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 Component Maintenance Mechanic

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
104457	Occupational Certificate: Aircraft Component 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	307	Not Applicable	NQF Level 05	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0425/24	2018-09-12	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 Component Maintenance Mechanic. An Aircraft Component Maintenance Mechanic performs Rotary and Fixed Wing aircraft maintenance task inspections, installations, diagnosis/tests and repairs such as wheels and brakes.

Rationale:
The current 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).

This qualification was derived from the Occupational Certificate: Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic to meet the international requirements related to the maintenance of aircraft which 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. This qualification could also lead to a career progression towards a National Diploma in Aircraft Mechanics.

Other qualifications derived from the Occupational Certificate: Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic are:

Flight Line Operator.

Engine Workshop Maintenance Mechanic.

Propeller Workshop 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:
Level 4 with Mathematics, Science Communication.
Or
N3 with Mathematics, Science and related subject for the trade.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

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 aircrafts, Level 4, 5 Credits.

653201-000-00-00-KM-02, The principles of physics related to aircrafts, 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-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.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 81.

Practical Skill Modules:

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-02, Practice the use of, care and handling of trade related tools and equipment, Level 4, 10 Credits.

653201-000-00-00-PM-01, Practise hangar and workshop safety and related procedures, Level 4, 9 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 59.

Work Experience Modules:

Work Experience, 653201-000-00-00-WM-01, Mechanical aircraft maintenance practices processes and procedures, Level 4, 30 Credits.

Work Experience, 653201-000-00-00-WM-03, Rotary wing mechanical practices and related system integrity processes and procedures, Level 5, 72 Credits.

Work Experience, 653201-000-00-00-WM-04, Fixed wing aircraft mechanical practices and related systems integrity processes and procedures, Level 5, 65 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 167.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1: Inspect a mechanical Rotary Wing systems and related components.
2: Inspect the mechanical Fixed Wing systems and related components.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

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 2:

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.

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, United States of America (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 programmes offered in all above mentioned countries in terms of content and complexity.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:
This qualification can articulate horizontally with:

Occupational Certificate: Flight Line Operator, Level 5.

Occupational Certificate: Engine Workshop Maintenance Mechanic, Level 5.

Occupational Certificate: Propeller Workshop Maintenance Mechanic, Level 5.

Vertical Articulation:
Vertical articulation is possible to:

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 Component Maintenance Mechanic: 653201-000-00-00#04.

Encompassed Trades:
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the National Learners' Records Database (NLRD).

This is not a trade.

Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
National Artisan Moderation Body.

Parent Qualification:

653201-000-00-00, Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic, Level 5, 553 Credits.

Derived qualifications related to the Occupational Certificate: Aircraft Component Maintenance Mechanic qualification.

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.

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