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: 

Conduct air traffic control for traffic combinations on and in the vicinity of an aerodrome 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244199  Conduct air traffic control for traffic combinations on and in the vicinity of an aerodrome 
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  15 
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 learner credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Demonstrate understanding of the air traffic control requirements considering aerodrome traffic combinations.
  • Accept control of air traffic.
  • Demonstrate understanding of air traffic aerodrome control procedures.
  • Implement air traffic aerodrome control in accordance with prescribed procedures.
  • Hand over control of aircraft. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Traffic combinations include but are not limited to ground traffic, airborne traffic, work parties.

    Where necessary ranges are specified in relation to specific outcomes and assessment criteria within the body of the standard. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate understanding of the air traffic control requirements considering aerodrome traffic combinations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An explanation is given of the impact of aerodrome traffic combinations on air traffic management. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal requirements are explained in terms of providing control of multiple aircraft at the same time. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Personal requirements include extended concentration, split attention, multiple calculations, handling multiple emergencies, reduced time for decision making.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Circumstances and factors of control techniques are described in terms of the desired outcome and flight conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Circumstances and factors include flight rules, flight status, safety, tactical considerations and environmental conditions.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Accept control of air traffic. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Aircraft are identified in terms of standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Identification includes but is not limited to position reports, altitude, manoeuvring.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Acceptance of control procedures are complied with in terms of the standard operating procedures and techniques. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Aircraft progress is tracked in terms of position reports. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Position reports include but are not limited to geographical reference, levels, direction, call sign, aircraft type.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate understanding of air traffic aerodrome control procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Air traffic control techniques for aerodrome control are identified in terms of their advantages and disadvantages in a given scenario. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Techniques include but are not limited to separation standards, meteorological conditions, aircraft performance, radar coverage, airspace characteristics, traffic mix.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Potential emergency scenarios are assessed in terms of their impact on the situation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Emergency scenarios include communication failure, engine failure, electrical failure, hydraulic failure, compass error/failure, airframe damage, armament malfunction, fuel transfer anomalies and mid air collisions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Actions required to handle the emergency scenario are explained in terms of minimising the impact of the emergency. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Take-off performance is planned and calculated in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Requirements include but are not limited to required distances, declared distances, critical speeds, climb gradients, atmospheric conditions, weather conditions, RVR and visibility minima, aircraft mass, runway surface, airport lighting and markings, times of sunset and sunrise, take-off alternate aerodrome.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Landing performance is planned and evaluated in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Requirements include but are not limited to required distances, declared distances, critical speeds, climb gradients, atmospheric conditions, weather conditions, RVR and visibility minima, aircraft mass, runway surface, airport lighting and markings, times of sunset and sunrise, take-off alternate aerodrome.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Go-around performance is planned and evaluated in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Requirements include but are not limited to critical speeds, climb gradients, atmospheric conditions, weather conditions, aircraft mass.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The reasons for maintaining calm and presence of mind is explained in relation to aviation safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Risks associated with night flying are evaluated in terms of the impact on the situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Night flying procedures within an aerodrome control environment are described in terms of their application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Situational awareness is evaluated in terms of factors that may influence traffic management. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Implement air traffic aerodrome control in accordance with prescribed procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Aerodrome traffic is controlled in accordance with standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Traffic patterns are compared and selected in terms of their suitability within a given situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Aerodrome traffic is controlled in terms of the factors influencing the traffic scenario. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors influencing the traffic scenario include but are not limited to allocated airspace, meteorological conditions, traffic performances, flight rules, flight status.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Control and liaison communication is conducted in terms of prescribed radiotelephony procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Control and liaison information is recorded in terms of standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Actions to resolve emergencies are conducted in terms of minimising the impact on the situation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Hand over control of aircraft. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Controlled air traffic are handed over in accordance with standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Consequences of non-compliance are explained in terms of aviation safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Control and Liaison communication is conducted in terms of prescribed radiotelephony 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 
  • Role and performance of different types of aircraft operating in the airspace.
  • Make, model and characteristics of different types of aircraft.
  • Air traffic services administrative process.
  • Air traffic services co-ordination procedures.
  • Aeronautical messages.
  • Air traffic control system, coordination and transfer of control.
  • Meteorological phenomena.
  • Meteorological maps and charts.
  • Emergency procedures.
