Air Traffic Control
Overview
Appointments
The Career Education Transitions Coordinator and Career Education Counselor are available to assist with:
- questions
- program exploration
- college applications
- educational planning
- Dean Paul Estabrook
- Department Chair Sean Tener
- Meta Major Business and Industry
- Phone (916) 558-2492
- Email TenerS@scc.losrios.edu
Associate Degree
A.S. in Enhanced Air Traffic Control
Sacramento City College maintains an Air Traffic Control program in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Collegiate Training Institute program. Our program is designed to provide students with a professional level of aviation knowledge and to allow students to be evaluated for potential direct hiring as air traffic controllers by the FAA.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment Eligibility Course: | ||
| ATC 200 | Introduction to Air Traffic Control | 1 |
| First Semester: | ||
| ATC 300 | Basic Air Traffic Control Part 1 | 3 |
| ATC 301 | Basic Air Traffic Control Part 2 | 3 |
| ATC 302 | Basic Air Traffic Control Part 3 | 3 |
| ATC 303 | Basic Air Traffic Control Part 4 | 3 |
| Second Semester: | ||
| ATC 310 | Enhanced Air Traffic Control Terminal 1 (3) | 3 |
| or ATC 320 | Enhanced Air Traffic Control En Route 1 (3) | |
| ATC 311 | Enhanced Air Traffic Control Terminal 2 (3) | 3 |
| or ATC 321 | Enhanced Air Traffic Control En Route 2 (3) | |
| ATC 312 | Enhanced Air Traffic Control Terminal 3 (3) | 3 |
| or ATC 322 | Enhanced Air Traffic Control En Route 3 (3) | |
| ATC 313 | Enhanced Air Traffic Control Terminal 4 (3) | 3 |
| or ATC 323 | Enhanced Air Traffic Control En Route 4 (3) | |
| Third Semester: | ||
| ATC 315 | Air Traffic Control Terminal Simulation Training (4) | 4 |
| or ATC 325 | Air Traffic Control En Route Simulation Training (4) | |
| Total Units: | 29 | |
The Enhanced Air Traffic Control Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.
Enrollment Eligibility
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- The Federal Aviation Administration requires that all applicants read, write, speak, and understand the English language. FAA guidance on language proficiency can be found in the current version of Advisory Circular AC60-28 and the Level 4 proficiency standards of ICAO Doc 9835.
- The Federal Aviation Administration requires that all applicants must be under 31-years-old by tentative job offer after graduation. Employment in Federal contract facilities (Non-FAA) do not have this requirement.
- Applicants must have, at a minimum, of one year of general work experience, or one year of full-time college, or any combination of education and experience equaling at least one year of general experience.
- Applicants must be able to pass a Federal Security Clearance background check. AT-CTI (Tier 3) Contract Tower (Tier 2)
- Applicants must be able to pass a Class 3 Airman Medical Exam to enter program and a FAA endorsed medical exam, drug test, and psychological examination upon graduation.
- Applicants must receive a successful qualifying score on the FAA administered Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) test prior to completion of the program, in order to be considered for direct employment with the FAA.
Enrollment Process
Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:
- Student must enroll in the prerequisite class, ATC 200: Introduction to Air Traffic Control, and successfully meet all of the requirements listed in the course curriculum.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- interpret and apply Federal Aviation Regulations that pertain to Air Traffic Control procedures.
- utilize correct air-to-ground and ground-to-air communication terminology and phraseology.
- interpret, prepare, and disseminate terminal and/or en-route weather reports.
- correctly apply Air Traffic Control procedures in simulated terminal, or en-route air traffic control environments.
- properly use air traffic control computer data entry systems and voice communication equipment.
Career Information
Employment opportunities exist within the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) National Air Traffic Control system for Air Traffic Controllers. There are also over 250, non-federal air traffic control facilities throughout the country in need of controllers. Opportunity for employment as remote pilot operators, who provide high fidelity air traffic control training, and for military controllers is also available.
