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 Maintenance Mechanic 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
103219  Occupational Certificate: Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic 
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  553  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-10-25  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
48861  National Certificate: Aircraft Maintenance and Overhaul  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  180  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to equip a learner with the knowledge, skills and competencies to perform duties as an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic.

An Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic inspects, tests, diagnoses, repairs and installs the structural, mechanical and relevant electronic components of an aircraft.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Practise basic workshop related procedures.
  • Perform flight-line operations inspections and diagnosis/tests.
  • Perform rotary and fixed wing aircraft maintenance inspections, installations, diagnosis/tests and repairs.
  • Perform engine and related system maintenance tasks inspections, installations, diagnosis/tests and repairs.

    Rationale:
    The current South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) registered qualification (48861: National Certificate: Aircraft Maintenance and Overhaul Level 4, 180 Credits) currently being used in industry to train Apprentices to become an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic does not meet the requirements for a trade as per the new Draft Trade Test Regulations (March 2013).

    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 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, therefore, provide 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.

    The occupation also includes specialised skills that will be derived from the qualification and linked to this qualification, namely:
  • Flight Line Operator.
  • Engine Workshop Maintenance Mechanic.
  • Propeller Workshop Maintenance Mechanic.
  • Aircraft Component Maintenance Mechanic.

    These derived qualifications will allow for recognised training in specialist areas and to allow for career progression. This qualification along with the associated derived 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 contained in this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation, empowerment and upliftment within the aviation environment, whilst simultaneously improving the skills base of the country.

    On completion of the qualification or derived qualification qualified learners will be able to gain access to job opportunities in the Aviation sector and Air Force both locally and internationally. 
    		•

