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: 

Perform pre-flight planning for small aeroplane 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120147  Perform pre-flight planning for small aeroplane 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Air Defence 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
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:
  • Calculate the performance of single-engine aeroplanes.
  • Calculate the performance of multi-engine aeroplanes (performance class B).
  • Plan cross-country visual flight rules flights.
  • Compile and submit air traffic control flight plans.
  • Plan instrument flight rules flights. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4
  • Physical Science at NQF Level 4 
    		•

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

    Pre-flight planning includes but is not limited to:

    Visual flight rules and instrument flight rules flights; short and medium-range flights in multi-engine small aeroplanes or single-engine propeller-driven aeroplanes, with a maximum certificated mass of not more than 5700 kg. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Calculate the performance of single engine aeroplanes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Aeroplane speeds is explained in terms of definitions and conversions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aeroplane speeds include but are not limited to:
  • Indicated airspeed
  • Calibrated airspeed
  • Equivalent airspeed
  • True airspeed
  • Mach number
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Limiting speeds are defined in terms of flight planning and safety. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Limiting speeds include but are not limited to:
  • Stalling speeds, velocity speeds
  • Velocity speeds (V) include but are not limited to:
  • Vno, (nominal operating speed)
  • Vne, (never exceed speed)
  • Va, (manoeuvre speed)
  • Vfe, (flap extended speed)
  • Vlo, (landing gear operating speed)
  • Vr, (rotate speed)
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Take-off and landing performance is discussed in terms of safety and operations manuals and affecting influences. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Affecting influences include but are not limited to:
  • Aeroplane mass
  • Density altitude
  • Wind
  • Engine power
  • Runway surface
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Flight performance is calculated in terms of the factors affecting the various stages of a normal flight profile. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include but are not limited to:
  • Aeroplane mass
  • Maximising range and maximum endurance operation
  • Wind
  • Centre of gravity position
  • Engine power
  • Atmospheric conditions

    Phases of flight include but are not limited to:
  • Climb, cruise and descent
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Aeroplane performance is calculated from an AFM (Aircraft flight manual) and POH (Pilot operating handbook). 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Calculate the performance of multi engine aeroplanes (Performance Class B aeroplanes). 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Class B aeroplanes - with a stall speed of between 91 and 120 knots. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Aeroplane speeds are explained in terms of definitions and conversions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aeroplane speeds include but are not limited to:
  • Indicated airspeed
  • Calibrated airspeed
  • Equivalent airspeed
  • True airspeed
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Limiting speeds are defined in terms of flight planning and safety. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Limiting speeds include but are not limited to:
  • Stalling speeds, velocity speeds

    Velocity speeds (V) include but are not limited to:
  • Vno, (nominal operating speed)
  • Vne, (never exceed speed)
  • Va, (manoeuvre speed)
  • Vfe, (flap extended speed)
  • Vlo, (landing gear operating speed)
  • Vmcg, (minimal control ground speed)
  • Vyse, (speed of maximum rate of climb with one engine operative)
  • Vr, (rotate speed)
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Take-off and landing performance is discussed in terms of safety and operations manuals and affecting influences. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Affecting influences include but are not limited to:
  • Aeroplane mass
  • Density altitude
  • Wind
  • Engine power
  • Runway surface
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Flight performance is calculated in terms of the factors affecting the various stages of a normal flight profile. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include but are not limited to:
  • Aeroplane mass
  • Maximising range and maximum endurance operation
  • Wind
  • Centre of gravity position
  • Engine power
  • Atmospheric conditions

    Phases of flight include but are not limited to:
  • Climb, cruise and descent
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Aeroplane performance is calculated from an AFM (Aircraft Flight Manual) and POH (Pilot Operating Handbook). 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Plan cross-country VFR (visual flight rules). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Navigation plans are compiled in terms of standard operating procedures for the purposes of flight operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Navigation plans include but are not limited to:
  • Route
  • Speed
  • Altitude and aerodrome selection
  • Track and distance measurements
  • Headings, ground speeds, true airspeed and wind estimates
  • Chart preparation
  • Information on weather and aviation facilities
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Fuel plans are compiled in terms of standard operating procedures for the purposes of flight operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fuel plans include but are not limited to:
  • Fuel usage and requirement
  • Reserve fuel calculation
  • Fuel uplift decision
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Radio communication and radio aids usage plans are drafted in terms of radio frequency charts. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Compile and submit air traffic control flight plans. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of flight plans are differentiated in terms of International Civil Aviation Organization standards and recommended practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of flight plans include but are not limited to:
  • Instrument flight rules
  • Visual flight rules
  • Repetitive
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Flight plans are compiled in terms of the standard International Civil Aviation Organization format and procedures for submission and controlling of flight plans. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Flight plans and closing flight plans are submitted to the relevant agency in terms of Civil Aviation Authority regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of flight plans include but are not limited to:
  • Instrument flight rules
  • Visual flight rules
  • Repetitive
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Procedures to be followed in the event of an inadvertent or deliberate in flight deviation must be described in terms of applicable standards and regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Applicable standards refer to the country over which the aircraft is flying or ICAO.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Plan IFR (instrument flying rules) flights. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Meteorological conditions are analysed for their impact on the planned flight in terms of aviation implications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Aerodromes are selected in terms of their limitations and requirements for a specific operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aerodromes refer to:
  • Take-off
  • Destination
  • Alternates
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Routes are selected in terms of their limitations and requirements for a specific operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Limitations and requirements include but are not limited to:
  • Safe clearance altitudes
  • Supplemental oxygen requirements
  • Airframe icing hazards
  • One engine inoperative considerations
  • Navigation facility serviceability
  • Standard instrument departures and standard terminal arrival routes
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Contingency plans are compiled in response to potentially limiting factors for a specific operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Fuel planning is carried out in accordance with requirements for a specific operation. 