Certificate of Achievement
Enhanced Air Traffic Control Certificate
Sacramento City College maintains an Air Traffic Control program in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Collegiate Training Institute program. Our program is designed to provide students with a professional level of aviation knowledge and to allow students to be evaluated for potential direct hiring as air traffic controllers by the FAA.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ATC 200 | Introduction to Air Traffic Control | 1 |
| ATC 300 | Basic Air Traffic Control Part 1 | 3 |
| ATC 301 | Basic Air Traffic Control Part 2 | 3 |
| ATC 302 | Basic Air Traffic Control Part 3 | 3 |
| ATC 303 | Basic Air Traffic Control Part 4 | 3 |
| ATC 310 | Enhanced Air Traffic Control Terminal 1 (3) | 3 |
| or ATC 320 | Enhanced Air Traffic Control En Route 1 (3) | |
| ATC 311 | Enhanced Air Traffic Control Terminal 2 (3) | 3 |
| or ATC 321 | Enhanced Air Traffic Control En Route 2 (3) | |
| ATC 312 | Enhanced Air Traffic Control Terminal 3 (3) | 3 |
| or ATC 322 | Enhanced Air Traffic Control En Route 3 (3) | |
| ATC 313 | Enhanced Air Traffic Control Terminal 4 (3) | 3 |
| or ATC 323 | Enhanced Air Traffic Control En Route 4 (3) | |
| ATC 315 | Air Traffic Control Terminal Simulation Training (4) | 4 |
| or ATC 325 | Air Traffic Control En Route Simulation Training (4) | |
| Total Units: | 29 |
Enrollment Eligibility
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- The Federal Aviation Administration requires that all applicants read, write, speak, and understand the English language. FAA guidance on language proficiency can be found in the current version of Advisory Circular AC60-28 and the Level 4 proficiency standards of ICAO Doc 9835.
- The Federal Aviation Administration requires that all applicants must be under 31-years-old by tentative job offer after graduation. Employment in Federal contract facilities (Non-FAA) do not have this requirement.
- Applicants must have, at a minimum, of one year of general work experience, or one year of full-time college, or any combination of education and experience equaling at least one year of general experience.
- Applicants must be able to pass a Federal Security Clearance background check. AT-CTI (Tier 3) Contract Tower (Tier 2)
- Applicants must be able to pass a Class 3 Airman Medical Exam to enter program and a FAA endorsed medical exam, drug test, and psychological examination upon graduation.
- Applicants must receive a successful qualifying score on the FAA administered Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) test prior to completion of the program, in order to be considered for direct employment with the FAA.
Enrollment Process
Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:
- Student must enroll in the prerequisite class, ATC 200: Introduction to Air Traffic Control, and successfully meet all of the requirements listed in the course curriculum.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- interpret and apply Federal Aviation Regulations that pertain to Air Traffic Control procedures.
- utilize correct air-to-ground and ground-to-air communication terminology and phraseology.
- interpret, prepare, and disseminate terminal and/or en-route weather reports.
- correctly apply Air Traffic Control procedures in simulated terminal, or en-route air traffic control environments.
- properly use air traffic control computer data entry systems and voice communication equipment.
Career Information
Employment opportunities exist within the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) National Air Traffic Control system for Air Traffic Controllers. There are also over 250, non-federal air traffic control facilities throughout the country in need of controllers. Opportunity for employment as remote pilot operators, who provide high fidelity air traffic control training, and for military controllers is also available.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) Courses
ATC 200 Introduction to Air Traffic Control
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This introductory course is designed for students considering a career in air traffic control. The class is a prerequisite for acceptance into ATC 300-Basic Air Traffic Control 1. The course will give an overview of air traffic control as a career, and will provide guidance for prospective students regarding the requirements for being hired as a controller.
To be hired as a controller, the requirements listed below must be met.
(1) Must be a US citizen and speak English clearly.
(2) Must be under 31-years-old by the tentative job offer after graduation.
(3) Have one year of full-time work experience (full-time defined as a 40 hour work week), or a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, or any combination of education and experience equaling one year of full-time work experience.
(4) Pass the Security Clearance AT-CTI (Tier 3) and Contract Tower (Tier 2).
(5) Pass the Class 2 Airman's Medical Exam recommended to enter program and a FAA endorsed medical and psychological examination upon graduation.
(6) Successful qualifying score on the FAA administered Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) test prior to completion of the program.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of air traffic control as a profession and understand the necessary process to secure employment with the Federal Aviation Administration.
- pass or know they will be required to pass a Class 2 Airman's flight physical.
- understand that they will be required to pass an extensive security background check, leading to a high level Federal Government security clearance.
- understand the Federal law regarding age limits placed on newly hired air traffic controllers by the Federal Aviation Administration.
- understand that they will be required to pass a comprehensive drug test.
