Higher Occupational Certificate: Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic.

Learners will benefit from this qualification by acquiring knowledge and skills to maintain, inspect, test, diagnose, repair and install the structural and mechanical components of an aircraft and conducts basic inspections and test on related electronic components. On completion of the qualification, qualified learners will be able to gain access to job opportunities in the aviation sector both locally and internationally.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Prepare the working area and aircraft for safe maintenance activities.
• Inspect and maintain flight-line operations.
• Inspect and maintain airframe (major scheduled and unscheduled inspection and maintenance).
• Inspect and maintain engine and related system.

A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes

• problem solving and identification
• decision making
• communicating information
• methodological and
• technically orientated.

Rationale

The need for this qualification resulted from the requirement to review and align an expired occupational qualification to meet new policy requirements. The need for a qualification, for this Trade, that meets international requirements related to the maintenance of aircraft, is a priority to ensure continued use of South African airports by international airlines. Considering this, the Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic qualification is required to ensure compliance with international standards, norms, and training as per the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) through bodies like the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). Such alignment enhances the global employability of South African aircraft mechanics, assures a high level of competence and safety, and facilitates international collaborations. It also boosts the competitiveness of South African training institutions, ensures continuous improvement by adopting global best practices, and instils consumer confidence in the safety and reliability of air travel. Moreover, standardisation simplifies international auditing processes and can make South Africa a more attractive destination for aerospace investment, thereby bolstering the country's aviation maintenance industry on a global scale.

No other national qualification provides the requisite knowledge and skills for these Aircraft Maintenance Mechanics is registered on the NQF.

Aircraft Maintenance Mechanics are integral to the functioning of the aviation industry by playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of aircraft. Their contribution however extends far beyond the confines of the aviation industry, benefiting the economy and society by making air travel safer (preventing accidents and saving lives), more efficient (by maintaining aircraft, mechanics support the continuous operation and expansion of the aviation sector, leading to job creation, and stimulating economic activities), and environmentally friendly (properly maintained aircraft are more fuel-efficient, reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the impact of air travel on the environment). In addition, Disaster Relief: Aircraft, including cargo planes and helicopters, are instrumental in delivering humanitarian aid and disaster relief. Well-maintained aircraft ensure swift response during emergencies, providing timely assistance to affected regions.

Typical learners for this qualification include those with an interest in both aviation and maintenance. Typical learners will have an interest in "why, what and how" of aviation. Why does an aircraft fly, what keeps an aircraft in the air, how does all the parts work together to make an aircraft safe, quick and efficient. Based on local and international aviation prescripts no maintenance repair or overhaul activities on the structural, mechanical and relevant electronic elements of specified aircraft may be released to service by a person, not in possession of a valid aircraft maintenance engineer license. This qualification will provide further opportunities to obtain a South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) formal typerating as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.

Stakeholders from different associations and organisations operating within the aviation environment, including the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), participated in the development of this qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for Access

Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme.

Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.

RPL for Exemption

For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

RPL for Credits.

Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment.

A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.

Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO.

Entry Requirements

An NQF Level 4 qualification with mathematics and science.

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules

Knowledge Modules

• 653201-000-01-KM-01, Analytical thinking, Innovation and Complex Problem-solving, NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-02, Programming and Technological Skills for the Future, NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-03, Workplace Relationships and Performance, NQF Level 4, 7 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-04, Decision Making, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-05, Workplace Fundamentals and Workplace Safety, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-06, Aviation Legislation, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-07, The Principles of Mathematics related to Aircrafts, NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-08, The Principles of Physics Related to Aircrafts, NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-09, Aerodynamics and the Theory of Flight, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-10, General Aircraft Materials and Hardware, Gears, and Cables, NQF Level 5, 9 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-11 Hand and Workshop tools, NQF Level 4, 7 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-12, Aircraft Safety and Maintenance, NQF Level 6, 7 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-13, Aircraft Structures and Systems, NQF Level 6, 23 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-14, Helicopter Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-15, Electrical Fundamentals, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-16, Electronic Fundamentals, NQF Level 4, 3 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-17, Digital Technology/ Electronic Instrument Systems, NQF Level 4, 3 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-18, Gas Turbine Engines, NQF Level 5, 11 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-19, Piston Engines, NQF Level 5, 11 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-20, Propellers, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 147

