QCTO Aircraft Structures Technician NQF Level 4 Credits 546 OC102498 Training Material

Description

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION
Purpose:
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.
Rationale:
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 specialization 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.
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
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 recognize
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.