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 Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) transmitter and receiver equipment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
260071  Apply technical knowledge of Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) transmitter and receiver equipment 
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 
The qualifying learner will be capable of supporting and maintaining ground based Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) transmitter and receiver equipment used to control air traffic in the aviation environment.

Qualifying learners will be capable of:
  • Demonstrating technical knowledge of SSR transmitter equipment.
  • Demonstrating technical knowledge of SSR receiver equipment.
  • Performing routine preventive maintenance on SSR transmitter and receiver equipment.
  • Performing corrective maintenance on SSR transmitter and receiver equipment.
  • Analysing and measuring SSR transmitter and receiver equipment performance. 
    		•

    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 5 or equivalent.
  • RF theory at NQF Level 5.
  • Electronics at NQF Level 5 or equivalent.
  • Analogue techniques at NQF Level 5 or equivalent.
  • Unit Standard ID 230213, "Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of air traffic management radar surveillance systems". 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate technical knowledge of SSR transmitter equipment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    SSR transmitter equipment includes, but is not limited to:
  • PA/Drivers, Modulators, RF Switching, Power Amplifiers, Trigger and control signals generation, Switching function, Interrogation Side Lobe Suppression (ISLS), Mains protection and distribution, Control and Monitoring Built In Test Equipment (BITE). 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    SSR transmitter equipment is discussed in terms of its purpose and functionality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    SSR transmitter equipment is explored in terms of its architectures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant built-in test equipment, remote control and monitoring equipment are described and explained in terms of its purpose and functionality. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate technical knowledge of SSR receiver equipment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    SSR receiver equipment includes, but is not limited to:
  • Receiver Front End, Local Oscillators, Receiver Side Lobe Suppression (RSLS), Time Varied Base Clipping (TVBC), Switching function, Test Transponders, Mains protection and distribution, Control and Monitoring and Built-in Test Equipment (BITE). 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    SSR receiver equipment is described and explained in terms of its purpose and functionality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    SSR receiver equipment is explored in terms of its architectures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant built-in test equipment, remote control and monitoring equipment are examined to check functionality. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform routine preventive maintenance on SSR transmitter and receiver equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    SSR transmitter and receiver equipment is maintained in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    SSR transmitter, receivers and ancillaries are maintained in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    SSR equipment includes, but is not limited to:
  • PSU and Cooling Systems.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Appropriate test equipment is used to perform preventative maintenance as specified by the manufacturer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    SSR service is restored and handed over to the customer according to organisational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The consequences of failing to carry out preventive maintenance are explained using examples. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform corrective maintenance on SSR transmitter and receiver equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

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

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Corrective fault diagnosis is conducted using test equipment to identify faulty modules or components in accordance with corrective maintenance procedures. 

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

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

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Analyse and measure SSR transmitter and receiver performance. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    SSR Transmitter operating characteristics include, but are not limited to:
  • RF output power, Frequency, Pulse width, Interrogation modes, Duty cycle, Output pulse Rise time, Output pulse Fall time and VSWR.

    SSR Receiver operating characteristics include, but are not limited to:
  • Received Signal Frequency, Dynamic range, Pass band, Sensitivity, Receiver bandwidth, Range Resolution and Azimuth Accuracy and TVBC levels. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    SSR transmitter performance is analysed by using control monitoring and maintenance systems as specified in manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    SSR receiver performance is analysed by using control monitoring and maintenance systems as specified in manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The performance of SSR transmitter and receiver equipment is measured using test and supervisory equipment as per manufacturer's instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Performance figures are evaluated and verified against manufacturers' specifications and ICAO recommendations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Technical reports are compiled and the status & performance of the equipment are recorded according to organisational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    SSR transmitter and receiver performance verification and calibration process are performed in accordance with ICAO recommendations. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • External Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA at its discretion.
  • The accredited Training Provider will oversee internal moderation of assessment.
  • Internal and external moderation should encompass achievement of competence described in the specific outcomes of the unit standard as well as the integrated competence described in the purpose of the unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Technical knowledge of SSR transmitter equipment.
  • Technical knowledge of SSR receiver equipment.
  • Routine preventive maintenance on SSR transmitter and receiver equipment according to manufacturer's specifications, instructions and recommendations.
  • Corrective maintenance on SSR transmitter and receiver equipment according to manufacturer's specifications, instructions and recommendations.
  • Analysing and measuring SSR transmitter and receiver equipment performance.
  • Service Level Agreement in place between Air Traffic Control and Technical Support for SSR systems.
  • ICAO recommendations and practices pertaining to SSR systems.
  • Maintenance theory and the concepts of reliability, availability and maintainability.
  • Relevant requirements, processes and procedures.
  • Air Navigation Services operations.
  • Air routes and the impact of SSR serviceability on the safety of air navigation along these routes.
  • Organisational Standing Instruction.
  • Stores procedures.
  • Electronic Measurements and the use of Electronic Test Equipment.
  • Electronics relevant to SSR systems.
  • Digital techniques relevant to SSR systems.
  • Mathematics relevant to radar range calculations, radar signal propagation, antenna patterns, and pulse techniques.
  • Primary Radar Systems.
  • Pulse reception techniques.
  • Techniques for using tools and soldering techniques for replacement of electronic components, cable jointing and cable connectors.
  • Understanding of electro-mechanical components. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems employing responsible decision-making and creative thinking when carrying out fault diagnosis thereby ensuring that appropriate remedial actions are initiated for the effective restoration of failed or defective SSR systems. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Employ self management by ensuring sufficient time is allocated for carrying out preventative and corrective activities related to SSR transmitter and receiver equipment. 

    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 accurate evaluation of SSR 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 SSR systems. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Demonstrate scientific and technological competence by applying technical 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 for SSR systems.

    Flight Commissioning Procedures involves the South African Civil Aviation Authority carrying out an initial flight calibration check on all SSR systems in South Africa to ensure the accuracy of the information provided to ATC by these ground based surveillance systems. Systems found complying with the SACAA criteria and ICAO recommendations are then certified by the SACAA for operational use.

    Corrective maintenance procedures include procedures contained in equipment manufacturer manuals, ICAO recommendations and site specific maintenance procedures.

    The following ICAO definitions were applied in the generation of this unit standard:
  • Knowledge: A person's range of information, familiarity gained by experience or repetition, understanding. Knowledge is understood as storage of information in the student's mind that can be retrieved when necessary, and understanding of concepts and performances. Knowledge is component part of the expected trainees' performance that is described in the intermediate objective.
  • Skill: Practical or intellectual ability, ease in doing something, dexterity. Skills are classified as either intellectual or physical. Intellectual skills are those related to the use of intellect, like the abilities of classifying, rule-using, discriminating, problem-solving or cognitive strategy (the most complex of all).

    Physical skills are those that enable a person to make coordinated movements, perform manual tasks, and carry out physical activities. The skills are component part of the expected trainees' performance that is described in the intermediate objective. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  64349   National Diploma: Aeronautical Surveillance Systems: Engineering Support  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.