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: 

Describe small aeroplane components and emergency equipment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120152  Describe small aeroplane components and emergency equipment 
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  9 
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:
  • Describe small aeroplane airframes and systems.
  • Describe small aeroplane pressurisation and environmental systems.
  • Describe small aeroplane electrical systems and aircraft batteries.
  • Describe power sources (plants) used on small aeroplanes.
  • Describe emergency equipment used on small aeroplanes.

    This unit standard forms part of the core learning of the learner operating in the field of air transport aviation.

    Learners who have achieved this unit standard will increase their opportunities for professional development and employability within the Aviation industry. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4.
  • Physical Science at NQF Level 4.
  • An understanding of computer data representations used in aircraft systems at NQF level 4. 
    		•

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

    Small aeroplanes refer to aeroplanes with a certificated mass up to 5700 kg.
    Small aeroplane components refer to fuselage, wings, empennage etc.
    Emergency equipment refers to fire extinguishers, radio locating beacons, survival packs etc. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe small aeroplane airframes and aircraft systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Airframe components are described in terms of function, construction and limitations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Airframe components include but are not limited to:
  • Fuselage, wings, control surfaces, stabilising surfaces, empennage.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Hydraulic systems commonly found in aircraft are described in terms of basic hydraulic principles, components and functioning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Identified air driven systems are described in terms of main components, principles of operation, functions, control and power sources. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Identified air driven systems refer to but are not limited to:
  • Instruments
  • De-icing
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    De-ice and anti-ice systems used in small aircraft are described in terms of construction, function, operations and limitations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Identified types of aviation fuel and additives are described in terms of characteristics, handling and precautionary measures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aviation fuel and additives include but are not limited to:
  • Avgas and jet fuel.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Types of landing gear used in small aircraft are described in terms of components, construction, function, advantages and disadvantages. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of landing gear include but are not limited to:
  • Fixed
  • Retractable
  • Tricycle
  • Tail wheel
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe small aeroplane pressurisation and environmental systems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    "Environmental" refers to the physical environment on board the aeroplane. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Terms and concepts associated with cabin pressurisation are defined as applied to pressurisation system functioning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Identified environmental control systems are described in terms of components and functioning. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Environmental control systems include but are not limited to:
  • Pressurisation systems
  • Air-conditioning systems
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Environmental system operating procedures are described in terms of environment management in normal and non-normal modes. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe small aeroplane electrical systems and aircraft batteries. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Electrical current includes both direct and alternating current. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Terms and concepts associated with the distribution of electric power are described in terms of aircraft electrical systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The components of electrical systems are described in terms of their purpose, functions. characteristics and operating principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Components of electrical systems include but are not limited to:
  • Generators, alternators, motors, transformers, rectifiers, resistors, semi-conductor devices, current limiting devices, capacitors, choke coils, lights, measuring devices & indicators, conductors and insulators.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Aircraft batteries are described in terms of characteristics, purpose, function, operating principles and maintenance. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Batteries include but are not limited to:
  • Lead acid, nickel cadmium, lithium iron, nickel metal hydride.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Electrical power distribution systems are described in terms of their normal and non-normal operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Electrical power distribution systems include but are not limited to:
  • Power sources, wiring, measurement control and protection devices.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe power sources (plants) used on small aeroplanes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Piston engines are described in terms of their use in aviation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The description includes but is not limited to:
  • Definitions
  • Terminology
  • Construction
  • Principles of operation
  • Meteorological condition influences on a piston engine
  • Characteristics
  • Mounting
  • Advantages and disadvantages
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Turbine engines are described in non-quantitative general terms in the context of their use in aviation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The description includes but is not limited to:
  • Definitions
  • Terminology
  • Construction
  • Principles of operation
  • Meteorological condition influences
  • Characteristics
  • Mounting
  • Advantages and disadvantages

