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 QUALIFICATION:

Occupational Certificate: Aircraft Structures Technician

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
102498	Occupational Certificate: Aircraft Structures Technician
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - TETA (Manufacturing)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology		Manufacturing and Assembly
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	546	Not Applicable	NQF Level 04	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0425/24	2018-05-30	2025-12-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30		2029-12-30

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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Aircraft Structures Technician.

An Aircraft Structures Technician fabricates, inspects, modifies, dismantles, assembles, repairs and replaces the components of aircraft structures using metal and carbon fibre composite materials.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Oversee aircraft safety and perform routine maintenance checks.

Dismantle, modify, assemble and fabricates structural components of an aircraft.

Inspect, examine, repair and replace aircraft materials and damaged structural components.

Rationale:
The development of a qualification that meets international requirements related to the maintenance of aircraft is a priority to ensure continued use of South African airports by international airlines. Compliance of the qualification content with international standards, norms and training through bodies like the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) must, therefore, be ensured.

Based on local and international aviation prescripts no maintenance, repair or overhaul activities on the structural, mechanical and relevant electronic elements of specified aircraft may be executed by a person, not in possession of a valid aircraft maintenance engineering license.

This qualification will provide a learning pathway for learners to obtain a Occupational Certificate as an Aircraft Structures Technician in the aerospace industry. Learners will have the competencies to maintain aircraft composites and their components in accordance with quality standards as laid down by national and international aviation legislative authorities.

This qualification provides further opportunities to obtain a South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) formal type rating as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. This qualification could also lead to a career progression towards a National Diploma in Aircraft Mechanics. On completion of the qualification or part qualification job opportunities would also be available in the Aviation sector and Air Force both locally and internationally.

In addition, there is a further industry need to develop part qualifications to allow for recognised training in specialist areas and to allow for career progression. This qualification along with the associated part qualifications in specialisation areas will mainly benefit people who have been working within the Aviation industry to obtain formal international recognition and enhance career progression.

The competencies attained through this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation, empowerment and upliftment within the aviation environment, while simultaneously improving the skills base of the country.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

Entry Requirements:

Level 4 with Mathematics and Science.
Or

National Certificate: N3 Engineering Studies with Mathematics and Engineering Science.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules.

Knowledge Modules:

653202001-KM-01: The principles of mathematics related to aircraft, Level 4, 5 Credits.

653202001-KM-02: Aircraft materials and hardware, Level 5, 25 Credits.

653202001-KM-03: Aircraft safety, Level 3, 10 Credits.

653202001-KM-04: Basic hand and workshop tools, Level 3, 10 Credits.

653202001-KM-05: Aerodynamics and the theory of flight, Level 4, 4 Credits.

653202001-KM-06: Human factors, Level 3, 3 Credits.

653202001-KM-07: Aviation legislation, Level 3, 4 Credits.

653202001-KM-08: Manufacture, repair, and assembly of aircraft structures, Level 5, 32 Credits.

653202001-KM-09: Aircraft aerodynamics, structures, and systems, Level 4, 10 Credits.

653202001-KM-10: Inspection and maintenance of aircraft structures, Level 5, 30 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 133.

Practical Skill Modules:

653202001-PM-01: Perform safety precautions on an aircraft and in the workshop, Level 3, 16 Credits.

653202001-PM-02: Identify and inspect flight components on an aircraft, Level 4, 8 Credits.

653202001-PM-03: Use hand tools, power tools and workshop machines for aircraft manufacturing and repairs, Level 3, 40 Credits.

653202001-PM-04: Mix and apply protective coatings, Level 3, 8 Credits.

653202001-PM-05: Manufacture structural components for aircrafts, Level 4, 50 Credits.

653202001-PM-06: Dismantle and assemble, aircraft structural components, Level 4, 26 Credits.

653202001-PM-07: Identify, inspect and repair different aircraft materials, Level 3, 12 Credits.

653202001-PM-08: Identify, inspect and repair corroded structural components, Level 3, 8 Credits.

653202001-PM-09: Detect and repair cracks, dents, fatigue, and other damage, Level 4, 12 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 180.

Work Experience Modules:

653202001-WM-01: Aviation safety process and procedures of aircraft structures, Level 3, 24 Credits.

653202001-WM-02: Aircraft dismantle and reassembly process and procedures, Level 4, 103 Credits.

653202001-WM-03: Processes for inspecting, examining and repairing structural components of the aircraft, Level 4, 106 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 233.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Prepare working area and tools for safe working practices.
2. Manufacture structural components.
3. Dismantle and reassemble aircraft structural components.
4. Inspect and repair working structural components of the aircraft.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Descriptions of safe working procedures, safety precautions, and Personal Protective Equipment tasks are accurately completed.

Safety precautions in the workshop and environment worksite are conducted to manual specifications.

Flight components on the aircraft are examined correctly.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

A structural component is cut to size, drilled and punched according to engineering drawing specifications, using appropriate tools safely and accurately.

Formed aeronautical sheet metal meets the engineering drawing specifications.

Aeronautical sheet metal is folded using appropriate tools and techniques accurately.

Fabricated structural components are assembled following correct sequence and procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Appropriate hand tools, power tools, and workshop machines are used safely and accurately for the manufacture of the aircraft structural components.

Protective spray coatings meet quality standards, are mixed according to specifications and applied following correct procedures.

Given aircraft structural components and following the correct sequence and without damage to the surrounding areas, the aircraft is dismantled.

Given aircraft structural components and following the correct sequence and without damage to the surrounding areas, the aircraft is assembled.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Corroded structural components are free from debris and repaired to specifications using appropriate techniques.

Cracks and fatigue fractures are detected and repaired as per manufacturers' specifications using appropriate material, tools and techniques correctly.

Dents are removed and meet quality standards using appropriate material, tools and techniques correctly.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated Formative Assessment:
The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment:
An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. Should recognition for completed tasks be sought, the process will be done in accordance with the Trade Test Regulations. A candidate who attempted a trade test will be given recognition for those trade test tasks in which he/she has been found competent and not be retested in those tasks provided that: (1) the learner is competent in at least 50% of the trade test tasks given during the trade test and (2) the recognition will be retained by the candidate for a maximum of 3 attempts or 18-months from the date of successful completion of the trade test task whichever comes first.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Aircraft Structures Technician is a trade recognised in various countries in Europe and abroad. In most cases, the training is not based on registered qualifications, but training requirements are prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) of the United States of America (USA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Most European countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Finland, Sweden and Germany, as well as Australia, the United Kingdom, USA, Canada and Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries conform to these training requirements and standards.

This qualification covers content specified by existing international standard, as set out by the EASA, and relevant elements extracted from FAA technical training guidelines, as well as prescripts issued by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

Conclusion:
The content of the qualification, Occupational Certificate: Aircraft Structures Technician, therefore, compares well with the programmes offered in all above mentioned countries.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:
This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualification:

National Certificate: Aircraft Maintenance and Overhaul, NQF Level 4.

Vertical Articulation:
This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualifications:

Certificate: Aircraft Composite Structures Worker, NQF Level 5.

National Diploma: Aircraft Performance Engineering, NQF Level 6.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

Qualifying for external assessment:
In order to qualify for an external asses Originator/Development Quality Partner (DQP): Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA).

Learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience records including the Foundational Learning Competence.

Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
None.

Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

The curriculum title and code is: Aircraft Structures Technician: 653202001.

Encompassed Trades:
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:

None.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

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