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 low level flying operations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243328  Perform low level flying operations 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Aerospace Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Physical Sciences 
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 
This unit standard will enable a learner to apply advanced applications in terms of low level flying. Low level flying is normally conducted in response to specific operational requirements by organisations such as the South African Air Force (SAAF). Low-level flying may also be conducted to avoid certain meteorological conditions such as weather and environmental conditions, which may pose a danger or hazard to aircraft or in order to comply with Air Traffic Control (ATC) requests. This unit standard will enable learners to take into account factors which will influence the planning of a low level flight as well as enable them to differentiate between low level navigation techniques and standard navigation techniques when performing a low level flight in an aircraft.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Plan a low level flight.
  • Navigate a low level flight.
  • Perform low level flying. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The ability to control aircraft by visual reference in normal flight.

    The Unit Standard:
  • 120058: Demonstrate understanding of the principles of navigating an aircraft NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Assessment of the learner shall be conducted in compliance with CAA/MAA Regulations and in accordance with safe flying practice.
  • The aircraft and its systems shall be operated within the limitations expressed in the aeroplane flight manual and pilot operating handbook.
  • Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) is not to be assessed as a stand-alone element. However, the outcomes resulting from CRM can be assessed. CRM is integral to flight and flight safety. Procedural elements of CRM are to be assessed throughout the assessment of all outcomes in a holistic and integrated way. Range of procedural elements include but are not limited to: Use of checklists, crew briefings, radio calls.
  • Assessment:

    > Assessments may be conducted in an aircraft certified for single pilot or multi crew operations.
    > Assessments shall be carried out in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), by day.
  • Competence shall be assessed in a single or multi-engine aeroplane with retractable or fixed undercarriage and adjustable flaps, and variable pitch propeller, or turbo-propeller or turbo-jet engines, or a helicopter with a minimum mass of 500kg.
  • Tolerances:

    > The assessor shall make allowance for environmental conditions and the handling qualities and performance of the type of aircraft.
    > Assessors should emphasize staying within the tolerances applicable to low level flying and acceptable parameters.
  • Emergencies and hazards (simulated and actual):

    > Under no circumstances shall the aircraft or its occupants be placed in jeopardy.
  • Good airmanship appropriate to the level of the unit standard should be demonstrated for all outcomes. Additional elements of airmanship specific to outcomes are indicated in range statements within assessment criteria. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan a low level flight. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Obstacles and hazards are identified using aeronautical information aids. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aeronautical information aids may include but is not limited to maps, satellite imagery, charts and aerial photographs.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A route is planned taking into account influencing factors. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Influencing factors may include but are not limited to: power lines, high ground, masts, bird activity, built up areas and airfields, fuel planning and speed.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Airspace areas are identified in order to ascertain their influence on the planning of a low level flight. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Airspace areas include but are not limited to: restricted (FAR), prohibited (FAP) and danger (FAD), controlled airspace.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Normal aeroplane procedures are contrasted with low-level aeroplane procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aeroplane procedures refer to: low-level navigation procedures, set-up procedures such as trimming of the aeroplane, visors, harness.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Low-level flight information is collated to produce a flight plan and a low level map. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Information may refer to but is not limited to: turning point and target coordinates, fuel, time, destination.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    VHF frequencies are matched with the low level flight. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    A low level flight plan and map are reviewed in order to inform future alternatives. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Navigate a low level flight. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Techniques of applying navigation resources are explained to ensure to flight safety. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Techniques refer to techniques of holding maps, scans, placing and positioning of maps, reading maps, set-up of navigation resources.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The application of navigation resources is demonstrated in a given situation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Given situation refers to actual and or simulated scenarios.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Low-level navigation principles are applied in accordance with flight planning. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Principles refer to but are not limited to principles underlying contour flying.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Low-level navigation procedures are demonstrated in a given situation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Low-level navigation procedures include but are not limited to trimming of aircraft, the appropriate use of harnesses in low level flying, set heading procedures, target acquisition procedures, track maintenance, ground speed maintenance.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Transition processes between low level flight and other level flights are demonstrated in a given situation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform low level flying. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    This outcome must be performed in an actual low level flight. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Visual navigation is conducted during and actual low level flight. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Transitions between navigation disciplines are demonstrated during a navigation flying exercise. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Navigations disciplines may refer to medium level Visual Flight Rules (VFR), medium level Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and low-level navigation.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A low level flight is demonstrated in accordance with flight planning. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The demonstration of the flight may refer to demonstration of the ability to maintain a predetermined ground speed, maintain a predetermined track, (includes identification of overfly turning points and targets within a specified time) maintain height above ground, make necessary adjustments and take corrective actions where necessary.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A low level flight is demonstrated in accordance with prescribed safety procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs). 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety procedures and SOPs refer to but are not limited to not flying below minimum speeds, not exceeding the maximum bank angle, not descending below the minimum height.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Recovery actions are performed under non-normal conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Recovery actions may include to fuel emergencies, bird strikes, radio failure and engine-related emergencies, lost procedures.
     


    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 
    Information pertaining to low level flying found in:
  • Flight Information Manual prescripts pertaining to low level flying.
  • Low-level frequencies.
  • Air Law.
  • Civil Aviation Technical Standards (CATS) and Civil Aviation Regulations and Standards (CARS) pertaining to low level flying.
  • NOTAMS: Notice to Airmen.
  • AFM: Air Flight Manual.
  • Operator's Standing Instructions.
  • SOPs: Standard Operating Procedures.
  • SPTM: Student Pilot Training Manual.
  • Air Navigation Manual. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Planning and performing low level flights taken into account fuel parameters, aeroplane drift and track maintenance. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Planning ahead.
  • Complying with applicable standard operating procedures.
  • Performing appropriate checks and procedures.
  • Using checklists where appropriate.
  • Exercising command ability and manoeuvring the aeroplane within its limits in order to achieve the desired outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • Taking into account influencing factors of flight planning. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Radio and cockpit communication is in accordance with standard procedures and phraseology to ensure clarity and brevity of communication is achieved. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment when:
  • Proper and effective visual scanning to clear the area before and while performing manoeuvres by visual reference.
  • Operation of the aeroplane and its systems in accordance with the aeroplane flight manual.
  • Taking prompt corrective action when tolerances are exceeded.
  • Flying the aeroplane in such a way that tolerance exceedences are kept to a minimum. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • A high level of situational awareness is maintained.
  • Airspace restrictions and requirements are adhered to.
  • Curfews, noise abatement procedures and other measures to minimise disturbance to the environment and the public are observed.
  • Safe flying practice is maintained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
  • The assessor will be competent in the outcomes of this unit standard.
  • The assessor will be accredited, have the competence of this unit standard and be a subject matter expert in this learning area.
  • The assessor will be appropriately authorised by a relevant military or civil authority. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Learners who are not competent in the language proficiency standard for ICAO defined operational English at ICAO level 4 will find it difficult to meet licensing requirements.

    The information contained in this unit standard does not supersede any information contained in manufacturer's instructions or any law.

    Definitions:
  • Airmanship is the application of the principles of skill proficiency and discipline. It includes but is not limited to: knowledge of equipment, knowledge of self, knowledge of the environment, risks associated with flight operations, appropriate situational awareness and good judgement. Good airmanship is displayed when there are no intentional deviations from accepted regulations, procedures or common sense.
  • Situational awareness: The perception of the elements in the environment within a volume of time and space, the comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of their status in the near future.
  • Airfields refer to both airports, and manned and unmanned aerodromes. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    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  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.