    Turbine engines include but are not limited to:
  • Turbo propeller
  • Turbo jet
  • Turbo fan
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Power source auxiliary systems are described in terms of their purpose, functioning, operating principles and components. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Auxiliary systems include but are not limited to:
  • Lubrication
  • Cooling
  • Ignition
  • Fuel delivery
  • Supercharging
  • Bleed air
  • Ice protection
  • Reverse thrust
  • Feathering mechanisms
  • Monitoring and control
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Propellers are described in terms of their operating principles, construction, functioning, advantages and disadvantages. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The operation of power sources is described in terms of normal and non-normal conditions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Describe emergency equipment used on small aeroplanes. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Emergency equipment includes but is not limited to:
  • Doors, emergency exits and markings
  • Smoke detection
  • Fire detection
  • Fire fighting
  • Oxygen equipment
  • Life jackets and life rafts
  • Emergency Location Transmitter 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Required onboard emergency equipment is described in terms of regulatory requirements and function. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Required onboard emergency equipment is described in terms of their use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Use includes but is not limited to:
  • Serviceability checking
  • Operation and/or deployment
  • Operating procedures
  • Cleaning activities
     
    		•


    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 
    Airframe and systems:
  • Components: fuselage, wings, control surfaces, stabilising surfaces
  • Construction materials and methods
  • Structural design
  • Behaviour of materials and structures under load
  • Aerodynamic forces and moments
  • Construction and operation of flight controls
  • Lift augmentation and wing flaps
  • Landing gear
  • Basic principles of hydraulics and hydraulic systems
  • Basic principles of pneumatics and pneumatic systems
  • Environmental systems
  • Pressurisation
  • Ice protection systems
  • Aeroplane fuel systems
  • Aviation fuels

    Electrics:
  • Fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism
  • Direct current circuits:

    > Power sources
    > Circuit components and their behaviour
    > Direct current devices
    > The aircraft structure as an electrical conductor
  • Alternating current circuits:

    > Power sources
    > Circuit components and their behaviour
    > Alternating current motors
    > Transformers
    > Rectifiers and inverters
  • Logic circuits

    > Logical symbols
    > Switching circuits and logical symbols

    Powerplant:
  • Piston engine:

    > Operating principles
    > Types of construction
    > Auxiliary systems
    > Engine performance
    > Mixture
    > Engine handling and manipulation
  • Propellers:

    > Operating principles
    > Types of construction
    > Performance
    > Control
  • Turbine engines:

    > Operating principles
    > Types of turbine engines
    > Major components
    > Auxiliary systems
    > Pressure, temperature and airflow in a turbine engine
    > Reverse thrust
    > Performance and thrust augmentation
    > Auxiliary gearbox
    > Powerplant operation and monitoring
  • Auxiliary Power Unit (APU):

    > General
    > Ram air turbine

    Emergency equipment:
  • Doors and emergency exits
  • Smoke detection
  • Fire detection
  • Fire fighting equipment and materials
  • Aircraft oxygen equipment 
    		•

    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:
  • Applying knowledge of airframes, systems and equipment on an aeroplane to manage problem solving and non-normal operations.
  • Correctly using and testing emergency equipment on an aeroplane. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Correctly using emergency equipment in varying circumstances on an aeroplane. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information by:
  • Correctly using emergency equipment in varying circumstances on an aeroplane. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Applying knowledge of airframes and systems to aeroplane operation.
  • Applying knowledge of the principles of electricity and fluid mechanics in order to describe the construction and functioning of aeroplane systems. 
    		•

    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 the consequences of not using the aeroplane systems correctly.
  • Using emergency equipment in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • Managing normal and non-normal operations in order to ensure the continued safety of flight and minimising the adverse impact of flight on 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 
    Acronyms used in this unit standard:
  • APU: Auxiliary power unit
  • ELT: Emergency Location Transmitter 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Fundamental  49950   National Certificate: Navigation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  TETA 
    Fundamental  58023   National Diploma: Aircraft Piloting  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 
    Elective  50500   National Diploma: Electronic Warfare  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.