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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Prepare for and conduct static line square parachute descents 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115470  Prepare for and conduct static line square parachute descents 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Special Combat Capabilities 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Sovereignty of the State 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  2 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Qualifying learners are able to prepare for and successfully conduct static line square parachuting descents.
Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to
  • Prepare parachuting equipment.
  • Apply drills and procedures relating to the aircraft.
  • Conduct a static line square parachute exit from an aircraft.
  • Apply canopy control on a static line square parachute.
  • Apply landing and post landing procedures.
  • Apply safety procedures during parachuting.
    This unit standard together with the unit standards "Prepare for and conduct descends with a round parachute using a static line as means of opening the parachute" and ""Pack a static line square main parachute" prepares learners the unit standard "Conduct air operations" for the purpose of maintaining security and peace in the RSA.
    The achievement of this unit standard will contribute to the personal development of members in the special operations environment and further mobility and transportability within the adventure sports industry. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The ability to communicate effectively in spoken English will be an advantage as this is the medium used to convey commands during the execution of static line square parachuting.
  • Pack a static line square main parachute. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare parachuting equipment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Dual assembly static line parachuting system.
  • Helmet.
  • Clothing.
  • Footwear.
  • Goggles.
  • Altimeter.
  • During day or night conditions. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The equipment required to conduct static line parachute descents is identified and motivated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Equipment required to conduct static line parachute descents is inspected according to the operating manual. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The equipment required to conduct static line parachute descents is prepared according to organisational specific work place procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The equipment required for static line parachuting descents is fitted according to the manufacture's specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Apply drills and procedures relating to the aircraft. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Day or night.
    Using the side door or tailgate.
    Aircraft emergencies
  • Emergency landings.
  • Abandon aircraft.
  • Fire on board the aircraft.
  • Aircraft landing in water.
  • Depressurisation of the aircraft.
  • Accidental deployment of a parachute inside the aircraft. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different aircraft used to conduct static line square parachuting descents (e.g. C130, C47 TP, PC 6, and C185) are identified and evaluated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The various aircraft drills and procedures used to conduct static line square parachuting descents are demonstrated in simulated conditions according to the aircraft type. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Aircraft emergency procedures are analysed and demonstrated in simulated conditions according to the aircraft type. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Conduct a static line square parachute exit from an aircraft. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Day or night.
  • Making use of the side door or tailgate.
  • Exit position
    - Spread eagle position or,
    - Compact body position. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The specified body position during an exit from an aircraft is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The specified exit position and drill according to the aircraft type is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Organisational specific requirements are used to determine the minimum number of descents to be completed (a minimum of three descents is recommended). 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply canopy control on a static line square parachute. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Day or night. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The necessity for the use of flight drills, as determined in organisational work place procedures, is discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Conducting flight drills safely and in accordance to standing organisational specific work place procedures is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to assess the ground wind by landing against the wind is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Apply landing and post landing procedures. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Day or night.
  • Landing priorities
    - Open spaces.
    - Into the wind.
    - Flare.
    - Flat wing. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The use of the parachute-landing fall is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The parachute-landing fall is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Parachute landings are demonstrated by making use of aids (e.g. flight trainers, etc). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The drills and procedures to recover the parachute on the DZ are demonstrated according to work place procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Post-landing procedures are demonstrated as determined by the workplace procedure. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Apply safety procedures during parachuting. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Day or night.
  • Using the side door or tailgate.
  • Types of emergencies:
    Hook up:
  • Parachute hooked up to the aircraft.
  • Static line hung up.
    Parachute malfunctions:
    High speed malfunctions:
  • Total malfunction.
  • Pilot chute in tow.
  • Streamer.
  • Horseshoe.
  • Bag lock.
  • Riser failure.
    Low Speed Malfunctions
  • Tears and burns.
  • Broken rigging lines.
  • Tension knots.
  • Line over.
  • Slider stuck.
