APDS in the simulator Mode 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation for this unit standard is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Inducted into the South African military
  • Communication at NQF level 4
  • The ability to operate basic functions of the Air Picture Display System
  • Computer literacy at NQF level 3 

  • UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the application of the Air Picture Display System. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    APDS components and hardware equipment are explained in terms of interface capabilities. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes Radar Sensors, Air Picture Display System (APDS) Network, Current Intelligence System (CURIS), Ground Command and Control System (GCCS), Servers, recording facilities.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Methods of saving data on the system are described in terms of use and applicability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Uses of the APDS are identified in terms of its relevant roles and functions which an operator will use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Modes of an APDS are explained in terms of their functions and applications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Operate the APDS in the Operations Mode. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information entered into the APDS is in accordance with given instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The air picture is enhanced and disseminated to relevant centres for specific requirements in accordance with air traffic in the area of responsibility. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Enhancement tools include a combination of at least two of the following: Selective Identification Feature (SIF)/Call sign identification, mask areas, radar registration, fix point entries, flight planning.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The accuracy of an interception is calculated in accordance with given scenarios. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Enhancement tools include the weapons package, parallel lines and moving cursors.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The air picture is created in accordance with the radar specification through the use of radar configuration inputs. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Operate the APDS in the Alpha-Numeric Entry Device (ANED) Mode. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information entered into the APDS is in accordance with given instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The integrated situational picture is created and disseminated to relevant centres for specific requirements of own forces in accordance with set parameters. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A minimum of three of the following functions must be integrated: fix points, aircraft performance inputs, weapon coverage type inputs, radar and surface to air missile (SAM) fix point inputs, map creations and activations, flight plan entries, adaptation data, complex and user definitions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Flight plan data sent from ground command and control system (GCCS) to APDS is verified in accordance with identified conflicts. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Operate the APDS in the Configuration and Air Traffic Control (ATC) Modes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information is captured on the APDS system in accordance with given instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Radar channels and definitions are entered into the APDS in accordance with given instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Sector definition and allocation is entered into the APDS in accordance with given instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Operate the APDS in the Simulator Mode. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information is captured on the APDS system in accordance with given instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Controlled Simulation Objects (CSOs) and simulated route data are integrated in accordance with a given scenario. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The supervisor function is operated in terms of creating, manipulating and deleting scenarios in accordance with given parameters. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Parameters include aircraft types and inputs, formation types and inputs, technical fault types and inputs, remote simulator status, simulated radar association, radar definitions and inputs.
     


    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 Unit 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. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Names, functions and locations of:

    > Functions and role in a joint operational environment (Flying Squadrons etc.)
    > Location of radar sensors and interface capabilities
    > Software/hardware related functions
    > Command and control authorities
  • Purpose of processes and procedures of:

    > Early warning, real-time air picture, controlling functions, tracking and identification
    > Air Picture Display System standard operating procedures
    > Sector Control Centre procedures
    > Interfaces and data flow
    > Identification processes
    > Flight paths and flight plans
  • Attributes, properties, characteristics related to:

    > Compass utilisation
    > Ground Command and Control System
    > CURIS
    > Radar and radio theory
    > National security concepts
    > Objectivity
    > Punctuality
    > Security culture of the military environment
    > Stakeholders and their rights
  • Cause and effect, implications of:

    > The advantages and disadvantages of applying Air Picture Display System in the different design roles
    > Integrated system relationships
    > Effect of non-compliance with specific set operating procedures
    > The responsibility and accountability for security (personnel, personal, document, Information Computer Technology and physical and material)
    > Security breaches
    > Restrictions and limitations (APDS design role, Air Force/Operational restrictions, Integrated Aeronautical Information Packages, Flight Information Manual, Sectors Standing Instructions, Standard Operating Procedures)
    > Security clearance
    > Be familiar with the correct setting-up procedures and the correct mode applications
  • Categories of things, processes, concepts:

    > Console components
    > Hardware components
    > Local Area Network
    > Categorisation of different modes and applications thereof
    > Radar and radio concepts
    > Domains of security (personnel, personal, document, Information Computer Technology and physical and material)
    > Levels of security
    > Contingency measures (personnel, personal, document, Information Computer Technology and physical and material)
    > Security competence
    > Classification of information
    > Counter measures (personnel, personal, document, Information Computer Technology and physical and material)
    > The need for a regulatory framework
    > Secrecy
    > Handling of classified information
    > Reliability
    > Timeousness
    > Integrity
  • Procedures and techniques:

    > Departmental procedures, methods and techniques
    > Procedures of military flying activities (personnel, personal, document, Information Computer Technology and physical and material)
    > Code of conduct
    > Reporting incidents
    > Fault identification and reporting procedures
  • Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies:

    > The constitution of South Africa
    > The relevant legislation relating to military environment
    > Departmental policies and directives
    > The Code of Conduct
    > Agreements with clients
    > Memoranda of Understanding
    > Law of Armed Conflict
  • Theory - rules, laws, principles:

    > Range units and calculations
    > Laws of propagation
    > Meteorology
    > Terminology
    > Radar and radio theory
    > Early warning capabilities
    > Unique characteristics of Air Picture Display System
  • Relationships, systems between:
    > ICAO
    > ATNS
    > AFCP and Sector Control Centre
    > The individual, organisation and the state impacting on Air Picture Display System capabilities
  • Squadrons, Radar Operators, Mission Controllers and Air Traffic Controllers 

  • UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and / or language skills in the modes of oral and / or written presentations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. 

    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 
    Terminology:
  • Terms used in this unit standard are generic to the military and aviation industries.

    Abbreviations:

    ICT: Information Computer Technology
    GCCS: Ground Command and Control System
    CURIS: Current Intelligence System
    APDS: Air Picture Display System
    ICAO: International Civil Aviation Organization
    ATC: Air Traffic Control
    ANED: Alpha-Numeric Entry Device
    SIF: Selective Identification Feature
    SAM: Surface to Air Missile
    CSO: Controlled Simulation Objects
    ATNS: Air Traffic Navigation System
    AFCP: Air Force Command Post

    Notes to assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • 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.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 

  • QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  63309   National Certificate: Defensive Mission Control  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Core  49853   National Diploma: Defensive Mission Control  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered" 
    2008-09-17  Was SAS SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  49852   National Diploma: Applied Military Intelligence  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    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.