- understand the minimum amount of work experience and the type of work experience required to be hired as an entry level air traffic controller.
- understand the language proficiency requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration that are placed on air traffic controllers.
ATC 299 Experimental Offering in Air Traffic Control
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This is the experimental courses description.
ATC 300 Basic Air Traffic Control Part 1
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ATC 200 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course provides lecture on the fundamental concepts of air traffic control operations. Areas such as airports, airport markings, airport operations, airport lighting, roles of various FAA organizations, FAA history, air traffic management systems, the National Airspace System (NAS), types of separation used by air traffic control, NOTAMS(Notices To Air Missions), radar systems, FAA orders, FAA publications, aircraft manuals, LOAs(letters of agreement), and SOPs(standard operating procedures) will be taught and tested.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify the following:<br> (1) the functions and structure of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)<br> (2) the purpose and responsibilities of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system<br> (3) types of ATC facilities<br> (4) the primary functions and position responsibilities of ATC facilities<br> (5) the purpose and responsibilities of the Traffic Management system<br> (6) the elements of the National Airspace System<br> (7) Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
- identify the following<br> (1) areas of an airport<br> (2) airport markings<br> (3) airport signs<br> (4) airport lighting.
- identify the following:<br> (1) vertical separation and basic minimum requirements for providing separation<br> (2) types of nonradar separation and basic minimum requirements for providing separation<br> (3) radar separation and basic minimum requirements for providing separation<br> (4) visual separation and basic minimum requirements for providing separation<br> (5) runway separation and basic minimum requirements for providing separation<br> (6) basic holding procedures and requirements to perform holding.
- identify the following:<br> (1) methods of disseminating airmen’s information<br> (2) types of Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs)<br> (3) responsibilities for reporting different classifications of NOTAMs.
- identify the following:<br> (1) uses and components of primary radar<br> (2) uses and components of secondary radar<br> (3) features of a video map<br> (4) features of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).
- identify the following:<br> (1) purpose of FAA orders and Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)<br> (2) changes, notices, and supplements<br> (3) terminology used in FAA orders.
- identify the following:<br> (1) purposes of Letters of Authorization (LOAs)<br> (2) purposes of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)<br> (3) content of LOAs and SOPs.
ATC 301 Basic Air Traffic Control Part 2
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ATC 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course provides lecture on the fundamental concepts of air traffic control operations. Areas such as the basic principles of flight, basic flight instruments, simple flight controls, and beginning aerodynamics, wake turbulence requirements and procedures, aircraft types, designators, and characteristics, recognition of aircraft identifiers and classifications, special use airspace and airspace classes, and Federal Air Regulations from FAA Title 14 and FAA Title 14 Part 91 will be taught and tested.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify primary and secondary sources of lift.
- identify types and parts of airfoils.
- identify forces affecting flight, their interrelationships, and their effects on aircraft performance.
- define wake turbulence and identify factors affecting wake turbulence intensity.
- describe wingtip vortices and identify hazards associated with an induced roll.
- describe helicopter downwash and vortices.
- identify the impact of wake turbulence on Air Traffic Control (ATC).
- identify categories of aircraft.
- identify weight classes of aircraft.
- identify aircraft names and aircraft designators.
- recognize identification features of aircraft.
- identify classes of airspace and their uses.
- identify Special Use Airspace, as designated in the United States.
- define Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) and define basic terms associated with Title 14 CFRs.
- define Title 14 CFRs’ general operating and flight rules.
- identify requirements for achieving an ATC certification.
- identify the purpose of a flight plan and identify rules for filing a flight plan in accordance with Title 14 CFR Part 91.
- identify Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight plan requirements and identify VFR flight plan rules.
- identify Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight rules and identify supplemental oxygen requirements per Title 14 CFR Part 91.
- identify reference lines of the Earth and their purpose and identify coordinates and distance measurements used in navigation.
- identify methods of conversion for time, speed, and distance, recognize types of airspeed, and identify effects of altitude and temperature on airspeed.
- identify effects of wind on flight, recognize magnetic variations and deviations, and identify basic navigation methods.
- identify types, characteristics, and components of radio-based Navigational Aids (NAVAIDs).
- identify components and characteristics of an Instrument Landing System (ILS).
- identify components and characteristics of an Inertial Landing System (INS).
- identify types, components, and characteristics of satellite-based navigation systems.