  • Aviation legislation.
  • Aircraft emergency equipment.
  • Navigational principles.
  • Regulatory framework.
  • Responsibilities of aerodrome control.
  • Aerodrome control within an ATZ.
  • Aerodrome control within a CTR in VMC and IMC.
  • Loss of communication.
  • Taking over watch.
  • Selection of runway-in-use.
  • Crosswind component.
  • Positions in the aerodrome taxi and traffic circuit.
  • Order of priority for arriving and departing aircraft.
  • Control of taxiing aircraft.
  • Control of persons and vehicles on the manoeuvring area.
  • Control of traffic in the circuit and joining.
  • Aerodrome Traffic Separations.
  • Wake turbulence separation.
  • Exemptions from separation minima.
  • Rules Applicable to pilots operating on and in the vicinity of an aerodrome.
  • Information related to the operation of aircraft.
  • Aerodrome control procedures applicable:
    > Prior to taxiing for take off.
    > Prior to take off.
    > Prior to entering the traffic circuit.
    > Essential local traffic.
    > Obstructed runway.
    > Wake turbulence and jet blast hazards.
    > Abnormal aircraft configuration and operation.
  • Reporting of windshear.
  • Aerodrome safety services.
  • Runway visual range.
  • Low visibility procedures.
  • Notification of hazardous surface wind conditions.
  • Essential information on special phenomena.
  • Visual signals for the control of aerodrome traffic.
  • Suspension and resumption of VFR operations.
  • Aerodrome inspections.
  • Marking of temporary obstructions.
  • Operation of aeronautical lights.
  • Period of operation.
  • PAPI.
  • Runway and taxiway lights.
  • Approach lights.
  • Aerodrome obstruction lights.
  • Liaison with Approach control and Area control.
  • Liaison with Meteorological services.
  • Use of Radar in the provision of Aerodrome Control.
  • Collision avoidance information.
  • Parallel and cross-runway operations.
  • Search and Rescue.
  • Overdue action by aerodrome control.
  • Utilisation of Direction finding equipment.
  • Radio guard.
  • Speech technique.
  • RT callsigns for ATC units.
  • Aircraft callsigns.
  • Callsign confusion.
  • Establishment of contact.
  • Continuation of communications.
  • Acknowledge and readback of transmissions.
  • Transfer of communications.
  • Transmission of company messages.
  • Emergency communication.
  • Distress communication.
  • Action by ground station addressed.
  • Imposition of silence.
  • Actions by other stations.
  • Radio telephony procedures relevant to Aerodrome control.
  • Use of flight progress strips.
  • Progress board layout.
  • Scanning of flight progress strips.
  • Co-ordination with other ATSUs.
  • Transfer of communications and control from area control.
  • OCT.
  • EAT.
  • Procedures for departing aircraft.
  • General application of RVSM related to Aerodrome Control.
  • Turbo-prop and turbo-jet aircraft operations.
  • Outbound clearances.
  • Loss of communication procedures.
  • Procedures for arriving aircraft.
  • Information to arriving aircraft.
  • Holding and approach sequence.
  • Approaches maintaining VMC.
  • Visual approaches. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
  • Identify alternative methods for communicating/transmitting information when communication equipment failure is experienced.
  • Monitor the status of air traffic services facilities, identify and report facilities which have become unserviceable. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    All information is verified and confirmed prior to distribution. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
  • Maintain communication with Air Traffic Controllers and provide required information relevant to developing situations.
  • All equipment breakdown/failure is immediately reported to appropriate personnel to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted flow of information.
  • Prioritise and communicate information by order of importance. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Computer systems are used correctly to process accurate flight data. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Recognise the importance of providing efficient and effective support in an air traffic service 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 
    Abbreviations:
  • ATS: Air Traffic Service.
  • RVR: Runway visual range.
  • VMC: Visual MET conditions.
  • ATZ: Aerodrome traffic zone.
  • CTR: Control zone.
  • VFR: Visual flight rules.
  • PAPI: Precision approach path indicator.
  • RT: Radiotelephony.
  • ATC: Air traffic control.
  • ATSU: Air traffic service unit.
  • OCT: Onward clearance time.
  • EAT: Expected approach time.
  • RVSM: Reduced vertical separation minima.
  • MC: instrument MET conditions. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58580   National Certificate: Aerodrome Control  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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.