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 HF, UHF and data communication specific to aeroplanes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120060  Manage HF, UHF and data communication specific to aeroplanes 
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 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  4 
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 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Explain the meanings and significance of terms, definitions and procedures relating to HF, UHF and data communication (VFR and IFR).
  • Conduct HF, UHF and data communication procedures.
  • Describe the general principles of UHF (Ultra High Frequency) and HF (High Frequency) radio wave propagation and allocation of frequencies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4.
  • Physical Science at NQF Level 4.
  • Performance of aviation communication at NQF 5. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The terms "aircraft" and "aeroplane" are used as synonyms where appropriate.

    The typical scope of this unit standard:

    Knowledge requirements for the issue of the General Certificate in Radiotelephony (Aeronautical) for VFR and IFR communications.

    Aerodrome specific supplementary information includes but is not limited to: aerodrome warnings, landing runway information, runway condition, restrictions, obstructions, wind shear warnings etc. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the meanings and significance of terms and definitions relating to HF, UHF and data communication (VFR and IFR). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The categories of messages are listed in order of priority and examples from each category given. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedures relating to distress and urgency communication are described and implemented in a real or simulated situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The procedures for obtaining bearing information in flight are stated in order to assist with establishing the aircraft position. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    SELCAL, ACAS, and ACARS phraseology and procedures are described in order to enhance aircraft safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Required action in event of communication failure is stated and implemented in a real or simulated environment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Conduct HF, UHF and data communication procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The methods and techniques for transmitting letters, numbers and time are described in a real or simulated environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The meaning of standard words and phrases which are relevant to radiotelephony are identified and described in a real or simulated environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Words and phrases (phraseology) include but are not limited to:
  • Arrival (VFR and IFR)
  • Departure (VFR and IFR).
  • Radar services (VFR and IFR).
  • Pushback (IFR).
  • Airways clearances (IFR).
  • Position report (VFR and IFR).
  • Approach procedures (IFR).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Radiotelephony call signs for aeronautical (ground) stations are identified and described in a real or simulated environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Radiotelephony call signs for aeroplanes are identified and described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The testing procedures for radio and data transmission and reception are explained and the readability scale is stated in a real or simulated environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The requirements and techniques for read-back and acknowledgements are stated and applied in a real or simulated environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Read-back and acknowledgements include but are not limited to:
  • ATC route clearances.
  • Clearances related to runway in use.
  • Conditional clearances.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Level changes and reports are understood and described in a real or simulated environment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe the general principles of UHF (Ultra High Frequency) and HF (High Frequency) radio wave propogation and allocation of frequencies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The radio frequency spectrum is described making particular reference to UHF and HF. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Propagation characteristics of radio transmissions are described in Ultra High Frequency and High Frequency bands. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Factors which reduce the range and quality of radio transmissions are described in Ultra High Frequency and High Frequency bands. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The bands normally utilised for Aeronautical Mobile Service voice communications are identified in Ultra High Frequency and High Frequency bands. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The rules for selecting the HF band frequencies for use are described to ensure communication. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe the general principles of data link communications. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Data Link Communications include but are not limited to:
  • ATS Data Link.
  • HF Data Link.
  • ADS Data Link.
  • ACARS.
  • VHF Data Link.
  • SATCOM Data Link. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The terms commonly used in Data Link Communication are identified and described by making use of examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Data Link Communications are described in terms of principles of operations and components, capabilities, limitations and uses. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The data formats are described by making use of examples. 


    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.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    HF/UHF and Data Communications
  • Meanings and significance of associated terms.
  • Air traffic control abbreviations.
  • Categories of messages.

    General operating procedures
  • Transmission of letters.
  • Transmission of numbers.
  • Transmission of time.
  • Structure of standard radio messages
  • Transmission techniques.
  • Standard words and phrases used which are relevant to R/T.
  • Radiotelephony call signs (ground stations and aeroplanes).
  • Transfer of communication.
  • Test procedures.
  • Read back and acknowledgement requirements.
  • Radar service.
  • Reports detailing the changes in level.

    Relevant weather information terms
  • Aerodrome weather.
  • Weather broadcast.

    Communication failure
  • Action to be taken in times of communication failure.

    Distress and urgency procedures
  • Procedures for distress and urgency communications.

    General principles of UHF and HF propagation and allocation of frequencies
  • Radio frequency spectrum.

    Morse code

    Data link communications 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Identifying the appropriate distress and urgency communication procedures in a real or simulated situation and adhering to them.
  • Performing the required actions in the event of communication failure in a real or simulated situation.
  • Using air traffic control terminology and procedures and adhering to ATC requirements in real or simulated flight operations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Applying appropriate read-back and acknowledgement to Air Traffic Control in a real or simulated situation.
  • Following through on instructions issued to relevant parties to ensure their compliance with requirements e.g. after sending a data message.
  • Communicating emergency procedures to passengers in a clear and concise manner in a real or simulated situation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Structuring and prioritising information prior to initiating live communications with relevant parties. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information by:
  • Identifying the information needed for flight planning and obtaining it from the appropriate sources e.g. ATIS, obtaining weather forecast.
  • Seeking clarity and confirmation of any conflicting or ambiguous information received e.g. clarifying ATC instructions especially when issued by non English speakers. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion by:
  • Using the correct techniques when transmitting letters, numbers and time.
  • Using standard phraseology when conducting general radio procedures.
  • Communicating emergency procedures to fellow crew members, ATC and passengers in a clear and concise manner in a real or simulated situation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Using the correct radio frequency band and equipment for Aeronautical Mobile Service voice communications.
  • Understanding the limitations of the various methods and equipment used in aeronautical communications. 
    		•

    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:
  • The importance of seeking clarification and confirmation of all information received and the impact on the continued safety of flight, crew members, passengers and the community as a whole if this is not adhered to. 
    		•

    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 
    Abbreviations:

    VFR: Visual Flight Rules
    IFR: Instrument Flight Rules
    HF: High Frequency
    UHF: Ultra High Frequency
    SELCAL: Selective Calling
    ACAS: Airborne Collision and Avoidance System
    ACARS: Aeronautical Communications, Addressing and Reporting System
    ATC: Air Traffic Control
    AMS: Aeronautical Mobile Service
    DLC: Data Link Communications
    ADS: Automatic Dependant Surveillance
    SATCOM: Satellite Communication
    RT: Radiotelephony 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58008   National Diploma: Aircraft Piloting  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 
    Elective  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 
    Elective  49950   National Certificate: Navigation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  TETA 
    Elective  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 


    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.