Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences › Physical Sciences
This course equips learners with the fundamental knowledge and skills required to understand transportation and aircraft support servicing operations. It covers key principles, procedures, and safety considerations essential for effective support in aviation ground handling and logistics.
This course is designed for entry-level personnel in the aviation industry, including ground handlers, logistics staff, and support service technicians seeking foundational knowledge in transportation and aircraft support servicing.
None — open enrollment.
Objectives:
• Define the scope and importance of transportation and aircraft support servicing.
• Identify key regulatory bodies and standards in South Africa.
• Explain the roles and responsibilities of support servicing personnel.
• Understand basic aviation terminology and concepts.
Topics:
• Overview of the aviation industry
• Introduction to aircraft types and structures
• Regulatory framework: SACAA, ICAO, SAQA
• Safety culture and human factors
• Career paths in aircraft support servicing
• Basic aviation terminology
• Introduction to documentation and record-keeping
• Environmental considerations in aviation
Objectives:
• Identify common types of ground support equipment.
• Describe the functions and applications of each GSE type.
• Understand safety protocols for operating GSE.
• Perform basic pre-use inspections on selected GSE.
Topics:
• Types of GSE: tugs, tractors, belt loaders, GPU, air start units
• GSE operation principles
• Safety features and emergency procedures
• Pre-use inspection checklists
• Refueling and charging procedures
• GSE maintenance schedules
• Documentation for GSE usage
• Case study: GSE incident analysis
Objectives:
• Demonstrate standard marshalling hand signals.
• Explain aircraft parking and chocking procedures.
• Understand communication protocols with flight crew.
• Apply safety measures during marshalling operations.
Topics:
• Marshalling signals: standard and emergency
• Aircraft parking layouts and markings
• Chocking and grounding procedures
• Communication with pilots using headsets
• Safety zones and hazard awareness
• Night operations and low-visibility procedures
• Use of wands and light signals
• Practical drill: marshalling scenarios
Objectives:
• Identify different fuel types and their properties.
• Describe refueling procedures and safety precautions.
• Understand fuel quality control and sampling.
• Demonstrate proper bonding and grounding techniques.
Topics:
• Aviation fuel types: Jet A-1, Avgas
• Fuel storage and dispensing systems
• Refueling methods: over-wing, pressure
• Bonding and grounding to prevent static discharge
• Fuel sampling and testing for contamination
• Fire safety during refueling
• Spill containment and response
• Documentation: fuel receipt and quality records
Objectives:
• Explain the principles of aircraft towing.
• Identify towing equipment and their limitations.
• Describe pushback procedures and communication.
• Understand weight and balance considerations during towing.
Topics:
• Towbar and towbarless towing systems
• Towing vehicle specifications
• Pushback procedures: with and without towbar
• Communication between tug driver and cockpit
• Weight limits and center of gravity constraints
• Safety during towing: personnel and equipment
• Emergency procedures: brake failure, disconnect
• Practical exercise: simulated pushback
Objectives:
• Describe exterior and interior cleaning procedures.
• Identify approved cleaning agents and methods.
• Understand waste disposal and environmental compliance.
• Perform cabin servicing tasks including restocking.
Topics:
• Exterior washing: pressure washing, hand washing
• Interior cleaning: carpets, seats, lavatories
• Approved chemicals and their applications
• Waste management: lavatory servicing, garbage disposal
• Cabin restocking: pillows, blankets, catering
• Inspection for damage during cleaning
• Record-keeping for cleaning tasks
• Health and safety precautions
Objectives:
• Explain the principles of de-icing and anti-icing.
• Identify different types of de-icing fluids.
• Understand holdover times and weather conditions.
• Demonstrate proper application techniques.
Topics:
• Ice formation and effects on aircraft performance
• Types of de-icing fluids: Type I, II, IV
• De-icing equipment: trucks, sprayers
• Application procedures: two-step process
• Holdover time tables and decision making
• Environmental considerations: fluid recovery
• Safety during de-icing operations
• Practical demonstration: de-icing application
Objectives:
• Identify common ramp hazards and FOD sources.
• Implement FOD prevention and control measures.
• Conduct ramp inspections and reporting.
• Understand emergency response on the ramp.
Topics:
• Ramp safety zones and markings
• FOD types: metal, debris, wildlife
• FOD prevention programs
• Ramp inspection procedures
• Reporting and documenting FOD incidents
• Emergency response: fire, fuel spill, injury
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Case study: FOD damage analysis
Objectives:
• Describe cargo types and handling requirements.
• Understand weight and balance principles for cargo.
• Perform cargo loading and securing procedures.
• Complete load sheets and documentation.
Topics:
• Cargo types: general, hazardous, live animals
• Cargo handling equipment: pallet dollies, loaders
• Weight and balance calculations
• Load planning and distribution
• Securing cargo: nets, straps, containers
• Hazardous materials regulations (DGR)
• Documentation: air waybills, manifests
• Practical exercise: load simulation
Objectives:
• Complete maintenance and servicing records accurately.
• Understand quality assurance principles in support servicing.
• Identify discrepancies and initiate corrective actions.
• Apply audit procedures and compliance checks.
Topics:
• Documentation types: logbooks, work orders, checklists
• Record-keeping standards and retention
• Quality management systems (ISO, AS9110)
• Audit processes and non-conformance reporting
• Corrective and preventive actions
• Safety management systems (SMS)
• Human factors in documentation errors
• Case study: documentation failure
Objectives:
• Describe emergency response plans for aircraft incidents.
• Demonstrate use of fire extinguishers and safety equipment.
• Understand evacuation procedures and crowd control.
• Apply incident reporting and investigation techniques.
Topics:
• Types of emergencies: fire, medical, security
• Emergency response team roles
• Fire classes and extinguisher use
• Aircraft evacuation procedures
• Crowd control and passenger management
• Incident reporting and investigation
• Safety drills and simulations
• Practical exercise: emergency scenario
Objectives:
• Integrate all skills in a comprehensive ramp operation scenario.
• Complete final assessment tasks.
• Identify further training and career opportunities.
• Develop a personal development plan.
Topics:
• Integrated practical scenario: full turnaround
• Review of key concepts and skills
• Written and practical assessments
• Feedback and improvement plans
• Career pathways in aircraft support
• Professional development resources
• Course evaluation
• Certification and next steps
Hands-on practical sessions are integral to this course, allowing learners to apply theoretical knowledge in simulated and real-world ramp environments. These sessions build competence in operating ground support equipment, performing servicing procedures, and executing safety protocols under supervision.
Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.
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.
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.
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.
| 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.
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.
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 | 35% off |
| 100 | 40% off |
3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.
Other Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences courses at NQF level 3 learners on this page also viewed.
30-second guide
Type a keyword, NQF level or SAQA unit-standard ID in the search bar to see live matches across 3,000+ accredited courses. Filter by category, subfield and delivery mode.
Online · ask anything about AATICD
Answers come from the AATICD website.
For direct bookings call
+27 12 004 8389
or email
[email protected].