- identify characteristics of airways and routes established for federal airway system.
- define types and characteristics of pitot-static systems and the principles of gyroscopic flight instruments.
- define operating principles of navigational instruments and identify types and characteristics of radio equipment.
- identify instrumentation used to manage aircraft flight and identify alert systems used to prevent airborne collisions.
- describe characteristics of physiological factors affecting pilots during flight.
ATC 302 Basic Air Traffic Control Part 3
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ATC 301 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course provides lecture on the fundamental concepts of air traffic control operations. Areas such as basic navigation, radio and satellite navigation, pilot's environment, (Visual Flight Rules) VFR and (Instrument Flight Rules) IFR charts, (Standard Instrument Departures) SIDS and (Standard Terminal Arrivals) STARS, approaches, emergencies, and search and rescue, will be taught and tested.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify reference lines of the Earth and their purpose and coordinates and distance measurements used in navigation.
- identify the following: methods of conversion for time, speed, and distance; types of speed; effects of altitude and temperature on speed; methods of calculating time, speed, and distance.
- identify the following: effects of wind on flight; magnetic variations and deviations; basic navigation methods.
- identify types, components, and characteristics of radio-based Navigational Aids (NAVAIDs).
- identify components and characteristics of Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) and types, components, and characteristics of satellite-based navigation systems.
- identify characteristics of airways and routes established for the federal airway system.
- define the following: types and characteristics of a pitot-static system; operating principles of gyroscopic flight instruments.
- define operating principles of navigational instruments and identify types and characteristics of radio equipment.
- identify instrumentation used to manage aircraft flight and alert systems used to prevent airborne collisions.
- describe characteristics of physiological factors affecting pilots during flight.
- identify contents and information in a Sectional Aeronautical chart.
- identify contents and information in a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Terminal Area chart and Chart Supplements.
- identify the purpose and contents of En Route Low Altitude charts.
- identify the purpose and contents of En Route High Altitude charts.
- identify the purpose and contents of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Area charts.
- identify the following: types of departure procedures; types of Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs); components of SIDs; “No SID” procedures.
- identify the following: the purpose of Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs); layout/components of STARs; how to interpret a STAR Identify “No STAR” procedures.
- define Instrument Approach Procedures (IAPs) and describe types of IAPs.
- identify Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP) charts.
- identify alternate approach procedures.
- describe characteristics that constitute an emergency; identify required information for reporting an emergency and the roles and responsibilities of the controller and pilot during emergencies.
- identify types of aircraft emergencies.
- identify Search and Rescue (SAR) responsibilities to conduct effective civil SAR missions.
- identify procedures for reporting unreported, overdue, or missing aircraft.
ATC 303 Basic Air Traffic Control Part 4
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ATC 302 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course provides lecture on the fundamental concepts of air traffic control operations. Areas such as basic aviation weather, hazardous weather, current weather (Meteorological Aerodrome Reports, (METARs)), forecasts and advisories, PIREPs, basic communications, Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearances, and ATC strip marking will be taught and tested.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify characteristics and properties of the Earth’s atmosphere.
- describe characteristics of atmospheric moisture and define forms of clouds.
- identify the following: air masses and their characteristics; air mass modifications and their characteristics; frontal types and their characteristics
- identify the following: ingredients required to form precipitation; types of precipitation; duties and responsibilities of selected National Weather Service (NWS) offices.
- define adverse weather conditions that can affect an aircraft and adverse wind effects that affect aircraft.
- identify types of turbulence that affect aircraft and causes of aircraft turbulence.
- describe effects of high density altitude on aircraft.
- identify characteristics of icing and how icing affects an aircraft.
- identify hazardous effects of thunderstorms on an aircraft.
- identify the effects of low-level wind shear (LLWS) on aircraft.
- identify types of METAR, the content of the METAR/SPECI, and the format of the METAR/SPECI.
- decode wind groups recorded on a METAR/SPECI.
- decode visibility groups recorded on a METAR/SPECI and RVR groups recorded on a METAR/SPECI.
- decode present weather groups recorded on a METAR/SPECI.
- decode sky condition group and phraseology recorded on a METAR/SPECI.
- decode temperature/dew point and altimeter groups recorded on a METAR/SPECI.
- identify components of remarks as shown on a METAR/SPECI and decoded examples of a METAR/SPECI.
- identify the purpose of a Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) and elements of a TAF, decode examples of a TAF.