    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:
  • NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematics, Science and Communication.
    Or
  • N3 with Mathematics, Science and related subjects for the trade. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 653201-000-00-00-KM-01, The principles of mathematics related to aircraft, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-KM-02, The principles of physics related to aircraft, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-KM-03, Electrical fundamentals, Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-KM-04, Electronic fundamentals, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-KM-05, Digital technology/electronic instrument systems, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-KM-06, Aircraft materials and hardware, Level 5, 9 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-KM-07, Basic hand and workshop tools, Level 3, 7 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-KM-08, Aircraft safety and maintenance, Level 6, 7 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-KM-09, Aerodynamics and the theory of flight, Level 5, Credits 6
  • 653201-000-00-00-KM-10, Human factors, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-KM-11, Aviation legislation, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-KM-12, Aircraft structures and systems, Level 6, 23 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-KM-13, Helicopter aerodynamics, structures and systems, Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-KM-14, Gas turbine engines, Level 5, 11 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-KM-15, Piston engines, Level 5, 11 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-KM-16, Propeller, Level 5, 5 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 114.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 653201-000-00-00-PM-01, Practise hangar and workshop safety and related procedures, Level 4, 9 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-PM-02, Practice the use of, care and handling of trade related tools and equipment, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-PM-03, Perform scheduled flight line inspections, Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-PM-04, Rectify authorised flight line deviations, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-PM-05, Replenish fluids, lubricants and gases, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-PM-06, Conduct mechanical inspections, repairs and overhaul activities on Rotary Wing Aircraft, Level 5, 20 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-PM-07, Conduct mechanical inspections, repairs and overhaul activities on Fixed Wing Aircraft, Level 5, 20 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-PM-08, Conduct mechanical inspections, repairs and overhaul activities on aircraft power plants, auxiliary power unit (APU) and related systems, Level 5, 20 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-PM-09, Conduct mechanical inspections, repairs and overhaul activities on aircraft propellers and related systems, Level 5, 8 Credits
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 117.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 653201-000-00-00-WM-01, Mechanical aircraft maintenance practices processes and procedures, Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-WM-02, Routine flight line maintenance processes and procedures on aircraft and related systems, Level 5, 35 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-WM-03, Rotary wing mechanical practices and related system integrity processes and procedures, Level 5, 72 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-WM-04, Fixed wing aircraft mechanical practices and related systems integrity processes and procedures, Level 5, 65 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-WM-05, Aircraft engines, APUs and related components process and procedures, Level 5, 72 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-00-WM-06, Aircraft propellers and related component processes and procedures, Level 5, 48 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 322. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Prepare working area and tools for safe working practices.
    2. Inspect aircraft to determine operational readiness for flight.
    3. Inspect a mechanical Rotary Wing system and related components.
    4. Inspect the mechanical Fixed Wing systems and related components.
    5. Inspect and repair an aircraft engine and auxiliary power unit (APU).
    6. Inspect and test a fixed wing aircraft propeller. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Descriptions of how to ensure hangar safety, including precautions to be taken, are accurate and complete.
  • Hand tools and Personal Protective Equipment selected for a given task are used safely and accurately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Routine flight line safety inspections are conducted.
  • Schedules for flight line inspections are complete.
  • Deviations are inspected, determined and rectified.
  • Fluids, lubricants, and gases are checked and refilled according to manufacturer specifications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Integrity inspections of a rotary wing aircraft are scheduled and administered.
  • Mechanical inspections on a rotary wing aircraft are conducted.
  • Mechanical repairs are scheduled on a rotary wing aircraft and administered.
  • Overhaul activities on a rotary wing aircraft are conducted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Integrity inspections of a fixed wing aircraft are scheduled and administered.
  • Mechanical inspections on a fixed wing aircraft are conducted.
  • Mechanical repairs are scheduled on a fixed wing aircraft are administered.
  • Overhaul activities on a fixed wing aircraft are conducted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Integrity inspections for an aircraft engine and auxiliary power unit (APU) are scheduled and administered.
  • Mechanical inspections on an aircraft engine and auxiliary power Unit (APU) are conducted.
  • Repairs on an aircraft engine and auxiliary power Unit (APU) are scheduled and administered.
  • Overhaul activities on an aircraft engine and auxiliary power Unit (APU) are conducted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Integrity inspections of a fixed wing aircraft propeller are scheduled and administered.
  • Mechanical inspections on a fixed wing aircraft propeller are conducted.
  • Mechanical repairs on a fixed wing aircraft propeller are scheduled and administered.
  • Overhaul activities on the fixed wing aircraft propeller are conducted.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated formative assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience record.

    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. The external integrated assessment will be conducted through a trade test as prescribed under section 26 D of the Skills Development Act and defined in the Trade Test Regulations. It will be conducted through an evaluation of written and practical tasks covering critical aspects in a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by QCTO and conducted by an assessor registered by the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB). The assessment will take place over a minimum of 2 days. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic is a trade recognized in various countries in Europe and abroad. In most cases, the training is not based on registered qualifications, but training requirements are prescribed by 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 an existing international standard, as set out by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and relevant elements extracted from FAA technical training guidelines, as well as our prescripts issued by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

    Conclusion:
    The content of the qualification, Occupational Certificate: Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic compares well with the International Standards mentioned above in terms of content and complexity. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontally Articulation:
  • National Certificate: N4 Engineering Studies, Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with:
  • National Diploma: Engineering Studies, 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 assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and work experience.

    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 Maintenance Mechanic: 653201-000-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades:
  • This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the National Learners National Learners' Records Database NLRD:
  • SAQA ID 61150, Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic, Aerospace.

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • National Artisan Moderation Body.

    Part Qualifications:
  • 653201-000-00-01, Occupational Certificate: Flight Line Operator, Level 5, 323 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-02, Occupational Certificate: Engine Workshop Maintenance Mechanic, Level 5, 221 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-03, Occupational Certificate: Propeller Workshop Maintenance Mechanic, Level 5, 162 Credits.
  • 653201-000-00-04, Occupational Certificate: Aircraft Component Maintenance Mechanic, Level 5, 307 Credits. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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 


    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.