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 pre and post flight procedures and administration for flights 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120161  Conduct pre and post flight procedures and administration for flights 
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  4 
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:

Perform the following pre- and post-flight procedures and administration for commercial, military, Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flights and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flights by day and by night, ensuring that own self-readiness and aeroplane serviceability is confirmed prior to departure in compliance with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Military Aviation Authority (MAA) Regulations and safe flying practice:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the operating principles of an aeroplane and its systems
  • Confirm self-readiness for flight
  • Prepare for a proposed flight
  • Perform pre- and post-flight inspections
  • Prepare aeroplane for planned flight
  • Perform prescribed radiotelephony procedures 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4
  • Physical Science at NQF Level 4
  • Communication at NQF Level 4
  • The learner being a pilot is required to have demonstrated the ability to fly a single-engined aeroplane in all phases of flight in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) by day and by night at Private Piloting level.
  • The learner being a navigator is required to have demonstrated the ability to navigate an aeroplane in all phases of flight in Visual Meteorological Conditions by day and by night. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard should be completed under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).

    The terms "aircraft" and "aeroplane" are used as synonyms where appropriate.
  • Assessment shall be conducted in respect of multi-engine aeroplane, with retractable undercarriage and adjustable flaps, and variable pitch propeller, or turbo-propeller or turbo-jet engines, certified for a minimum crew of two pilots.
  • The aeroplane and its systems shall be operated within the limitations expressed in the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) and Pilot Operating Handbook (POH).
  • Cockpit Resource Management is not to be assessed as a stand-alone element, however, the outcomes resulting from Cockpit Resource Management can be assessed. Cockpit Resource Management is integral to flight and flight safety. Procedural elements of Cockpit Resource Management 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, and callouts.
  • Assessment:

    > Assessments shall be conducted in an aeroplane certified for single and multi crew operation.
    > Assessment shall be carried out in Visual Meteorological Conditions and or Instrument Meteorological Conditions, by day and by night.
  • Emergencies (simulated):
    Under no circumstances shall the aeroplane 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 
    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the operating principles of the aeroplane and its systems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • This specific outcome shall be assessed prior to in-flight operations.
  • This assessment shall be carried out in relation to the aeroplane presented for the assessment. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Normal and non normal operation of the aeroplane and its systems is described in terms of the Aircraft Flight Manual and or Pilot Operating Handbook. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The Aircraft Flight Manual and or Pilot Operating Handbook shall form the basis for the knowledge assessment of the aeroplane systems.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The aeroplane operating limitations are described in terms of safety and flight operations of aircraft using the Aircraft Flight Manual and or Pilot Operating Handbook. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The Aircraft Flight Manual/Pilot Operating Handbook shall form the basis for the knowledge assessment of the aeroplane operating limitations.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Consider self-readiness for flight. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The regulatory requirements for self-readiness is described in order to confirm adherence to regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Regulatory requirements include but are not limited to:
  • Licence
  • Medical status
  • How recent is the experience
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Human factors that impact on self-readiness for flight are described in terms of their influence on flight. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Human factors include but are not limited to:
  • Fatigue
  • Alcohol
  • Narcotics and medication
  • Scuba diving
  • Personal stress
  • Night vision
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare for a proposed flight. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Commercial or military transportation of passengers and or cargo by day and night under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
  • Sources of data for flight planning include but are not limited to: the approved aeroplane flight manual, tables and graphs and meteorological information. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Take-off is planned in accordance with legal and operational requirements to achieve a safe flight. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Legal and operational requirements include but are not limited to:
  • Required distances
  • Declared distances
  • Critical speeds
  • Climb gradients
  • Visibility and runway visual range minima
  • Atmospheric conditions
  • Weather conditions
  • Aeroplane mass
  • Runway surface
  • Airport lighting and markings
  • Times of sunset and sunrise
  • Take-off alternate aerodrome
  • Cloud ceiling requirements
  • Aeroplane capacity
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    En-route and diversion segments are planned in accordance with legal and operational requirements in terms of a safe and legal flight. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Legal and operational requirements include but are not limited to:
  • Diversion engine requirements of engine failure
  • Terrain clearance altitude
  • Fuel requirements
  • Diversion airports
  • Decision points
  • Weather
  • Icing
  • Oxygen
  • Navigation facilities
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Landing is planned in accordance with legal and operational requirements in terms of a safe and legal flight. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Legal and operational requirements include but are not limited to:
  • Required distances
  • Declared distances
  • Climb gradients
  • Visibility and runway visual range (RVR) minima.
  • Atmospheric conditions
  • Weather conditions
  • Aeroplane mass
  • Runway surface
  • Times of sunset and sunrise
  • Airport lighting and markings
  • Cloud ceiling requirements
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Aeroplane mass and centre of gravity are determined to be within aeroplane's operating limitations terms of a safe and legal flight. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The significance of completing pre and post flight documentation is discussed and demonstrated in a given scenario for the proposed flight. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Documents include:
  • Flight authorisation docs
  • Operational flight plan
  • Flight folio and or folder
  • Air Traffic Control (ATC) flight plan is prepared and submitted in order inform air traffic services
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform pre and post flight inspections. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The documents required by the regulation is verified as part of a pre and post flight inspection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Safety and emergency equipment required by the regulations are verified and in working order. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    External and internal checks are completed in accordance with approved Aircraft Flight Manual and or Pilot Operating Handbook to ensure aircraft serviceability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The results of external and internal checks are evaluated in order to determine aeroplane safety and serviceability for the proposed flight. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Post-flight inspection is conducted in order to report on possible damage and serviceability according to Aircraft Flight Manual and or Pilot Operating Handbook. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Prepare aeroplane for planned flight. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Aeroplane refuelling procedures are demonstrated while in keeping with safety operating practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Refuelling procedures include but are not limited to:
  • Check grade, quality and quantity
  • Storage
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Water and contaminents
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An aeroplane is safely positioned in order to proceed to start-up and taxi. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Positioning includes but is not limited to:
  • Clear taxi-path from start-up position
  • Slipstream or jet blast will not cause inconvenience or damage to other aircraft, property, people and the immediate vicinity
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The securing of on board equipment, persons and load is demonstrated in order to ensure safe take-off. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Perform prescribed radiotelephony procedures. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Radiotelephony includes but is not limited to aircraft to aircraft and aircraft to ground. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Radio equipment is selected in accordance with operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Radio operation includes but is not limited to:
  • Frequency
  • Audio selection panel
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Other radio traffic is monitored to enhance safety and improve situational awareness. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Monitoring includes but is not limited to:
  • Enhancing situational awareness
  • Listening for instructions and changing circumstances as a continuous process
  • Avoidance of interrupting other radio conversations
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Radio communication is carried out in accordance with standard procedures to enhance safety and improve situational awareness. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Standard procedures include but are not limited to:
  • International Civil Aviation Organization terminology
  • Clarity of speech
     