- identify types of In-Flight Advisories and the purpose of a Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET), and decode a SIGMET.
- identify the purpose of a Convective SIGMET (WST) and decode a Convective SIGMET (WST); identify the purpose of Airmen’s Meteorological Information (AIRMET) and decode an AIRMET.
- identify the purpose of a Center Weather Advisory (CWA) and decode a CWA; identify the purpose of a Meteorological Impact Statement (MIS) and decode an MIS.
- identify the purpose of a Wind and Temperatures Aloft Forecast (FB) and decode an FB.
- identify purpose and uses of a PIREP, the content included in a PIREP, and the information recorded in a PIREP.
- identify frequency use for authorized radio and interphone communications.
- identify the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) phonetic, the number group usage during communication, the proper facility identification during communication, and the proper aircraft identification during communication.
- identify the proper route descriptions during communication, the NAVAID descriptions during communication, and the intra- and interfacility coordination.
- identify procedures for conducting a Position Relief Briefing.
- identify the purpose of an ATC clearance, describe the pilot’s responsibility for compliance, identify the use of ATC clearance prefixes and ATC clearance items and their sequence.
- identify types of ATC clearances.
- identify the purpose and legal requirements of flight progress strips, the content requirements of terminal strips, and the content requirements of en route strips.
- identify abbreviations and symbols used in flight progress strips.
ATC 310 Enhanced Air Traffic Control Terminal 1
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ATC 300, 301, 302, and 303 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course provides lecture on the fundamental concepts of Terminal Air Traffic Control operations. Areas such as tower cab training, aircraft characteristics and recognition, human factors in ATC, fatigue awareness, disseminating weather, intro to ASOS, terminal controller and tower controller equipment, Academy Airport layout, Academy Airport airspace, instrument procedures, and airport conditions, airport usage, and airport lighting will be taught and tested.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify the following:<br> (1) OJT and position certification terms,<br> (2) OJT certification process,<br> (3) Trainee and training team responsibilities in OJT,<br> (4) Purpose, content, and/or preparation of: <br> (a) FAA Form 3120-25, ATCT/ARTCC OJT Instruction/ Evaluation Report,<br> (b) Training and Proficiency Records,<br> (c) FAA Form 7230-4, Daily Record of Facility Operation.
- Identify the following:<br> (1) FAA organization,<br> (2) ATC facilities,<br> (3) Terminal facility Classification Index (CI),<br> (4) Terminal facility categories,<br> (5) Terminal facility organization,<br> (6) Terminal facility operational teams.
- Identify the following:<br> (1) Aircraft Categories,<br> (2) Identify Aircraft Weight Classes,<br> (3) Recognize Selected Aircraft.
- Identify the following:<br> (1) Basic facility equipment,<br> (2) Communications equipment procedures, responsibilities, and checks,<br> (3) Weather equipment procedures and checks,<br> (4) Miscellaneous equipment procedures and checks. <br> Given an instructor demonstration and equipment checklist, the student will demonstrate the use of Academy tower cab equipment, including the:<br> (1) Transmitter/receiver selector panel,<br> (2) Wind instrument,<br> (3) Information Display System (IDS),<br> (4) Academy Airport lighting control panel,<br> (5) ILS monitor panel, if equipped,<br> (6) Wake turbulence separation timer,<br> (7) Emergency/crash alarm, if equipped,<br> (8) Lightgun.
- Identify the following:<br> (1) Surface aviation weather reports and PIREPs,<br> (2) TAFs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, WSTs, CWAs, MISs and hazardous inflight weather advisories,<br> (3) Procedures for reporting and disseminating weather,<br> (4) Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) elements,<br> (5) Procedures for originating, receiving, relaying, and posting NOTAMs. On practice exercises, the student will: (1) Decode TAFs, (2) Decode NOTAMs.
- Input data into the ASOS, such as:<br> (1) Enter a tower visibility value,<br> (2) Remove a tower visibility value,<br> (3) Augment the ASOS reports,<br> (4) Edit sky and visibility in ASOS,<br> (5) Remove an edited element,<br> (6) Create a 2-hour archive,<br> (7) Retrieve the last transmitted observation,<br> (8) Print the last transmitted observation.
