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: Avionics Mechanic 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
105024  Occupational Certificate: Avionics 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  538  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  SAQA 9999/99  2021-03-25  2026-03-25 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-03-25   2030-03-25  

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
22024  Certificate: Aircraft Avionician  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Avionics Mechanic. An Avionics Mechanic inspects, tests, repairs, removes, installs, services and performs first-line maintenance on aircraft avionic systems and components.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Use, care and handle trade related tools and equipment.
  • Oversee aircraft/avionics safety.
  • Inspect, test, repair and service the mechanical and electrical systems and components of an aircraft.
  • Maintain quality control for the finished product.
  • Inspect, test, repair and service the instrument systems and components of an aircraft.
  • Inspect, test, repair and service the radio and radar communication systems and controls of an aircraft.

    Rationale:
    The current SAQA registered qualification (National Certificate: Aircraft Avionician, NQF Level 5) currently being used in industry to train Apprentices to become Avionics Mechanics does not meet the requirements for trade as per the Trade Test Regulations, 2015.

    The development of a qualification that meets international requirements related to the maintenance of avionics is a priority to ensure the 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 licence.

    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 Avionics.

    The competencies contained in this qualification are essential for socio-economic transformation empowerment and upliftment within the aviation environment, and improvement of the skills base of the country.

    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. 
    		•

    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 stating results or by 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:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • NQF Level 4 with Mathematics and Science.
    Or
  • N3 Engineering Studies with Mathematics and Engineering Science. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 672101-001-00-KM-01, The Principles of Mathematics Related to Aircrafts, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-KM-02, The Principles of Physics Related to aircrafts, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-KM-03, Electrical Fundamentals Level 3, 20 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-KM-04, Electronic Fundamentals Level, 4, 2 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-KM-05, Digital Technology/Electronic Instrument Systems, Level 5, 20 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-KM-06, Aircraft Materials and Hardware, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-KM-07, Aircraft Safety and Maintenance, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-KM-08, Aerodynamics and the Theory of Flight, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-KM-09, Human Factors, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-KM-10, Aviation Legislation, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-KM-11, Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems, Level 5, 32 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-KM-12, Propulsion, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-KM-13, Basic Hand and Workshop Tools, Level 3, 10 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 123

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 672101-001-00-PM-01, Implement Tool Safety Control Measures, Level 3, 1 Credit.
  • 672101-001-00-PM-02, Use Basic Hand and Workshop Tools, Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-PM-03, Use Special Tools and Equipment Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-PM-04, Perform Safety Precautions on an Aircraft and in the Workshop, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-PM-05, Align Safety Compliance Requirements on Aircraft Avionic System Components, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-PM-06, Set-up and Operate Ground Support and Conduct Functional Equipment Flight Tests, Level 4, 1 Credit.
  • 672101-001-00-PM-07, Inspect, Test and Troubleshoot Electrical Components, and Assemblies, Level 5, 46 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-PM-08, Inspect and Repair Instruments Components, and Assemblies, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-PM-09, Test, Troubleshoot and Service Instruments Components and Assemblies, Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-PM-10, Inspect Repair and Service Radio/Radar Components and Assemblies, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-PM-11, Test and Troubleshoot Radio/Radar Components and Assemblies, Level 5, 24 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 127

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 672101-001-00-WM-01, Tool Control Processes and Procedures in the Aircraft Maintenance Environment, Level 4, 32 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-WM-02, Routine Aircraft Maintenance and Safety Management Systems (SMS) Processes and Procedures, Level 5, 48 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-WM-03, Aircraft Electrical and Mechanical Maintenance Processes and Procedures, Level 5, 64 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-WM-04, Aircraft Instruments Systems Components Maintenance Processes and Procedure, Level 5, 64 Credits.
  • 672101-001-00-WM-05, Operational Aircraft Radio and Radar Maintenance Systems Process and Procedures, level 5, 80 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 288 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Use tools and equipment.
    2. Conduct safety checks and prepare logs and safety records for routine aircraft inspections and safety management systems (SMS).
    3. Test and inspect electrical and mechanical systems and components.
    4. Test and inspect aircraft instruments systems and components.
    5. Test and repair aircraft radio and radar communication systems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Take and follow all safety precautions during the use of hand and special tools.
  • Show accurate and complete descriptions knowledge of safe working procedures, safety precautions and Personal Protective Equipment.
  • Safely use the basic hand, special and workshop tools for the given task using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Conduct safety checks on an aircraft according to standard operating procedures and appropriate logs and records completed correctly.
  • Align aircraft avionic system components to meet safety compliance requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Set up ground support systems to meet specifications.
  • Conduct functional equipment flight test operations accurately.
  • Inspect and test electrical components for accuracy following appropriate procedures correctly.
  • Inspect and test assemblies for accuracy following appropriate procedures correctly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Inspect and repair instruments, components, and assemblies accurately following appropriate procedures correctly.
  • Service test instruments and troubleshoot accurately following appropriate procedures correctly.
  • Troubleshoot test components and assemblies accurately following appropriate procedures correctly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Inspect and repair radio/radar components, and assemblies using appropriate techniques correctly.
  • Service radio/radar components and assemblies to specifications using appropriate techniques correctly.
  • Test radio/radar components, and assemblies using appropriate techniques correctly.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The Skills Development Providers 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 QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Avionics Mechanician is a trade recognized in various countries in Europe and abroad. In most cases, the training is based on training requirements prescribed by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) of the United States of America (USA). The advances in technology have led to the integration of multiple Aircraft Avionic systems where an artisan needs to be competent in multiple disciplines (Aircraft Electrical, Instrument and Radio/Radar systems). The two training systems and countries were chosen because of their similar aircraft mix for both civil and military applications.

