Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic

The purpose of this qualification is to equip a learner with the knowledge, skills and competencies to perform duties as an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic. An Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic inspects, tests, diagnoses, repairs and installs the structural, mechanical and relevant electronic components of an aircraft. A qualified learner will be able to: • Practise basic workshop related procedures. • Perform flight-line operations inspections and diagnosis/tests. • Perform rotary and fixed wing aircraft maintenance inspections, installations, diagnosis/tests and repairs. • Perform engine and related system maintenance tasks inspections, installations, diagnosis/tests and repairs.

The current South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) registered qualification (48861: National Certificate: Aircraft Maintenance and Overhaul Level 4, 180 Credits) currently being used in industry to train Apprentices to become an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic does not meet the requirements for a trade as per the new Draft Trade Test Regulations (March 2013). The development of a qualification that meets international requirements related to the maintenance of aircraft is a priority to ensure continued use of South African airports by international airlines. Compliance with international standards, norms, and training through bodies like the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) must, therefore, be ensured. 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 executed by a person, not in possession of a valid aircraft maintenance engineering license. This qualification will, therefore, provide further opportunities to obtain a South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) formal type-rating as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. This qualification could also lead to a career progression towards a National Diploma in Aircraft Mechanics. The occupation also includes specialised skills that will be derived from the qualification and linked to this qualification, namely: • Flight Line Operator. • Engine Workshop Maintenance Mechanic. • Propeller Workshop Maintenance Mechanic. • Aircraft Component Maintenance Mechanic. These derived qualifications will allow for recognised training in specialist areas and to allow for career progression. This qualification along with the associated derived qualifications in specialisation areas will mainly benefit people who have been working within the Aviation industry to obtain formal international recognition and enhance career progression. The competencies contained in this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation, empowerment and upliftment within the aviation environment, whilst simultaneously improving the skills base of the country. On completion of the qualification or derived qualification qualified learners will be able to gain access to job opportunities in the Aviation sector and Air Force both locally and internationally.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: • Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: • Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematics, Science and Communication. Or • N3 with Mathematics, Science and related subjects for the trade.

• Prepare working area and tools for safe working practices.
• Inspect aircraft to determine operational readiness for flight.
• Inspect a mechanical Rotary Wing system and related components.
• Inspect the mechanical Fixed Wing systems and related components.
• Inspect and repair an aircraft engine and auxiliary power unit (APU).
• Inspect and test a fixed wing aircraft propeller.