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: Propeller Workshop Maintenance Mechanic 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
104799  Occupational Certificate: Propeller Workshop 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  162  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2021-07-01  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 a Propeller Workshop Maintenance Mechanic. A Propeller Workshop Maintenance Mechanic performs propeller 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).

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 Aircrafts Mechanics.

Other qualifications derived from the Occupational Certificate: Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic are:
  • Flight Line Operator.
  • Engine 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:
    Level 4 with Mathematics, Science and Communication.
    Or
    N3 with Mathematics, Science and related subjects 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-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, 6 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-16, Propeller, Level 5, 5 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 57.

    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-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: 27.

    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-06, Aircraft propellers and related component processes and procedures, Level 5, 48 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 78. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Inspect and test a fixed wing aircraft propeller. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Integrity inspections of a fixed wing aircraft propeller are scheduled and administered accurately.
  • Mechanical inspections on a fixed wing aircraft propeller are conducted correctly.
  • Mechanical repairs on a fixed wing aircraft propeller are scheduled and administered correctly.
  • Overhaul activities on the fixed wing aircraft propeller are conducted accurately.

    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 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: Aircraft Component Maintenance Mechanic, Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification can articulate 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: Propeller Workshop Maintenance Mechanic: 653201-000-00-00#03.

    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: Propeller Workshop 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.
  • 653201-000-00-04, Occupational Certificate: Aircraft Component Maintenance Mechanic, Level 5, 307 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 



    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.