    Non malfunctions
  • Closed end cells.
  • Twists.
  • Premature brake release.
  • Slider halfway down.
    Simultaneous deployment
  • Biplane.
  • Down plane.
  • Side-by-side.
    Safety rules and regulations
  • Open flames near parachuting equipment.
  • Blood and chemicals on parachutes.
  • Wear a helmet.
  • Awareness of descending parachutists and equipment.
  • Protect the parachute from damage.
  • Medical emergency procedure on the DZ.
  • Crossing aircraft runways.
  • Safety hazards on the ground:
  • Power lines.
  • Trees.
  • Buildings.
  • Water.
  • Fixation.
  • Rules of the air 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different types of emergencies are analysed and their influence on parachuting distinguished. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The different parachute malfunctions are analysed and their influence on parachuting distinguished. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The handling of various types of emergency drills is demonstrated in accordance to standing organisational work place procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The various safety hazards found on the ground are identified and the implications and specified drills relating to each are analysed and discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The rules of the air, as determined through organisational specific workplace procedures, are discussed and demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The application of safety rules and regulations on the DZ, as determined by the organisational specific workplace procedures, is explained and demonstrated. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
    2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or will assess this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
    3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.
    4. Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any relevant assessment agency, assessor or provider institution, which is accredited by the relevant ETQA.
    5. For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills, subject matter experience and assessment experience.
  • As a minimum requirement, the assessor needs to be competent in the unit standard "Plan and Conduct assessment of learning outcomes" NQF level 5.
  • The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Qualifying learners be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of:
  • Equipment required during parachuting descents.
  • Aircraft used for static line square parachuting descents.
  • Emergencies that can occur in an aircraft while in-flight.
  • Emergencies that can occur during parachuting descents.
  • Parachute malfunctions that can occur during parachuting descents.
  • The phases of a parachute descent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking has been made. Learners are capable of identifying and solving various malfunctions that can occur during static line parachuting descents. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community. Learners are capable of parachuting safely as individuals within a team while taking their fellow team members into consideration during the phases of a parachute descent. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. Learners will be capable of preparing themselves and their personal equipment for a parachuting descent. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. Learners are capable of collecting, analysing and critically evaluating factors such as wind drift, air and ground obstacles while descending with a parachute. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual and language skills in modes of oral and written persuasion. Learners will be able to effectively communicate by means of visual and oral commands while in the aircraft, during the parachute descent and on the DZ. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others. Learners credited with this unit standard are able to apply science and technology to ensure the safe completion of a parachute descent. Learners are also capable of using an altimeter to assist in the successful completion of a parachute descent. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation. Learners will be able to assess and act during aircraft emergencies while in the aircraft. Learners can further recognise hazards posed by ground and air obstacles. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors should keep in mind the following general guidelines and principles when designing and conducting assessments:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the specific outcomes of the unit standard and ensure that the assessment is integrated rather than fragmented.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Assessment must include practical demonstration either in the workplace or through simulation. A range of assessment methods should be used, including:
    i) Direct observation - watch the parachutist carry out the tasks or produce the desired outcome.
    ii) Simulation of a specific task - set a specific task for the parachutist to demonstrate in a simulated environment (e.g. demonstrating the cut away procedure in a flight trainer).
    iii) Questioning (verbal or written) - ask the relevant questions linked to the unit standard.
    iv) Testimony - collect a portfolio of evidence from suitable people and the learner's logbook (e.g. parachute instructors/jump master). 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary information

    Definitions:

    Dual assembly static: A harness assembly consisting of a main and reserve parachute.
    DZ: The landing area where the parachutists will land.
    Post landing: The drills and procedures performed by the parachutist once he has landed on the DZ. This includes recovering his parachute and leaving the DZ.
    Phases of a parachute: A parachute descent consists of three phases, exit, flight and Descent and landing.
    Dual assembly static Line parachuting system: A harness assembly consisting of a main and reserve parachute.

    Credits
    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcomes:
    Activity
    Classroom learning 5
    On-the-job learning 10
    Self directed learning
    Coaching required 5
    Other
    Total 20 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48879   National Diploma: South African Special Forces Operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2010-04-07  Was SAS SETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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.