Aircraft Structures Technician

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Aircraft Structures Technician. An Aircraft Structures Technician fabricates, inspects, modifies, dismantles, assembles, repairs and replaces the components of aircraft structures using metal and carbon fibre composite materials. A qualified learner will be able to: • Oversee aircraft safety and perform routine maintenance checks. • Dismantle, modify, assemble and fabricates structural components of an aircraft. • Inspect, examine, repair and replace aircraft materials and damaged structural components.

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 of the qualification content 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 provide a learning pathway for learners to obtain a Occupational Certificate as an Aircraft Structures Technician in the aerospace industry. Learners will have the competencies to maintain aircraft composites and their components in accordance with quality standards as laid down by national and international aviation legislative authorities. This qualification provides 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. On completion of the qualification or part qualification job opportunities would also be available in the Aviation sector and Air Force both locally and internationally. In addition, there is a further industry need to develop part qualifications to allow for recognised training in specialist areas and to allow for career progression. This qualification along with the associated part 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 attained through this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation, empowerment and upliftment within the aviation environment, while simultaneously improving the skills base of the country.

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: • Level 4 with Mathematics and Science. Or • National Certificate: N3 Engineering Studies with Mathematics and Engineering Science.

• Prepare working area and tools for safe working practices.
• Manufacture structural components.
• Dismantle and reassemble aircraft structural components.
• Inspect and repair working structural components of the aircraft.