    		•


    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 
  • Aeroplane systems and operating limitations.
  • Aircraft Flight Manual and or Pilot Operating Handbook procedures for normal and abnormal operation of the aeroplane and its systems.
  • Regulatory requirements and restrictions for operating an aeroplane.
  • Legal and operational requirements for flying small aeroplanes.
  • Sources for obtaining flight planning information.
  • Techniques for determining aeroplane mass and balance.
  • Techniques for compiling a flight plan.
  • Operational documentation requirements and procedures.
  • Pre- and post-flight inspection procedures.
  • Safety procedures: fuelling the aeroplane, positioning the aeroplane for start-up and taxi-ing.
  • Procedures for securing equipment, passengers and loads.
  • Radiotelephony communication procedures.
  • Human factors impacting on pilot proficiency and flight safety. 
    		•

    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:
  • Planning and performing flights to achieve objectives within the constraints of the aeroplane limitations and regulatory requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Acting as sole pilot or as a member of a flight crew.
  • Communicating with Air Traffic Service and organising the flight in cognisance to other air traffic. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Planning ahead.
  • Compliance with applicable legislation.
  • 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 
    Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information by:
  • Identifying symptoms of instrument, system and engine malfunction. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion by:
  • 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 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • 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 Aircraft Flight Manual/Pilot Operating Handbook.
  • 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 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
  • 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 
    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:
  • Use of distractions during practical assessment:

    > Numerous studies indicate that many accidents have occurred when the pilot has been distracted during critical phases of flight.
    > To strengthen this area of pilot training and evaluation, the assessor shall provide a realistic distraction during the flight portion of the practical test.
    > This will give the assessor a positive opportunity to evaluate the learner's ability to divide attention both inside and outside the cockpit while maintaining safe flight.
  • The information contained in this unit standard does not supercede any information contained in manufacturer's instructions or any law.
  • Assessors are encouraged to write comments on any of the outcomes.

    Abbreviations:

    VFR: Visual Flight Rules
    CAA: Civil Aviation Authority
    MAA: Military Aviation Authority
    VMC: Visual Meteorological Conditions
    AFM: Aircraft Flight Manual
    POH: Pilot Operating Handbook
    CRM: Cockpit Resource Management
    RVR: Runway Visual Range
    ATC: Air Traffic Control
    RT: Radiotelephony
    ICAO: International Civil Aviation Organization 
    		•

    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 
    Core  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.