    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 
    Performance of a single engine aeroplanes:
  • Definitions of terms and speeds used
  • Take-off and landing performance
  • Climb, cruise and descent performance

    Performance of a multi-engine aeroplanes - performance class B:
  • Definitions of terms and speeds used
  • Performance calculations
  • Forces and moments acting on an aeroplane
  • Drag and power curves
  • Elements of performance
  • Performance graphs and tabulated data

    Flight plans for cross country visual flight rules flights:
  • Navigation plans
  • Fuel plans
  • Aeronautical charts
  • Aeronautical information sources
  • In-flight monitoring and re-planning
  • Radio communication and navigation aids

    International Civil Aviation Organization Air Traffic Control flight plan:
  • Types of flight plans
  • Completing the flight plan
  • Filing the flight plan
  • Closing the flight plan
  • Deviations from plan

    Instrument flight rules (airways) flight planning:
  • Meteorological considerations
  • Route selection to destinations and or alternates
  • Aerodrome selection
  • Aerodrome operating minima
  • Planning minima
  • General flight planning tasks 
    		•

    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:
  • Understanding the reasons for engine failures, their prevention and the importance of taking action to minimise the adverse consequences should such failure occur.
  • Taking into account weather, Air Traffic Control and navigation requirements, as well as aeroplane performance considerations when conducting flight planning.
  • Describing the procedures to be followed when conducting in-flight re-planning. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Understanding the different classes of aircraft and each of their performance capabilities.
  • Allowing sufficient time to collect required flight planning information.
  • Allowing sufficient time for compiling Air Traffic Control and operational flight plans.
  • Submitting completed Air Traffic Control flight plans timeously. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information by:
  • Evaluating all the information conveyed by the flight displays and competently making the correct decisions based thereon.
  • Identifying the information needed for flight planning and obtaining it from the appropriate sources e.g. obtaining weather forecast.
  • Obtaining clarity and confirmation of any conflicting or ambiguous information received e.g. clarifying elements of weather forecasts that are unclear.
  • Considering factors which could influence changes to the proposed flight e.g. serviceability and availability of navigation aids, fuel, routes and meteorological conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion by:
  • Completing legible Air Traffic Control and operational flight plans, and submitting these in the correct format.
  • Seeking clarification and confirmation of any ambiguous information received either verbally, in writing or electronically, during the flight planning process. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Understanding the different classes of aircraft and each of their performance capabilities.
  • Using electronic systems to obtain flight planning information.
  • Using electronic media to submit Air Traffic Control flight plans.
  • Using electronic media to generate Air Traffic Control and operational flight plans.
  • Using manual methods for generating Air Traffic Control and operational flight plans when necessary. 
    		•

    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:
  • By understanding and applying your knowledge of the performance of the various classes of aircraft and how certain factors would influence the functionality of the aircraft.
  • Incorporating the various aspects of flight planning i.e. navigation, fuel, routes, meteorological conditions to ensure continued safety of aeroplane, crew, passengers and the environment. 
    		•

    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 
    Specified requirements

    Abbreviations:

    AFM: Aircraft flight manual
    ATC: Air traffic control
    CAA: Civil aviation authority
    ICAO: Internationalo civil aviation organization
    IFR: Instrument flight rules
    POH: Pilot operating handbook
    VFR: Visual flight rules
    V: Velocity Speed
    Va: Manoeuvre Speed
    Vfe: Flap Extended Speed
    Vlo: Landing Gear Operating Speed
    Vmcg: Minimum Control Ground Speed
    Vne: Never Exceed Speed
    Vno: Nominal Operating Speed
    Vr: Rotate Speed
    Vyse: Speed of Maximum Rate of Climb with One Engine Operative
    CG: Centre of Gravity 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49950   National Certificate: Navigation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  TETA 
    Elective  58023   National Diploma: Aircraft Piloting  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 


    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.