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 static line square parachute descents 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376441  Perform static line square parachute descents 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Special Combat Capabilities 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
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 
The qualifying learner is capable of performing a static line square parachute descent from a range of transport aircraft onto a pre-determined drop zone.

Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Prepare parachuting equipment.
  • Apply drills and procedures relating to the aircraft.
  • Perform a static line square parachute exit from an aircraft.
  • Apply canopy control on a static line square parachute.
  • Apply landing and post landing procedures.
  • Apply safety procedures during parachuting.

    This unit standard together with the unit standards "Perform descends with a round parachute using a static line as means of opening the parachute" and ""Pack a static line square main parachute" prepares learners for the unit standard "Perform as a team member during tactical air operations".

    Persons credited with this unit standard will have the ability to participate in a wide range of parachuting activities. The achievement of this unit standard will contribute to the personal development of members in the special operations environment and provide further mobility and transportability within the adventure sports industry. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner is competent in:
  • Packing a static line main square parachute at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Day and night.
  • Making use of the tailgate or side door. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare a dual assembly static line parachuting system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The equipment required to perform static line square parachute descents is identified and motivated in terms of its use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required equipment is inspected for serviceability in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The requirements of the space for preparing and fitting parachuting equipment is described according to organisational policy. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment includes but is not limited to helmet, goggles, clothing, footwear, altimeter, etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Perform drills and procedures relating to the aircraft. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different aircraft used to conduct static line square parachuting descents are identified and evaluated in terms of their influence on drills and procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aircraft include but are not limited to C130, C47 TP, PC 6, and C185.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The aircraft drills and procedures used to conduct static line square parachuting descents are demonstrated in simulated conditions according to the aircraft type. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Aircraft emergencies are recognised and the applicable emergency procedure is performed under simulated conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aircraft emergencies include but are not limited to:
  • Emergency landings.
  • Abandon aircraft.
  • Fire on board the aircraft.
  • Aircraft landing in water.
  • Depressurisation of the aircraft.
  • Accidental deployment of a parachute inside the aircraft.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform a static line square parachute exit from an aircraft. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Exit positions include spread eagle or compact body position. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The exit position is adopted when exiting from the aircraft in order to facilitate safe canopy deployment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The exit position and drill are performed according to the type of aircraft being used. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply canopy control on a static line square parachute. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The necessity for the use of flight drills is explained by making use of examples to their relevance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Flight drills are performed in a simulated scenario in order to ensure the safety of all the participating parachutists. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Ground wind direction on the drop zone is assessed and the landing approach is performed into the wind. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Perform landing and post landing procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The use of the parachute-landing fall is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The parachute-landing fall is performed in a flight trainer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The drills and procedures to recover the parachute on the drop zone are demonstrated according to work place procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Post-landing procedures are performed to clear the drop zone while continuing to ensure the safety of descending parachutists. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Apply safety procedures during parachuting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different types of emergencies are analysed and their influence on parachuting drills and procedures distinguished. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of emergencies:
  • Hooked up to the aircraft and static line hung up.
  • Abandon aircraft.
  • Fire on board the aircraft.
  • Aircraft landing in water.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The different parachute malfunctions are analysed and their influence on parachuting drills and procedures distinguished. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Parachute malfunctions include, but are not limited to:
  • High speed malfunctions include but are not limited to total malfunctions, pilot chute in tow, streamers, horseshoes, bag locks, riser failure, etc.
  • Low speed malfunctions include but are not limited to tears or burns, broken rigging lines, tension knots, line over, slider stuck, etc.
  • Fire on board the aircraft.
  • Non-malfunctions include but are not limited to closed end cells, twists, premature brake release, and slider halfway down.
  • Simultaneous deployment includes but is not limited to biplane, down plane or side-by-side.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safety hazards found on the ground are identified and the implications and specified drills relating to each are analysed and discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The rules of the air are interpreted and applied during mass parachute descents. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The application of safety rules and regulations on the drop zone are explained by making use of examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety rules and regulations include but are not limited to:
  • Open flames near parachutes.
  • Blood or chemicals on parachutes.
  • Wear a helmet.
  • Awareness of descending parachutists and equipment.
  • Protect the parachute from damage.
  • Medical emergency procedure on the drop zone.
  • Crossing aircraft runways.
  • Safety hazards on the ground which include but are not limited to power lines, trees, buildings, water and fixation.
  • Rules of the air.
     
    		•


    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 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking has been made when learners are capable of identifying and solving various malfunctions that can occur during static line parachuting descents. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
  • Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community where learners are capable of parachuting safely as individuals within a team while taking their fellow team members into consideration during the phases of a parachute descent.
  • Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community where the learners are capable of preparing themselves and their personal equipment for a parachuting descent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information when learners are capable of collecting, analysing and critically evaluating factors such as wind drift, air and ground obstacles while descending with a parachute. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion is demonstrated when learners are able to effectively communicate by means of visual and oral commands while in the aircraft, during the parachute descent and on the drop zone. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others. Learners are able to apply science and technology to ensure the safe completion of a parachute descent. Learners are also capable of using an altimeter to assist in the successful completion of a parachute descent. 

    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. Learners will be able to assess and act during aircraft emergencies while in the aircraft. Learners can further recognise hazards posed by ground and air obstacles. 

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  78263   National Higher Certificate: Special Combat Capabilities  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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.