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: 

Apply technical knowledge of radio navigation Very High Direction Finding (VDF) systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
259505  Apply technical knowledge of radio navigation Very High Direction Finding (VDF) systems 
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 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  15 
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 
Very High Direction Finding (VDF) systems are used for aeronautical navigation purposes. The qualifying learner will be capable of applying knowledge of how the equipment works in order to provide support and maintenance services.

Qualifying learners will be capable of:
  • Understanding Very High Direction Finding (VDF) systems.
  • Performing routine preventive maintenance.
  • Performing corrective maintenance.
  • Supporting the certification of a VDF system. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that a learner will be competent in:
  • Language and Communication at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Physical Science at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Radio Frequency theory at NQF Level 5 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Understand VDF systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    VDF Antenna Systems are explained in terms of their required functionality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    VDF Transmitter systems are discussed in relation to their purpose and functionality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    VDF Ground Station architecture is described in terms of its purpose and functionality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    VDF on-board aircraft systems are explored to ensure functionality. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Perform routine preventive maintenance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Preventive maintenance requirements are conducted as per schedule and confirmed with customers in accordance with routine maintenance schedules. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    VDF remote control maintenance and monitoring equipment is maintained in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Appropriate test equipment and tools are used to perform preventative maintenance as specified by the manufacturer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    VDF service is restored and handed over to the customer according to organisational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of failing to carry out preventive maintenance are explained using examples. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform corrective maintenance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Equipment failure is verified through contacts with customers and monitoring systems according to organisational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Preliminary corrective fault diagnosis is conducted using remote control maintenance and monitoring equipment to identify the faulty VDF components in accordance with manufacturer's corrective maintenance procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Preliminary corrective action is conducted using remote control maintenance and monitoring equipment to restore the VDF through reset, re-alignment or re-configuration in accordance with the corrective maintenance procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    On-site corrective fault diagnosis is conducted using test equipment and built-in test equipment to identify faulty modules or components in accordance with corrective maintenance procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    On-site corrective action is performed and the faulty modules/components are replaced according to manufacturer's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    VDF service is restored and handed over to the customer according to organisational procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Support the certification of a VDF system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    VDF equipment performance is analysed and measured using remote control monitoring and maintenance systems as specified in manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The performance of VDF equipment is measured using portable and on-site built in test equipment as per manufacturer's instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Performance figures are evaluated and verified against manufacturers' specifications, flight check results and ICAO recommendations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Technical reports are compiled and the status and performance of VDF equipment is recorded according to organisational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Support and co-ordination is provided to the Flight Calibration team during commissioning and routine Flight Calibration Procedures in accordance with aviation legislative requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Records are compiled of all adjustments carried out and the results of the flight calibration are documented in accordance with aviation legislation. 


    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 
  • Direction finding principles and methods.
  • The Watson Watt direction finding equipment.
  • The Large Aperture Doppler direction finding equipment.
  • Familiarization with Equipment.
  • System Alignment and Testing.
  • Analysing the System performance.
  • Fault-Finding Exercises.
  • Measuring the bearing error with the aid of a ground calibration procedure. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems when carrying out fault diagnosis thereby ensuring that appropriate remedial actions are initiated for the effective restoration of failed or defective VDF equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others by ensuring equipment performance evaluation is relayed to the Flight Calibration Unit when performing flight checking procedures on VDF equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Employ self management by ensuring sufficient time is allocated for carrying out general housekeeping activities in addition to maintenance or repair work to VDF equipment situated in remote locations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information contained in data specifications for test equipment and diagnostic systems, information supplied in handbooks, maintenance schedules and performance logs to ensure optimum VDF system support and maintenance requirements. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively ensuring that information communicated via technical reports is accurately recorded in a neat and logical format that can be readily accessed and understood by end-users and that ongoing oral communication is maintained with calibration teams and Air Traffic Control during preventive or corrective maintenance operations carried out on VDF equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Demonstrate scientific and technological competence by applying knowledge and understanding of scientific processes to the correct use of sophisticated, high technology test equipment and diagnostic systems. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that the role of the technician is a vital part of the integrated radio navigation system which is used by Air Traffic Control, Airline Pilots and the flying community at large and as such should therefore not be regarded as a role which is performed in isolation of this network. 

    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 
    Supplementary Information:
  • Routine maintenance schedules have been prepared and are in place for each system based on manufacturers' recommendations, operational requirements and support requirements determined from actual field experience during the operational life of the systems.
  • International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recommendations publish recommendations and standards for all communications, navigational and surveillance systems used in aviation. The ICAO Annex 10 publication includes the recommendations and standards to be adhered to ILS systems.
  • Flight Checking Procedures involves the South African Civil Aviation Authority carrying out regular flight calibration checks on all ILS systems in South Africa to ensure the accuracy of the navigation information provided to pilots by these ground based navigation aids. Systems found complying with the SACAA criteria and ICAO recommendations are then certified by the SACAA for operational use for the certification period up until the next flight calibration check.
  • Corrective maintenance procedures include procedures contained in equipment manufacturer manuals, ICAO recommendations and site specific maintenance procedures. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  64089   National Diploma: Communication and Navigation Systems  Level 6  NQF Level 06  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.