Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic

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.

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.

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