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: 

Demonstrate the use of short-range communications specific to aircraft 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120150  Demonstrate the use of short-range communications specific to aircraft 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Air Defence 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
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 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Describe the principles of very high frequency radio communication.
  • Demonstrate the use of procedures relating to very high frequency communication.
  • Conduct standard radio communication procedures relevant to radio telephone.

    This unit standard forms part of the core learning of the learner operating in the field of air transport aviation. The necessary knowledge requirements for this standard form part of the General Certificate in Radiotelephony (Aeronautical) for Visual flight rules and Instrument flight rules communications.

    Learners who have achieved this unit standard will increase their opportunities for professional development and employability within the Aviation industry. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4.
  • Physical Science at NQF Level 4.
  • Performance of aviation communication at NQF 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The terms "aircraft" and "aeroplane" are used as synonyms where appropriate.

    Aerodrome specific supplementary information includes but is not limited to: aerodrome warnings, landing runway information, runway condition, restrictions, obstructions, wind shear warnings. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the principles of VHF (Very High Frequency) radio communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The meaning of terminology commonly used in Air Traffic Control is described in terms of International Civil Aviation Organization Standards and recommended practices and general practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Terminology includes but is not limited to:
  • Flight conditions
  • Airspace
  • Services
  • Time
  • Pressure settings
  • Directions and bearings
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The radio frequency spectrum is described making particular reference to VHF band normally utilised for aeronautical service voice communications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    VHF band transmissions are described in terms of propagation characteristics. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Propagation characteristics include but are not limited to:
  • Effective range
  • Quality
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The VHF band normally utilised for Aeronautical Mobile Service (AMS) voice communications is identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    VHF transmissions are calculated in order to determine optimal range. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate the use of procedures relating to VHF (Very high frequency) communication. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    VFR (Visual flight rules) and IFR (Instrument flight rules). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Prescribed procedures relating to distress and urgency communication are demonstrated in a real or simulated environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Prescribed procedures for obtaining bearing information in flight are demonstrated in a real or simulated environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Communications related to the use of selective calling, airborne collision and avoidance system, and aeronautical communications, addressing and reporting system are demonstrated in a real or simulated environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Prescribed actions in the event of communication failure are demonstrated in a real or simulated environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The use of Morse codes in identifying radio navigation aids is demonstrated using a real or simulated environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Navigation aids include but are not limited to:
  • Very High frequency omni-directional radio range, Distance measuring equipment, Non-directional beacon, Instrument landing system, Localiser.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Conduct standard radio communication procedures relevant to radio telephony. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The prescribed methods for transmitting letters, numbers and time are demonstrated in a real or simulated environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The use of the prescribed standard words and phrases relevant to radiotelephony is demonstrated in a real or simulated environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Words and phrases (phraseology) include but are not limited to those used in:
  • Arrival (Visual flight rules and Instrument flight rules)
  • Departure (Visual flight rules and Instrument flight rules)
  • Radar services (Visual flight rules and Instrument flight rules)
  • Position reports (Visual flight rules and Instrument flight rules)
  • Pushback (Instrument flight rules only)
  • Airways clearances (Instrument flight rules only)
  • Approach procedures (Instrument flight rules only)
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Prescribed radiotelephony call signs for aeronautical (ground) stations are used in a real or simulated environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Prescribed radiotelephony call signs for aeroplane are used in a real or simulated environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Radiotelephony testing procedures are demonstrated in a real or simulated environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Testing procedures includes the use of readability scale.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Prescribed procedures for read back and acknowledgements are demonstrated in a real or simulated environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Read-back and acknowledgements include but are not limited to:
  • Air traffic control route clearances.
  • Clearances related to runway in use.
  • Conditional clearances.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Transmission of prescribed in-flight reports is demonstrated in a real or simulated environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    In-flight reports include but are not limited to:
  • Position reports
  • Level changes
  • Meteorology reports
  • Aircraft status reports
  • Pilot reports
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Visual flight rules and or instrument flight rules communications
  • Meanings and significance of associated terms
  • Air traffic control abbreviations
  • Q-code groups commonly used in aeronautical communication
  • Categories of messages

    General operating procedures
  • Transmission of letters
  • Transmission of numbers
  • Transmission of time
  • Structure of standard radio messages
  • Transmission techniques
  • Standard words and phrases used which are relevant to radio telephone
  • Radiotelephony call signs (ground stations and aeroplanes)
  • Transfer of communication
  • Test procedures
  • Read back and acknowledgement requirements
  • Radar service
  • Reports detailing the changes in level

    Relevant weather information terms
  • Aerodrome weather
  • Weather broadcast

    Communication failure
  • Understanding of the action to be taken in times of communication failure

    Distress and urgency procedures
  • Procedures for distress and urgency communications

    General principles of very high frequency propagation and allocation of frequencies
  • Radio frequency spectrum

    Morse Code
  • Receiving and decoding only 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Identifying the appropriate distress and urgency communication procedures in a real or simulated situation and adhering to them.
  • Performing the required actions in the event of communication failure in a real or simulated situation.
  • Using air traffic control terminology and procedures and adhering to Air Traffic Control requirements in real or simulated flight operations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Applying appropriate read-back and acknowledgement to Air Traffic Control in a real or simulated situation.
  • Following through on instructions issued to relevant parties to ensure their compliance with requirements i.e. take-off clearance.
  • Communicating emergency procedures to passengers in a clear and concise manner in a real or simulated situation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Structuring and prioritising information prior to initiating live communications with relevant parties. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information by:
  • Identifying the information needed for flight planning and obtaining it from the appropriate sources e.g. obtaining weather forecast.
  • Seeking clarity and confirmation of any conflicting or ambiguous information received i.e. clarifying Air Traffic Control instructions especially when issued by non-native English speakers. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion by:
  • Using the correct techniques when transmitting letters, numbers and time.
  • Using standard phraseology when conducting general radio procedures.
  • Communicating emergency procedures to fellow crew members, Air Traffic Control and passengers in a clear and concise manner in a real or simulated situation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Using the correct radio frequency band and equipment for radiotelephony communications.
  • Understanding the limitations of the various methods and equipment used in aeronautical communications. 
    		•

    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:
  • The importance of seeking clarification and confirmation of all information received and the impact on the continued safety of flight, crew members, passengers and the community as a whole if this is not adhered to. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    The term "procedures" used in this unit standard includes the use of appropriate techniques as well as using them in the correct sequence.

    Abbreviations:

    AMS: Aeronautical Mobile Service
    ACAS: Airborne collision avoidance system
    ACARS: Aeronautical communications, addressing and reporting system
    ATC: Air traffic control
    ICAO: International Civil Aviation Organization
    IFR: Instrument flight rules
    PIREPS: Pilot Reports
    SARPS: Standards and Recommended Practices
    SELCAL: Selective calling
    VFR: Visual flight rules
    VHF: Very high frequency
    VOR: Very High Frequency Omni-directional Range
    DME: Distance Measuring Equipment 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58581   National Certificate: Air Traffic Support  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 
    Fundamental  49950   National Certificate: Navigation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  TETA 
    Fundamental  58023   National Diploma: Aircraft Piloting  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 
    Elective  63309   National Certificate: Defensive Mission Control  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  49853   National Diploma: Defensive Mission Control  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2008-09-17  Was SAS SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  50500   National Diploma: Electronic Warfare  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    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.
     
    1. Aviation Training Academy 


    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.