- Describe tower visibility observation and reporting procedures such as:<br> (1) Identify visibility and types of visibility,<br> (2) Identify visibility observation points,<br> (3) Identify visibility markers,<br> (4) Identify rules and procedures for reporting prevailing visibility,<br> (5) Identify rules and procedures for reporting sector visibility,<br> (6) Identify rules and procedures for reporting variable visibility,<br> (7) Identify rules and procedures for reporting surface and tower visibility,<br> (8) Identify Aviation Selected Special Weather Reports (SPECIs).
ATC 311 Enhanced Air Traffic Control Terminal 2
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ATC 310 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course provides lecture on the fundamental concepts of Terminal Air Traffic Control operations. Areas such as strip marking, airport conditions, airport lighting, Academy Airport, Academy airspace, Flight Data Input/Output(FDIO), Automated Terminal Information Service(ATIS), flight data, and clearance delivery will be taught and tested.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify the following:<br> (1) Airport uses and lighting<br> (2) Landing area responsibilities and procedures<br> (3) Runway use programs<br> (4) Runway selection procedures<br> (5) Airport lighting operations and procedures
- Label Academy Airport map:<br> given an unlabeled AAC Airport Map student will label:<br> (1) Movement and nonmovement areas<br> (2) Runways<br> (3) Taxiways<br> (4) Special Use Areas<br> (5) Emergency equipment standby locations<br> (6) The terminal<br> (7) Ramps and Fixed Base Operators (FBOs)<br> (8) FAA facilities
- Identify Academy airspace and instrument procedures<br> given blank Academy airspace maps and diagrams, the student will identify:<br> (1) Academy Class D airspace<br> (2) Academy Approach Control Airspace<br> (3) Academy Approach NAVAIDs<br> (4) Victor airways and jet routes<br> (5) Location Identifiers (IDs)<br> (6) Instrument Approach Procedures (IAPs)<br> (7) Standard Instrument Departure Procedures (SIDs)
- Record information on flight progress strips:<br> (1) Read and record information on flight progress strips without error.
- Enter FDIO messages such as:<br> (1) FDIO components and their functions<br> (2) FDIO message format<br> on a Performance Test, the student will:<br> (3) Compose FDIO messages in the proper format<br> (4) Enter FDIO messages into the system
- Record ATIS messages and identify Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS):<br> (1) Definition and purpose<br> (2) Contents<br> (3) Application<br> (4) Equipment<br> (5) Procedures<br> (6) Operations<br> on a Performance Test, the student will:<br> (7) Record an ATIS message.
- Deliver ATC clearances and identify the following:<br> (1) Flight Data position duties and responsibilities<br> (2) Clearance Delivery position duties and responsibilities<br> (3) IFR Departure clearance: items, procedures, and phraseology<br> (4) VFR OTP Departure clearance: items, procedures, and phraseology<br> (5) SVFR Departure clearance: items, procedures, and phraseology<br> (6) Departure delay procedures and phraseology<br> On a Performance Test, exercise the student will:<br> (7) Format ATC clearances<br> (8) Deliver ATC clearances
ATC 312 Enhanced Air Traffic Control Terminal 3
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ATC 311 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course provides lecture on the fundamental concepts of Terminal Air Traffic Control operations. Areas such as general control procedures, position relief briefings, ground control duties, taxi and ground movement rules, wind shear, and local control duties will be taught and tested.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify general control procedures such as:<br> (1) Duty priorities<br> (2) Safety alerts<br> (3) Equipment malfunction procedures<br> (4) Military procedures<br> (5) Coordination requirements<br> (6) Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) advisories<br> (7) Traffic advisory procedures<br> (8) Traffic Management System responsibilities and methods<br> (9) Duty priorities<br> During an exercise in the Classroom, the student will:<br> (10) Demonstrate the requirements and phraseology for issuing Safety Alerts.
- Perform a position relief briefing.<br> (1) Purpose<br> (2) Precautions/problems<br> (3) Responsibilities<br> (4) Aids/forms<br> (5) Four-step process<br> During an exercise, the student will demonstrate the following:<br> (6) Position relief briefing process<br> (7) Use of a position relief checklist<br> (8) Use of FAA Form 7230-10, Position Log
- Describe ground control duties such as:<br> (1) Ground Control positions<br> (2) Use of active runways<br> (3) Departures<br> (4) Helicopter operations<br> (5) Emergency assistance service<br> (6) Communication issues<br> On Performance Test, the student will identify Academy Tower:<br> (7) Ground Control duties<br> (8) Emergency assistance procedures
- Perform taxi and ground movement procedures such as:<br> (1) Ground traffic movement operations<br> (2) Taxi and ground movement operations<br> (3) Runway proximity<br> (4) Precision approach critical areas<br> During an exercise, the student will:<br> (5) Demonstrate the use of taxi and ground movement procedures and phraseology.
