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: 

Perform descents with a round parachute utilising a static line as a means of opening the parachute 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376422  Perform descents with a round parachute utilising a static line as a means of opening the parachute 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - 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  16 
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 
Learners assessed against this unit standard will possess the skills and techniques required to perform round parachute descents utilising a static line as a means of opening the parachute.

Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Prepare parachuting equipment.
  • Apply drills and procedures in the aircraft.
  • Conduct a para-exit from an aircraft.
  • Apply canopy control with a round parachute.
  • Apply landing and post-landing procedures.

    This unit standard together with the unit standards "Pack a static line square main parachute" and ""Perform static line square parachute descents" prepares learners for the unit standard "Conduct air operations".

    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 
    It is assumed that a learner will be competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 4. 

  • UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Day and night.
  • With and without personal equipment.
  • Making use of the side door or tailgate of an aircraft. 

  • Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare parachuting equipment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Main static line round parachute.
  • Static line reserve parachute.
  • Helmet.
  • Clothing.
  • Footwear.
  • Personal equipment container.
  • Weapons.
  • Webbing.
  • Door bundle.
  • Direction finding equipment. 

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The equipment required to conduct static line parachute descents is identified and described in terms of its purpose and use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The equipment required to conduct static line parachute descents is inspected according to the manufacturer's specifications or organisational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The equipment required to conduct static line parachute descents is prepared in accordance with organisational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The equipment required for static line parachuting descents is fitted in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and the type of descent that is going to be performed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Apply drills and procedures in the aircraft. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Aircraft Emergencies include but is not limited to emergency landings, abandon aircraft, fire on board the aircraft, aircraft landing in water, parachutist hooked up onto the aircraft, 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 round parachuting descents are identified and discussed in terms of their influences on parachuting. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aircraft include but is not limited to C130, C47 TP, PC 6, and C208.
     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The required actions which are to be executed in the case of aircraft emergencies, are demonstrated through simulation with the variance in drills and procedures according to the aircraft type. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Conduct a para-exit from an aircraft. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A compact body position is demonstrated as is required during an exit from an aircraft. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The exit position and drills are demonstrated for each aircraft type specified by the organisation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The exit procedure and sequence is described in accordance with the organisational prescripts and policy. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply canopy control with a round parachute. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The necessity to follow prescribed flight drills is described in terms of organisational specific work place procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The flight drills as specified in work place procedures are demonstrated. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The ability to maintain control and group with other parachutists whilst in flight and after landing is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Apply landing and post landing procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of a parachute position when landing a parachute is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to maintain the prescribed parachute position is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Parachute landings in the range of directions are demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Parachute landing directions include forward, backwards and sideways.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The specific drills and procedures to recover the parachute on the DZ, as specified in workplace procedures, are demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Grouping techniques on the DZ are demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Grouping techniques may include to the first man, to the last man, to the door bundle.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Emergency drills and procedures are demonstrated by identifying the type of emergency and following the prescribed drill or procedure for the specific type of aircraft being used to conduct parachute descent. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of emergencies include but are not limited to:
  • Parachute refuses to open.
  • Twists in the rigging lines.
  • Rigging lines (front, rear, left and right).
  • Parachutist near.
  • Entanglements.
  • Canopy below.
     

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The safety rules and regulations applicable to the parachutist on the DZ are discussed by making use of examples to describe the implications of non-compliance. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety rules and regulations include but are not limited to:
  • 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.
     

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The influence of safety hazards found on the ground is discussed by demonstrating the actions to be taken when they are encountered during a parachute descent. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety hazards on the ground:
  • Power lines.
  • Trees.
  • Buildings.
  • Water.
     


  • 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 
    N/A 

    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 when 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 where the 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 are capable of preparing themselves and their personal equipment for a parachuting descent. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information when learners are capable of collecting 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-flight to the area of operations, 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 are able to apply science and technology to ensure the safe execution of a parachute descent during parachuting operations. Learners are also capable of using technologically advanced direction finding equipment to aid teamwork on the DZ. 

    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. In achieving this unit standard learners will be able to assess and act during aircraft emergencies while in-flight to the area of operations. Learners can further recognise hazards posed by ground and air obstacles. 

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  78263   National Higher Certificate: Special Combat Capabilities  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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.
     
    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.