Airport Operations Training
Welcome,
Representing an airline as an Airport Operations staff member is a unique and wonderful opportunity. Airport Operations Staff members are ambassadors of their airline and must display professionalism at all times.
Besides being a Ground Staff member on the ground, you will be a Customer Service Professional employed to fulfil the needs and requirements of your airline’s customers. Your role will include all aspects of a ground staff agent and customer service.
Every day will hold a new and exciting challenge for you!
So, if you enjoy interacting with people and:
- Are always well-groomed
- Are Compassionate and Caring
- Are Confident and Responsible
- Have excellent Communication Skills
- Have a good command of the English language, and
- Have the ability to remain calm and controlled when under pressure…
Then a career as a Ground Staff Member is for you!
South African Airways now offers Ground Staff Training Programmes (for Ground staff Purpose) to the general public. The information below will tell you more about our course offering!
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South African Airways Airport Operations Training is conducted by our approved Airport Operations Training Organisation, in terms of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations Part 141 (ATO registration No. CAA/0079).
We pride ourselves on providing the highest standards of ground staff training that enables Ground Staff Members to develop the necessary skills to effectively manage any boarding, check-in or arrival problems that may occur on the ground in accordance with internationally recognised standards.
All Legislative and Regulatory training are approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), as required.
All training, assessment, remediation and moderation is conducted by qualified SACAA accredited Instructors and/or Designated Examiners, in line with regulatory requirements.
Our training programme is designed to meet local and international service delivery standards.
During or following completion of our training programmes, learners undergo theory and practical assessments covering the training received. This is done in order to verify proficiency in carrying out ground staff duties.
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To commence training, you must be:
- 18 years or older, and have a Matric/Grade 12 qualification
- Be able to speak, read and write English
- Good communication and team working skills
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It includes the following components:
Course
Duration
Content
ICAO Dispatcher 50 DAYS Navigation General:- Terrestrial sphere
- Latitude
- Longitude
- Distance
- Lines on the Earth
- Great Circles
- Small Circles
- Equator
- Rhumb Lines
- Map Projections
- Lamberts Conformal
- Mercator Projection
- Polar Stereographic
- Time
- International Standard Atmosphere
- Total Temperature at ISA
- Measurement of Speed
- Static/Dynamic Pressure
- Total Pressure
- IAS
- RAS
- TAS
- MACH
- Pressure Altimeter
- Density Altitude
- Altimeter Setting Procedures
- RADAR Control
- Triangle of Velocities
- CR3 Wind Side Calculations
- CR3 Calculator side
- Air Traffic Services
- Separation Standards
- MACH Number Technique
- Rules, Regulations and AIS
- Subdivision of Airspace
- Classification of airspace
- NOTAM Code/Decode
- ICAO Abbreviations
- Jeppesen Documentation
- ATS Route Designators
- Navigation and Route Planning
- Wake Turbulence
- ATC Clearances / Completion of
- Use of repetitive ATC flight plans (RPL)
- MNPS
- RVSM
- Flight Operations and
Procedures- Holding Patterns
- Instrument Approach
ProceduresAviation Meteorology:- Properties of the Atmosphere
- Atmospheric Pressure
- Temperature
- Water Vapour and Humidity
- Visibility
- Global Winds
- Winds and Local Topography
- Jet Streams
- Vertical Air Motion
- Wind Shear Awareness
- Precipitation
- Temperature and Adiabatic
Lapse Rates- The Role of Latent Heat Atmospheric Stability
- Cloud Forming Processes
- Cloud Classification
- Thunderstorms
- Lightning
- Air Masses
- Frontal Systems
- Icing and Ice Accretion
- Tropical and Equatorial Weather
- Aviation Weather Report Formats
- TAF
- METAR
- SPECI
- SIGMET
- ROFOR
- AIREP
- ARFOR
- SAFOR
- SNOWTAM
- Station Circles
- ICAO Annex 3: Operationally Desireable Forecast
Accuracy- Aerodrome Operating Minima
- ICAO Annex 3: Standard Reporting Models
- ICAO Annex 3: Application of Meteorological
Data for Pre-Flight Planning- WMO METAR Decode Tables
- WMO TAF Decode Tables
Radio and Radio Aids:- Introduction to Radio
- Wavelength-frequency Relationship
- Frequency Bands
- Audio and Radio Frequencies
- Sidebands
- Classification of Emissions
- The Ionosphere
- Effect on Radio Waves
- Radio Waves – Properties and Propagation
- Ground Waves
- Sky Waves
- Direct Waves
- Radio Communication
- HF Communication
- VHF Communication
- Radio Aids
- True Direction
- Magnetic Direction
- Magnetic Variation
- RDF Radio Direction Finding
- NDB Non-Directional Beacons
- Marker Beacons
- ILS Instrument Landing Systems
- VOR VHF Omni-Directional Beacons
- RADAR General
- Ground RADAR
- SSR Secondary Surveillance RADAR
- Radio Altimeter
- GPWS Ground Proximity Warning Systems
- DME Distance Measuring Equipment
- Airborne Weather RADAR
- DOPPLER
- DECCA/LORAN/OMEGA Area Coverage Systems
- INS Inertial Navigation Systems
- GPS Global Positioning Systems
- TCAS Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems
- ACARS Aircraft Communications
Addressing/Reporting Systems- RNAV/RNP Area Navigation and Required
Navigation Performance- FANS Future Air Navigation Systems
- Frequency Bands
- Audio and Radio Frequencies
- Sidebands
Aircraft Weight and Balance Control:- Weight and Balance Control
- Aircraft Weight Build Up
- Balance and Structure
- Principle of Centre of Gravity
- Mean Aerodynamic Chord
- Centre of Gravity Range
- Centre of Gravity Limits
- Manual Wide Body Load Planning/Load-sheets
- Manual Wide Body Trim
Principles of Flight & Aircraft Performance:- Aerodynamics
- Lift
- Thrust
- Drag
- Principles of Flight
- Forces and Moments
- Reference Datum
- Body Reference Planes
- Design Weight Definitions
- Operational Weight Definitions
- Aircraft Performance General
- Take-off Limitations
- Take-off Speeds
- Take-off Distances
- Take-off Flight Paths
- Non standard Days
- Aircraft Take-off Performance Data Presentation
- Runway Performance Analysis
- Thrust Settings
- Approach and Landing
- Miscellaneous Take-off Performance Concepts
- B747-200 Aircraft Operations Manual
- Operation on Precipitation Covered Runways
- Operation with Brakes Deactivated
- Operation with Anti-skid Inoperative
- Minimum Ground Control Speeds
- Cost Index, ECON and Cruise Control
- Aircraft Performance Management System – PMS
Flight Planning:- Phase 2 Generic Flight Planning Fuel Policy
- Aircraft Weight Considerations
- Manual Flight Planning Data
- Semi-circular Rules
- Re-dispatch/In-flight Re-clearance Operations
- Point of No Return (PNR) Time and Fuel
Calculations- Critical Point (CP) Time and Fuel Calculations
- Aircraft Take-off and Landing Performance Data
- Aircraft Refuelling Manual
- Dispatch Release /Fuel and Water Order Form
- Aircraft Specifications
- Manual Flight Planning Aircraft Data Sheets:
- B737-500
- B727-100
- A320-231
- B707-344 B/C
- B757-200
- B767-200
- DC10-30
- B747-200
- B747-300
- B747-400
- CAA SA-CATS-OPS 91.07.12 Fuel Policy
- En-route Alternate Location
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations CAT10.Initial 3 DAYS - General Philosophy
- Limitations
- List of Dangerous Goods
- Labelling and Marking
- Recognition of Undeclared Dangerous Goods
- Storage and Loading Procedures
- Pilots’ Notification
- Provisions for Passengers and Crew
- Emergency Procedures
Aircraft Weight and Balance Control. Initial. Theory/Practical. Passenger Aircraft. 10 DAYS - Principles of Weight and Balance
- Aircraft Terminology
- Loading Procedures
- Codes and Abbreviations for Baggage and Special Category Cargo
- Segregation Requirements for Special Category Cargo
- Completion of Manual Weight and Balance Documentation as Required by SAA and SACAA
- Wide-body and Narrow-body Aircraft
IATA OCC Flight Operations Phase 1. 15 days Navigation General:
- Terrestrial sphere
- Latitude
- Longitude
- Distance
- Lines on the Earth
- Great Circles
- Small Circles
- Equator
- Rhumb Lines
- Map Projections
- Lamberts Conformal
- Mercator Projection
- Polar Stereographic
- Time
- International Standard Atmosphere
- Pressure Altimeter
- Altimeter Setting Procedures
- RADAR Control
- Air Traffic Services
- Rules, Regulations and AIS
- Subdivision of Airspace
- Classification of airspace
- NOTAM Code/Decode
- ICAO Abbreviations
- Jeppesen Documentation
- ATS Route Designators
- Navigation and Route Planning
- Wake Turbulence
- ATC Clearances / Completion of
- Use of repetitive ATC flight plans (RPL)
- MNPS
- RVSM
- Flight Operations and Procedures
- Holding Patterns
- Instrument Approach Procedures
Aviation Meteorology:
- Properties of the Atmosphere
- Atmospheric Pressure
- Temperature
- Water Vapour and Humidity
- Visibility
- Global Winds
- Winds and Local Topography
- Jet Streams
- Vertical Air Motion
- Wind Shear Awareness
- Precipitation
- Cloud Forming Processes
- Cloud Classification
- Thunderstorms
- Lightning
- Air Masses
- Frontal Systems
- Icing and Ice Accretion
- Aviation Weather Report Formats
- TAF
- METAR
- SPECI
- SIGMET
- ROFOR
- AIREP
- ARFOR
- SAFOR
- SNOWTAM
- WMO TAF Decode Tables
Radio and Radio Aids:
- Introduction to Radio
- Wavelength-frequency Relationship
- Frequency Bands
- Audio and Radio Frequencies
- Sidebands
- Classification of Emissions
- The Ionosphere
- Effect on Radio Waves
- Radio Waves – Properties and Propagation
- Ground Waves
- Sky Waves
- Direct Waves
- Radio Communication
- HF Communication
- VHF Communication
Aircraft Weight and Balance Control:
- Weight and Balance Control
- Aircraft Weight Build Up
- Balance and Structure
- Principle of Centre of Gravity
- Mean Aerodynamic Chord
- Centre of Gravity Range
- Centre of Gravity Limits
- Manual Wide Body Load Planning/Load-sheets
Principles of Flight & Aircraft Performance:
- Aerodynamics
- Lift
- Thrust
- Drag
- Principles of Flight
- Forces and Moments
- Reference Datum
- Body Reference Planes
- Design Weight Definitions
- Operational Weight Definitions
- Aircraft Performance General
- Take-off Limitations
- Take-off Speeds
- Take-off Distances
- Take-off Flight Paths
Non Standard Days
Airport Operation Initial Training Programme.
Airport Passenger Handling
5 days
- Communication
- Geography Industry Organizations
- Codes and Abbreviations
- Aircraft Terminology
- Apron hazards and Passenger Movements
- Baggage
- Travel Documents
- Special Category Passengers
- Assess to Check-in, display relevant flight information and Passenger lists Use of the flight log Boarding procedures
Dangerous Goods CAT 9 Regulations
2 day
Bi-annual
- General Philosophy
- Limitations
- Labeling and Marking
- Provisions for Passengers and Crew
- Emergency Procedures
ALTEA CM
10 days
- Travel Documents
- Baggage
- Introduction to the system
- Basic Check-in Procedures
- Different Passenger Tickets
- Special Category Passengers
- Standby Passengers
- Through-checks
- The PW
- Denied boarding
- Gate Procedures
- Manual Check-in Procedures
- Aircraft delays
- Counter Preparation and Check-in mock-up
World Tracer
5 days
- Introduction to World Tracer
- Create Files
- Display Files
- Amend Files
- Action Files
- Matching
- Close Files
- Found Property
- Supplementary Transactions
- Station Reports
Verification of Travel Documents
(Passport/Visa Course)
3 days
- Travel Documents
- Facial Features and Impostors
- Timatic, ETAS & API
LERAP
1 day As per Safety requirements Bi-annual
Human Factor
1 day
Bi-annual
Per legislative requirements
- What is Human Factor
- Why is Human factor necessary
- Who must be aware
- Affecting Factors
- Types of personalities
- Human defines deeds, actions and performance
- Communication
- Communications barriers
- System approach
- Stress and fatigue
- Situation awareness
- Threats
- Types of errors
- Cultures
- The event triangle
Safety Management System (SMS)
1 day
Bi-annual
Per legislative requirements
- What is Safety?
- Safety ultimate goal is: HOW CAN SAFE ENVIRONMENT BE ACHIEVED
- What is an SMS?
- Safety Policy and objectives
- Safety Assurance
- Safety Risks Management
- Safety Promotion
- JUST CULTURE
- Components & Elements of Protection / SMS
- Hazard identification
- Occurrence / Hazard reporting
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Our training is conducted in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban• Theoretical training is conducted in our classrooms and,• Practical training is conducted at the check-in counters at ORTIA, Cape Town and Durban• Our Computer Based Training Centre is used for training and self-study purposes.
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All training is delivered, via:
- Instructor-led Learning;
- E-Learning Modules;
- Role Plays;
- Simulations;
- Presentations/multimedia interactive learning;
- Group Work;
- Group Discussions;
- Self-Study;
- Skills Practice Sessions on actual aeroplane or approved representative training device;
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Eight (8) learners are accommodated per course.
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The SAA Airport Operations Initial Training Course is conducted at a cost of R13 000.00, per person, all inclusive.
Dangerous Goods CAT 10 Initial: R1500.00
Aircraft Weight and Balance Passenger Aircraft: R5000.00
OCC Flight Operations Phase 1: R7500.00
ICAO Dispatcher: R25000.00
The Course Cost includes:
- All training manuals and training materials.
- All costs associated with theory and practical training and assessments.
- Certificates.
The Course Cost excludes:• Travel and Accommodation Costs.• Meals. -
At SAA it is our priority to protect our staff and students and safeguard against the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID – 19). As a result, all Airport Operations training courses will be suspended until further notice. Look out for our revised training schedule in the near future.
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The competency mark for the formal assessment is eighty percent (80%). Learners achieving a mark of 75-79% will be given the opportunity to one rewrite per course at a cost of R250-00 per assessment. Learners achieving a mark of 74% and lower must attend a full course and redo the assessment.
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Follow these simple steps to assist you to confirm your seat on one of our courses!
Step 1
Read through all the information in this section to understand the details regarding the SAA Airport Operations Training Programme.
Step 2
If you would like to attend one of our Airport Operation Training Courses, complete and sign the Registration Form. Email the completed form and a copy of your Matric Certificate to SAA via email address, AirportOpsTraining@flysaa.com
By doing this, you will tentatively reserve your seat on the course dates you have selected.
Note: We accept course registrations up to 10 working days prior to the scheduled start date of a course.
Step 3
Complete and sign the Student Training Agreement, which details the terms and conditions together with the Course Agreement you are registering for.
Course AgreementTo enable you to access SAA premises and aircraft, complete and sign the SAA Security Clearance Indemnity Form . A copy of your Identity Document (ID) will also be required.
Email the completed documents, copy of matric certificate and ID copy to AirportOpsTraining@flysaa.com
If you have any queries and would like to speak to someone kindly contact +27 11 978 3811.
Step 4
SAA will email you an invoice reflecting the total amount to be deposited, in full payment of the course. The SAA Bank account details will also be provided.
Note: The full payment is due prior to commencing training.
Step 5
Once you have completed the payment, email the proof of payment as soon as possible to AirportOpsTraining@flysaa.com
This will confirm your seat on the course dates reflected in your Registration Form.
SAA will communicate your confirmation on a course, in writing.
Please bring this confirmation with you on your first day of training!
Please note that confirmation on a course will be on a ‘first-come-first-serve’ basis.
Where a course is full, SAA will endeavour to accommodate you on the next available course of your choice!
Step 6
Look out for emails from SAA leading up to your first day of training. We want to make sure that you are prepared and ready for your first day!
If you have any queries before you start training, please email us via AirportOpsTraining@flysaa.com.
