SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Manage aeroplane emergency situations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119082  Manage aeroplane emergency situations 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Aerospace Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Physical Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  11 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Recognise and respond to incidents of turbulence
  • Recognise and respond to smoke or fumes on board the aeroplane
  • Recognise and respond to incidents of rapid decompression and compression problems
  • Recognise and respond to situations requiring evacuation or rapid deplanement
  • Recognise and respond to aviation security related incidents

    This unit standard contains competencies that will equip learners with the appropriate knowledge and skills for handling in-flight incidents that may occur on board aeroplanes in accordance with regulatory requirements and operational procedures.

    These competencies furthermore provide the building blocks that will lead learners towards the achievement of the Flight Attendant Licence as required by the South African Civil Aviation Authority thereby contributing towards the full development and functionality of learners within an aviation support operations environment.

    Learners will be able to ensure that the well-being, safety and security of aeroplane occupants is maintained until such time as the management of in-flight incidents can be handed over to professional fire and rescue personnel. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The following knowledge, skills attitude and/or equivalent:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical scope of this unit standard:

    Regulatory requirements include:
  • Parts 121 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations
  • SA-CATS-FCL 64

    Evacuation situations and associated procedures include:
  • Planned and unplanned land evacuation, planned and unplanned ditching, rapid deplanement

    Assessment of the learner's ability to follow procedures during aeroplane emergency situations will be conducted in a simulated environment. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Recognise and respond to incidents of turbulence. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Flight crew co-ordination and communication is established in accordance with regulatory requirements and operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Safety advice is communicated to passengers in accordance with regulatory requirements and operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Passenger compliance with requirements and procedures is monitored in accordance with regulatory requirements and operational procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Recognise and respond to smoke or fumes on board the aeroplane. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Signs of smoke or fumes on board the aircraft are recognised and the source located in accordance with operational procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Source of fumes or smoke on board the aeroplane includes but is not limited to:
  • Electrical shorts, leaking aerosol canisters, hidden fires.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Flight crew communication is established in accordance with operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Passenger breathing comfort and safety is ensured in accordance with operational procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Operational procedures for ensuring passenger breathing comfort and safety include but are not limited to:
  • Passengers are relocated away from the source and prepared for rapid deplanement or evacuation where required.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Techniques for controlling and removing smoke or fumes in the cabin are carried out in accordance with operational procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Techniques for controlling and removing smoke or fumes from the cabin include but are not limited to:
  • Smoke control and removal methods are applied, communication with flight crew members is established, passengers are advised.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Recognise and respond to incidents of rapid decompression and compression problems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Signs of rapid decompression and cabin pressurisation problems are recognised and the cause identified in accordance with operational procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Signs of rapid decompression include but are not limited to:
  • Rapid drop in cabin temperature, fogging in the cabin, oxygen masks drop from the overhead panel.

    Causes of rapid decompression and cabin pressurisation problems include but are not limited to:
  • Fuselage or air pack failure, leaking door seal, cracked window, system malfunction.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal safety is ensured in accordance with regulatory requirements and operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Commands for ensuring safety of cabin occupants are shouted in accordance with regulatory requirements and operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Flight crew communication is established in accordance with regulatory requirements and operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Safety and well-being of cabin occupants is checked and established in accordance with regulatory requirements and operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Post decompression responsibilities are assumed in accordance with regulatory requirements and operational procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Post-decompression responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Walk around and safety priorities.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Recognise and respond to situations requiring evacuation or rapid deplanement. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Emergency evacuations include but are not limited to:
    Planned and unplanned land evacuation, planned and unplanned ditching, rapid deplanement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The responsibilities of the flight attendant in an emergency evacuation situation are described in the context of regulatory requirements and operational procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Emergency evacuations include but are not limited to:
    Planned and unplanned land evacuation, planned and unplanned ditching, rapid deplanement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Flight attendant responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Situational awareness, limitations of responsibility during evacuation, assistance to be rendered to passengers and fellow flight crew members, required briefings between flight deck and cabin crew, preparation of passengers, assessment of conditions prior to opening exits.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Passengers are evacuated from aeroplane during planned emergency situations in accordance with regulatory requirements and operational procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Evacuation of aeroplane during planned emergency situations includes but is not limited to:
  • Emergency situation is recognised, flight crew co-ordination and communication procedures are adhered to, commands are shouted and passengers are prepared for evacuation, exits and evacuation equipment is operated, special attention passengers are assisted, aeroplane interior is checked after evacuation and relevant emergency equipment is removed.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Passengers are evacuated from aeroplane during unplanned emergency situations in accordance with regulatory requirements and operational procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Evacuation of aeroplane during unplanned emergency situations includes but is not limited to:
  • Emergency situation is recognised, flight crew co-ordination and communication procedures are adhered to, commands are shouted and passengers are prepared for evacuation, exits and evacuation equipment is operated, special attention passengers are assisted, aeroplane interior is checked after evacuation and relevant emergency equipment is removed.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Post-evacuation procedures are carried out in accordance with regulatory requirements and operational procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Post-evacuation procedures include but are not limited to:
  • Crowd control is implemented, head count is conducted, possible dangers after evacuation are identified, First Aid assistance is rendered.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Recognise and respond to aviation security related incidents. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Security related incidents include but are not limited to:
    Bomb threats, inadmissible passengers, deportees, hijacking, flight deck locked door policy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Communication and co-ordination with flight crew members is established in accordance with regulatory requirements and operational procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Communication and co-ordination with flight crew members includes but is not limited to:
  • Crew advisory briefing.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Communication with passengers is maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements and operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Operational procedures for ensuring the continued safety of aeroplane and occupants during a bomb threat incident are adhered to. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Operational procedures include but are not limited to:
  • A suspected device is located, protected, removed and disposed of overboard.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Operational procedures for ensuring the continued safety of aeroplane and occupants during a hi-jack incident are adhered to. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Operational procedures include but are not limited to:
  • Tactics and signals to be employed in accordance with the hi-jack plan.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Aeroplane occupants are disembarked or evacuated from aeroplane in accordance with regulatory requirements and operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Communication with passengers, authorities and the organisation is maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements and operational procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA in accordance with the current ETQA regulations
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA
  • Other ETQA's who have a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA would be responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this qualification 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Location of safety and emergency equipment on board the aeroplane and method of use
  • Operational procedures for handling smoke or fumes in the cabin
  • Operational procedures for handling rapid decompression and compression
  • Operational procedures for evacuation or rapid disembarkation
  • Aviation procedures relating to the security of operators, passengers and aircraft
  • Procedures for the management of security incidents
  • Terms used in aviation security
  • Operational procedures for responding to aviation security incidents 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Learners can identify and solve problems by:
  • Recognising the types of situations that may require the evacuation to be initiated under own authority and responsibility
  • Identifying behavioural problems amongst passengers during emergency situations and using appropriate techniques for managing passenger behaviour thereby ensuring the continued safety of aeroplane and occupants 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Learners can work effectively in teams:
  • Assisting passengers and fellow flight crew members in an evacuation and recognising the conditions which require evacuation of self from the aeroplane
  • Using appropriate techniques for managing different types of passenger behaviour during emergency evacuations
  • Recognising able-bodied persons and providing them with special briefing instructions on how they can be of assistance during an emergency evacuation
  • Checking the cabin, flight deck and toilets after all passengers have been evacuated should this be possible under the prevailing conditions 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self organisation and management is demonstrated by:
  • Recognising the importance of silent review when preparing for possible evacuation
  • Conducting a thorough assessment of the existing conditions prior to opening any exits
  • Remaining calm during emergency evacuations by applying alternative methods for operating emergency equipment/aids when these fail during the evacuation 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Learners can collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information when:
  • Correctly interpreting and responding to communication signals received from other crew members during evacuations
  • Clarifying information received during crew advisory briefings where necessary to facilitate own understanding of what is required of flight crew during emergency situations
  • Displaying situational awareness and reacting accordingly
  • Providing an honest and comprehensive account of the evacuation to accident/incident investigators should this be required 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Learners can communicate effectively by:
  • Using voice techniques to ensure the effectiveness of commands that are shouted out during emergency situations and ensuring that these commands are sequenced in logical order i.e. voice tone, pace, volume, diction, body language and phraseology
  • Communicating important information to flight crew and relevant information to passengers 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Learners can use science and technology:
  • Use of emergency and evacuation equipment i.e. slides, flotation devices, portal breathing equipment
  • Applying specific techniques that will ensure the safety of special attention passengers when using evacuation equipment 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Learners can understand:
  • The effect of time constraints on survivability when preparing aeroplane and its occupants for emergency evacuation or rapid deplanement
  • Understanding the importance of effective leadership and the impact of this on increasing the chances of survival of aeroplane occupants during emergency evacuations
  • Identifying and removing relevant emergency equipment and resources that might enhance survivability of aeroplane occupants after an evacuation 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary information:
    Specified requirements

    Specified requirements include legal and legislative specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:
  • South African Civil Aviation Regulations and Technical Standards pertaining to flight crew
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act
  • Immigration Act
  • Customs and Excise Act
  • International Civil Aviation Organisation - Annexures as pertaining to flight crew
  • Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act
  • Health Act 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  18943   National Certificate: Tourism: Cabin Crew  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-01-10  CATHSSETA 
    Elective  58023   National Diploma: Aircraft Piloting  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.