- Identify LLWAS uses such as:<br> (1) Low Level Shear Alert System (LLWAS) terms and definitions<br> (2) LLWAS purpose and layout<br> (3) LLWAS display panels<br> (4) LLWAS alarms and alerts<br> (5) Wind shear advisories
- Describe local control procedures such as:<br> (1) Airport traffic control procedures and responsibilities<br> (2) Local Control procedures<br> (3) Local Control duties and responsibilities<br> (4) Runway Visual Range (RVR)<br> (5) Emergency procedures<br> (6) Academy Tower Local Control duties and responsibilities<br>
ATC 313 Enhanced Air Traffic Control Terminal 4
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ATC 312 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course provides lecture on the fundamental concepts of Terminal Air Traffic Control operations. Areas such as VFR arrivals, VFR departures, IFR arrivals, IFR departures, wake turbulence, visual operations, runway incursions, fatigue, and human factors in aviation will be taught and tested.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Apply VFR arrival procedures such as:<br> (1) Landing phraseology<br> (2) Arrival spacing/sequencing procedures and phraseology<br> (3) Procedures, separation rules, and phraseology<br> (4) Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO)<br> (5) Landing phraseology<br> In the classroom, the student will practice applying rules and using phraseology for the following VFR arrival procedures:<br> (6) Arrival/arrival separation<br> (7) Departure/arrival separation<br> (8) Standard separation<br> (9) Same Runway Separation (SRS)<br> (10) Runway exiting<br> (11) Spacing/sequencing<br> (12) Traffic advisories
- Apply VFR departure procedures such as:<br> (1) Clearances<br> (2) Separation<br> (3) Helicopter clearances and separation minima<br> During an exercise, the student will state the separation minima and phraseology for the following situations:<br> (4) Standard runway separation<br> (5) Reduced Same Runway Separation (SRS) for departures<br> (6) Departure vs. arrival separation<br> (7) Intersection departures<br> (8) Intersecting runway departures<br> (9) Helicopter operations
- Issue clearances to provide IFR separation to include:<br> (1) Radar departures<br> (2) Radar departures and arrivals<br> (3) Nonradar departures<br> (4) Nonradar departures and arrivals<br> Given an exercise, the student will:<br> (5) Practice issuing clearances to provide IFR radar departure and arrival separation.
- Apply wake turbulence separation procedures.<br> (1) Terms and definitions<br> (2) Separation<br> (3) Advisories<br> During an exercise, the student will practice applying rules and using phraseology for the following Wake Turbulence Separation and Advisory procedures:<br> (4) Arrival/Arrival<br> (5) Departure/Departure<br> (6) Departure/Arrival<br> (7) Standard separation (Minutes)<br> (8) Minimum separation (Miles)
- Apply visual separation procedures.<br> (1) Visual separation<br> (2) Visual approaches<br> (3) Charted Visual Flight Procedure (CVFP) approaches<br> (4) Contact approaches<br> On an exercise, the student will write phraseology for:<br> (5) Issuing traffic<br> (6) Applying visual separation
- Identify runway incursions and procedures for preventing runway incursions such as:<br> (1) Situations and causes<br> (2) Coordination procedures<br> (3) Prevention methods<br>
- Identify ways to manage fatigue such as:<br> (1) Identify a technique to reduce their fatigue<br> (2) Manage fatigue throughout their career
- Identify human factors and teamwork as they relate to air traffic control.<br> (1) The study of human factors<br> (2) The most common types of human error involved in air traffic control<br> (3) Conditions under which these errors are most likely to occur<br> (4) Some strategies to use to avoid the occurrence of these errors<br> (5) Four components of good teamwork<br> (6) Conflict management styles
- Describe tower visibility observation and reporting procedures.<br> (1) Identify visibility and types of visibility<br> (2) Identify visibility observation points<br> (3) Identify visibility markers<br> (4) Identify rules and procedures for reporting prevailing visibility<br> (5) Identify rules and procedures for reporting sector visibility<br> (6) Identify rules and procedures for reporting variable visibility<br> (7) Identify rules and procedures for reporting surface and tower visibility<br> (8) Identify Aviation Selected Special Weather Reports (SPECIs) <br>
ATC 315 Air Traffic Control Terminal Simulation Training
- Units:4
- Hours:72 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ATC 313 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course will provide instruction and training on air traffic control simulations leading to the final testing of the students by certified Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examiners. Successful evaluations may lead to direct employment as an air traffic controller with the FAA.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- ensure runway separation.