    United States of America:
    The Tech Center Guam is an innovative technology facility located in the U.S. territory of Guam that offers a customised suite of services for the aviation and aerospace industry. Amongst others, they present the AET Program - A Fundamental Electrical and Electronics Program for Aircraft Electronics Technicians. Depending on the student the courses can be jointly completed in approximately 15 months; the majority of the training through online computer-based study. Learners do not require work experience for certification.

    The Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) Program is one of three programs that support the aviation maintenance community. The AET program was designed to provide the electrical and electronics training required for working on aerospace and aircraft systems. The program covers those topic areas identified in the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technology (NCATT) standards for the Aircraft Electronics Technician certification.

    Australia:
    Australia offers an Apprenticeship and Traineeship for the Avionics Maintenance Technician based on the following qualification:
    Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Avionics) - MEA40618 offered by TAFE Institute.

    Avionics Maintenance Technicians perform scheduled inspections, fault diagnosis and repair, and modification of aircraft electrical, instrument and radio systems and system components. This applies to aircraft maintenance performed on flight lines/ramps and in hangars. (Note - also applies to members of the Australian Defence Force.). The average duration of an apprenticeship is approximately four years. Apprentices are employed learners and include training that is hands-on and delivered in the workplace, in a classroom or a combination of both approaches.

    The following is a summary of the training:
  • Interpret and use aviation maintenance industry manuals and specifications.
  • Conduct self in the aviation maintenance environment.
  • Apply mathematics and physics in aviation maintenance.
  • Apply work health and safety practices in aviation maintenance.
  • Plan and organise aviation maintenance work activities.
  • Apply quality standards during aviation maintenance activities.
  • Complete aviation maintenance industry documentation.
  • Perform basic hand skills, standard trade practices and fundamentals in aviation maintenance.
  • Remove and install miscellaneous aircraft electrical hardware/components.
  • Fabricate and/or repair aircraft electrical hardware or parts.
  • Use electrical test equipment in aviation maintenance activities.
  • Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices.
  • Remove and install advanced aircraft electrical system components.
  • Inspect aircraft electrical systems and components.
  • Inspect aircraft instrument systems and components.
  • Inspect fixed-wing aircraft automatic flight control systems and components.*
  • Inspect aircraft electronic systems and components.
  • Test and troubleshoot aircraft electrical systems and components.
  • Test and troubleshoot aircraft instrument systems and components.
  • Test and troubleshoot aircraft radio frequency navigation and communications systems and components.
  • Test and troubleshoot fixed-wing aircraft automatic flight control systems and components.*
  • Test and troubleshoot aircraft pulse systems and components.
  • Remove and install advanced aircraft instrument system components.
  • Remove and install aircraft electronic system components.
  • Perform aircraft flight servicing.
    Items marked with an asterisk are not included in the South African qualification.

    Conclusion:
    Both the chosen qualifications are based on the international standards by the respective agencies and compares well with the Occupational Certificate: Avionics Mechanician training content whilst the manner in achieving the qualification differs from the South African qualification in terms of gaining work experience for certification purposes, thus the difference in the duration of the qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: N4 Engineering Studies, NQF Level 5.
  • National Certificate: N5 Engineering Studies, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Certificate: N6 Engineering Studies, 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 assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience including Foundational Learning Competences.

    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 QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Avionics Mechanic: 672101-001-00-00.

    Encompassed Trade:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • SAQA ID 61179, Aircraft Avionician, Aerospace.

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

    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.