Practical Skill Modules

• 653201-000-01-KM-01, Prepare Hangar and Workshop and Position the Aircraft for Maintenance, NQF Level 4, 9 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-02, Use and Care for Trade Related Tools and Equipment, NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-03, Inspect Airframe and Remove and Install Components, NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-04, Perform Routine Safety Checks and Flight Line Inspections, NQF Level 5, 12 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-05, Conduct Recorded Flight Line Snag Inspections and Rectify defects, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-06, Replenish Aircraft Systems and Recharge Tyres and Accumulators, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-07, Conduct Mechanical inspections, Fault-finding and Repairs on aircraft systems and relevant Components, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-08, Conduct Mechanical Inspections, Fault-finding and Repairs on Aircraft Landing Gear and relevant components, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-09, Conduct Basic Inspections, Fault-finding and Repairs on Aircraft Flight Control Systems, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-10, Conduct Mechanical Inspections and Repairs on Aircraft Power Plants, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and Related Systems, NQF Level 5, 20 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-11, Conduct Mechanical Inspections and Repairs on Aircraft Propellers and Fan Blades and Related Systems, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 108

Work Experience Modules

• 653201-000-01-KM-01, Processes and Procedures to Prepare the Work Area and Aircraft for Maintenance Activities, NQF Level 4, 30 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-02, Processes and Procedures Related to Flight Line Maintenance Activities, NQF Level 5, 35 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-03, Processes and Procedures Related to Aircraft Mechanical and Related System Maintenance and Repairs, NQF Level 5, 100 Credits.
• 653201-000-01-KM-04, Processes and Procedures Related to The Maintenance of Aircraft Engines, APUs and Related Components, NQF Level 5, 20 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 285

1. Demonstrate the ability to prepare for safe aircraft maintenance activities.
2. Perform flight-line inspections and maintenance.
3. Perform aircraft airframe inspections and maintenance.
4. Perform aircraft engine and related system inspections and maintenance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Prepare for safe aircraft maintenance activities.

• Take accurate and complete hangar safety precautions.
• Select appropriate tools, equipment and personal protective equipment for a given task and are fit for purpose and used safely and correctly.
• Remove and install airframe components in accordance with relevant maintenance documentation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Perform flight-line inspections and maintenance.

• Follow flight line safety procedures correctly.
• Inspect, determine and rectify airframe defects.
• Check and refill fluids, lubricants, and gases according to manufacturer specifications.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Perform aircraft airframe inspections and maintenance.

• Conduct airframe inspections of an aircraft in accordance with maintenance documentation.
• Conduct mechanical inspections on an aircraft in accordance with maintenance documentation.
• Conduct scheduled inspections and repairs on an aircraft in accordance with maintenance documentation.
• Consider different kinds of systems and their constituent parts and the relationships between these parts is taken into cognisance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 4: Perform aircraft engine and related system inspections and maintenance.

• Conduct scheduled inspections for an aircraft engine and/or auxiliary power unit (APU) in accordance with maintenance documentation.
• Conduct functional inspections on an aircraft engine and/or auxiliary power unit (APU) in accordance with maintenance documentation.
• Rectify defects on an aircraft engine and/or auxiliary power unit (APU) in accordance with maintenance documentation.
• Conduct scheduled inspections of a propeller in accordance with maintenance documentation.
• Conduct functional inspections on a propeller in accordance with maintenance documentation.
• Rectify defects on a propeller in accordance with maintenance documentation.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment.

Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weakness, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained.

Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided.

Summative Assessment

Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification or occupational skills programme, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed.

An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification, part-qualification or skills programme.

Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g. applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc.

The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA.

External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner.

For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating the attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules.