Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences › Physical Sciences
Low Level Flying Operations Training
Description
This course equips pilots and flight operations personnel with the specialised skills and knowledge required to execute low level flying operations safely and effectively. It covers risk assessment, situational awareness, and compliance with South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulations, ensuring operational efficiency and safety in low-level environments.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate compliance with SACAA regulations and airspace requirements for low level flying.
- Apply risk assessment and hazard identification techniques specific to low level operations.
- Execute pre-flight planning and in-flight decision-making to manage terrain, obstacles, and weather.
- Implement emergency procedures and contingency plans during low level flight.
- Evaluate aircraft performance limitations and environmental factors affecting low level flight.
- Demonstrate effective crew resource management (CRM) and communication during low level operations.
Target Audience
This course is designed for licensed pilots, flight instructors, and aviation operations staff who are involved in or preparing for low level flying operations, including agricultural, survey, patrol, or training flights.
Prerequisites
Valid South African pilot license (PPL or higher) with a minimum of 200 flying hours. None — open enrollment for qualified pilots.
Course Outline
Objectives:
• Understand the definition and scope of low level flying operations.
• Identify the relevant South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulations.
• Recognize the key safety and operational considerations for low level flight.
• Distinguish between different types of low level flying (e.g., agricultural, survey, patrol).
Topics:
• Definition of low level flying (LLF) and its applications.
• SACAA regulations governing LLF (Part 91, 94, 127, etc.).
• Airspace classifications and restrictions relevant to LLF.
• Environmental and noise abatement considerations.
• Risk assessment and hazard identification in LLF.
• Human factors: visual illusions, spatial disorientation.
• Case studies of LLF incidents and lessons learned.
• Introduction to mission planning for LLF.
Objectives:
• Calculate aircraft performance parameters critical for LLF.
• Understand the impact of density altitude, weight, and configuration.
• Apply power management techniques for safe low level operations.
• Recognize aircraft limitations and emergency procedures at low altitude.
Topics:
• Performance charts: takeoff, climb, cruise, landing.
• Effects of temperature, pressure, humidity on performance.
• Weight and balance considerations for LLF.
• Power settings and fuel management.
• Stall characteristics and recovery at low altitude.
• Engine failure procedures and forced landing techniques.
• Maneuvering limitations: load factor, airspeed margins.
• Use of performance planning software.
Objectives:
• Apply low level navigation techniques using visual references and GPS.
• Maintain situational awareness through effective scan and communication.
• Interpret terrain and obstacle features for safe routing.
• Manage radio communications and airspace coordination.
Topics:
• Map reading and terrain association at low altitude.
• Use of GPS and moving map displays.
• Altitude management and obstacle clearance.
• Visual scanning techniques for collision avoidance.
• Bird strike awareness and avoidance.
• Radio procedures: frequency changes, position reporting.
• Coordination with air traffic control and other airspace users.
• Emergency navigation: loss of GPS, diversion planning.
Objectives:
• Develop comprehensive mission plans incorporating weather, terrain, and operational factors.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Prepare flight documentation and briefings.
• Integrate human factors into planning and decision-making.
Topics:
• Weather forecasting and interpretation for LLF.
• NOTAMs and airspace restrictions.
• Fuel planning and alternate aerodromes.
• Crew resource management (CRM) for single-pilot LLF.
• Threat and error management (TEM).
• Fatigue management and fitness for duty.
• Pre-flight inspection and aircraft documentation.
• Briefing and debriefing techniques.
Objectives:
• Demonstrate proficiency in low level flight maneuvers in a simulator.
• Respond appropriately to simulated emergencies.
• Apply risk management in real-time scenarios.
• Evaluate own performance through debriefing.
Topics:
• Simulator setup and briefing for LLF scenarios.
• Low level navigation exercises.
• Obstacle avoidance and terrain following.
• Simulated engine failure and forced landing.
• Bird strike and other emergency procedures.
• Radio communication drills.
• Scenario-based training: agricultural spraying, pipeline patrol.
• Debriefing and performance analysis.
Objectives:
• Integrate all knowledge and skills in a comprehensive final exercise.
• Complete a written assessment covering regulations, performance, and planning.
• Demonstrate competency in a practical flight test (simulator).
• Prepare for continuing professional development in LLF.
Topics:
• Final planning exercise: full mission from briefing to debrief.
• Written examination: 50 multiple-choice questions.
• Practical flight test: low level navigation and emergency procedures.
• Review of common errors and best practices.
• Certification requirements and logbook endorsements.
• Resources for ongoing learning: manuals, online courses.
• Course evaluation and feedback.
• Issue of certificate of completion.
Practicals
Overview
Practical sessions are essential for developing hands-on skills in low level flying. Learners will apply theoretical knowledge in a flight simulator, practicing navigation, emergency procedures, and mission planning under realistic conditions. These exercises build confidence and competency for real-world operations.
Practical Activities
- Simulator Familiarisation and Basic Low Level Maneuvers — Learners become familiar with the simulator cockpit and practice basic low level flight maneuvers such as straight-and-level, turns, climbs, and descents at low altitude. (4h)
- Low Level Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance — Learners plan and execute a low level cross-country navigation exercise, avoiding obstacles and following terrain features. They use visual references and GPS. (4h)
- Emergency Procedures and Forced Landing — Learners respond to simulated engine failures and other emergencies at low altitude, practicing immediate actions, forced landing procedures, and ditching if applicable. (4h)
- Integrated Mission Scenario and Final Assessment — Learners complete a full mission from pre-flight briefing to post-flight debrief, including navigation, communication, and handling of unexpected events. Performance is assessed. (4h)
Summatives
Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.
Practical Assignments — 30%
Practical assignments are observed and scored against a rubric during the practical sessions. Each delegate's practical mark is averaged into a single 100% score and contributes 30% to the final total.
Daily Exercises — 20%
Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 20% to the final total.
Final Test — 50%
On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 50% to the overall mark.
Final Total
| Component | Out of | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Assignments (rubric-scored) | 100% | 30% |
| Daily Average (multiple choice) | 100% | 20% |
| Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) | 100% | 50% |
| Final Total | — | 100% |
All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.
Certificate
How it works
- Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
- Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
- You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
- If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it
Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.
Training Discounts
Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.
| Delegates | Discount |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3% off |
| 10 | 6% off |
| 15 | 9% off |
| 20 | 12% off |
| 25 | 15% off |
| 30 | 18% off |
| 50 | 30% off |
| 75 | 40% off |
| 100 | 40% off |
3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.
Let us know you're interested and we'll arrange a session that suits you.
Let us know you're interested and we'll arrange a session that suits you.
Let us know you're interested and we'll arrange a session that suits you.
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