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: 

Conduct close formation flying 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243332  Conduct close formation flying 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Aerospace Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Physical Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
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 
This unit standard will enable learners to conduct close formation flying in aircraft. This type of flying is used to conduct specific tasks such as military operations. Close formation flying is also needed for both shepherding purposes when accompanying aircraft in distress as well as escorting aircraft. The competencies outlined in this unit standard are complex by nature due to the close proximity of aircraft to one another and a strict adherence to safety principles is of the utmost importance. This unit standard will enable learners to display leadership qualities when leading in a formation and will also enable them to follow the instructions of the lead aircraft.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Apply principles of close formation flying.
  • Conduct a close formation flight briefing.
  • Perform close formation flying.
    > Range: This competence should be demonstrated both as a wingman and as a formation leader. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Perform advanced manoeuvres and procedures in an aeroplane NQF Level 5 or;
  • Perform advanced manoeuvres and procedures in a helicopter NQF Level 5.
  • Perform aeroplane take-offs, landings and go-arounds NQF Level 5 or;
  • Perform helicopter take-offs, air taxi, hovering, landings and go-arounds NQF Level 5
  • Demonstrate understanding of the principles of flight NQF Level 5.
  • Communication at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Assessment of the learner shall be conducted in compliance with CAA/MAA Regulations and in accordance with safe flying practice.
  • The aircraft and its systems shall be operated within the limitations expressed in the aircraft flight manual and pilot operating handbook.
  • Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) is not to be assessed as a stand-alone element. However, the outcomes resulting from CRM can be assessed. CRM is integral to flight and flight safety. Procedural elements of CRM are to be assessed throughout the assessment of all outcomes in a holistic and integrated way.
    > Range of procedural elements include but are not limited to: Use of checklists, crew briefings, radio calls, and callouts.
  • Assessment:

    > Assessments shall be conducted in an aircraft certified for single pilot or multi-crew aircraft.
    > Assessments shall be carried out in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), by day.
  • Competence shall be assessed in a single or multi-engine aeroplane, with a piston, turbo propeller or jet engines, or in a helicopter with a maximum certificated mass of at least 500 kg.
  • Tolerances:

    > The assessor shall make allowance for environmental conditions and the handling qualities and performance of the type of aircraft.
    > Assessors should not over emphasize staying within the tolerances at the expense of formation principles (including safety principles).
    > Under no circumstances shall the aircraft or their occupants be placed in jeopardy.
  • Good airmanship appropriate to the level of the unit standard should be demonstrated for all outcomes. Additional elements of airmanship specific to outcomes are indicated in range statements within assessment criteria. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Apply principles of close formation flying. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Physical science concepts are explained in terms of their influence on the close formation-flying environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Physical concepts include but are not limited to: momentum and inertia and geometry.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Factors that influence close formation flying are explained in terms of the effects on the planning and the actual flying. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors refer to but are not limited to safety parameters, tolerances, and meteorological conditions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Close formation flying procedures are described in terms of effect on flight safety. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedures include but are not limited to verbal and non-verbal communication, formation specific emergencies, departure and joining procedures, formation changes and leadership changes.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Formation references are described in order to maintain position when performing close formation flying. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The sequence to manipulate the controls is explained in order to stay in position when flying in a close formation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Conduct a close formation flight briefing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information that influences the planning of a formation flight is collated and interpreted for use when producing a formation profile. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Information refers to but is not limited to: formation members, call signs, meteorology, timing, frequencies, altitudes, equipment, sequence of events and emergencies.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A briefing is planned in line with flight objectives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Formation briefing is conducted in a given situation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Given situation may refer to structured scenarios or actual briefings.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Formation briefing is analysed in order to establish whether the formation flight objectives have been understood by the formation members. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform close formation flying. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    This competence should be demonstrated both as a wingman and as a formation leader while maintaining situational awareness consistently. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Pre- and post flight and taxi procedures are adhered to in line with standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedures refer to but are not limited to documentation, ready signals, starting procedures and taxi distances.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A take-off is performed in order to perform a close formation flight. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Take off refers to a formation take-off in either the number 2 or 3 position.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Routing and station keeping is demonstrated in a close formation flight. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Routing and station keeping refers to but is not limited to maintaining position in formation positions (VIC, Echelon and line astern) in straight and level flight, turning, climbing and descending.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Change of lead and leadership techniques are demonstrated in a close formation flight. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Techniques may include but are not limited to communication techniques, planning techniques, safety techniques and aircraft handling techniques.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Joining and landing techniques are demonstrated within a close formation flying flight. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Landing means a staggered landing. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Techniques may refer to but are not limited to: visual joining and landing.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA in accordance with the current ETQA regulations.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Other ETQA's who have a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA would be responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Aerodynamics.
  • Briefing skills.
  • Presentation skills.
  • Airmanship.
  • Technical knowledge:

    > Rudders.
    > Slipstream effect.
    > Wing shape.
    > Control harmonisation.
    > Engine power characteristics. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Planning and performing close formation flights to achieve objectives within the constraints of the aircraft limitations and regulatory requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • Acting as wingman or formation leader.
  • Communicating with Air Traffic Services (ATS) and organising the flight in cognisance to other air traffic. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Plan ahead.
  • Compliance with applicable legislation.
  • Performing appropriate checks and procedures.
  • Using checklists where appropriate.
  • Exercising command ability and manoeuvring the aircraft within its limits in order to achieve the desired outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • Take necessary actions to maintain formation integrity. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using verbal and non-verbal techniques when:
  • Radio, cockpit and hand communication is in accordance with standard procedures and phraseology to ensure clarity and brevity of communication is achieved. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, when:
  • Proper and effective visual scanning to clear the area before and while performing manoeuvres by visual reference when leading the formation flight.
  • Operation of the aircraft and its systems in accordance with the aircraft flight manual and pilot operating handbook.
  • Taking prompt corrective action when tolerances are exceeded.
  • Flying the aircraft in such a way that tolerance exceedences are kept to a minimum. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • A high level of situational awareness is maintained.
  • Airspace restrictions and requirements are adhered to.
  • Curfews, noise abatement procedures and other measures to minimise disturbance to the environment and the public are observed.
  • Safe flying practice is maintained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
  • The assessor must hold a recognised relevant civil or military flying instructor certification as applicable to the stream of assessment.
  • The assessor must be competent in the outcomes of this unit standard. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
  • Learners who are not competent in the language proficiency standard for ICAO defined operational English at ICAO level 4 will find it difficult to meet licensing requirements.
  • The information contained in this unit standard does not supersede any information contained in manufacturer's instructions or any law.

    Definitions:
  • Airmanship is defined as incorporating the ability to make sound judgements and execution of safe practices.
  • Situational awareness: The perception of the elements in the environment within a volume of time and space, the comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of their status in the near future. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58023   National Diploma: Aircraft Piloting  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 


    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.