- ensure wake turbulence separation.
- issue safety alerts.
- initiate required coordination.
- apply good control judgment.
- apply correct priority of duties.
- establish effective traffic flow.
- maintain aircraft identity.
- use approved strip marking.
- issue required clearances.
- adhere to LOAs(Letters of Agreement)/Directives.
- use standard phraseology.
- apply FDIO (Flight Data Input/Output) procedures and ATIS (Automated Terminal Information System) procedures.
- update the SIA (Status Information Area).
ATC 320 Enhanced Air Traffic Control En Route 1
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ATC 300, 301, 302, and 303 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course provides lecture on the fundamental concepts of En Route Air Traffic Control operations. Areas such as Aero Center airspace, radio and interphone usage, holding procedures, vertical, lateral, and longitudinal separation, board management, radar procedures, military operations, computer equipment and messaging, and En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) procedures will be taught and tested.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify the following:<br> (1) The four distinct stages of En Route Controller training.<br> (2) The aspects of on-the-job-training (OJT)
- Given an Aero Center Airspace test, identify and label the following features of the Aero Center Airspace:<br> (1) Boundaries and frequencies<br> (2) NAVAIDs (navigational aids)<br> (3) Airways and radials<br> (4) Intersections/DME (distance measuring equipment) fixes<br> (5) Mileages<br> (6) Minimum altitudes<br> (7) Special Use Airspace<br> (8) Airports and approach controls
- Identify the following:<br> (1) Requirements for monitoring radio frequencies and interphone circuits<br> (2) Authorized transmissions, relays, and interruptions<br> (3) The four interphone transmission priorities<br> (4) Radio message format
- Recognize the following:<br> (1) The required fix postings for departure, en route, and arrival aircraft<br> (2) The designated spaces for data entries and control symbols<br> (3) Estimates using plus times
- Identify the following:<br> (1) Select strip marking symbols<br> (2) Select strip marking abbreviations<br> (3) Procedures for recording clearance and control information on flight strips
- Identify selected procedures and/or phraseology for forwarding flight plan and control information to:<br> (1) Air Traffic Control (ATC) facilities, including approach controls, non-approach control towers, other centers, and Flight Service Stations (FSSs)<br> (2) Other controllers
- Identify the purpose and procedures of selected Aero Center Letters of Agreement (LOAs).
- Identify the following:<br> (1) Procedures for requiring expeditious compliance with a clearance<br> (2) General control procedures for safety, traffic, equipment malfunctions, operational requests, and selected military operations<br> (3) Duty, procedural preference, and operational priorities<br> (4) Procedures for transferring control, radio communications, reporting essential flight information, and transferring position responsibilities
- Identify the following:<br> (1) Procedures for sequencing, scanning, and removing flight progress strips<br> (2) Procedure for nonreceipt of position report
- Identify the following:<br> (1) Clearance and route assignment procedures for IFR (instrument flight rules) aircraft<br> (2) Phraseology for issuing selected clearances<br> (3) Fix radial distance locations
- Identify procedures for:<br> (1) Issuing initial departure instructions and clearances<br> (2) Issuing abbreviated departure clearances<br> (3) Issuing departure restrictions<br> (4) Coordinating with the receiving facility
- Describe aircraft using their designators and characteristics, organize aircraft by climb rate, cruise speed, and engine type.<br> (1) Identify aircraft type<br> (2) Identify aircraft weight class<br> (3) Identify aircraft engine types and numbers<br> (4) Identify aircraft climb rate<br> (5) Identify aircraft cruise speed<br> (6) Categorize aircraft by climb rate, cruise speed, and engine type<br>
ATC 321 Enhanced Air Traffic Control En Route 2
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ATC 320 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course provides lecture on the fundamental concepts of En Route Air Traffic Control operations. Areas such as holding aircraft, altimeter settings, arrival and approach procedures, map testing, vertical, lateral, and longitudinal separation, initial departure separation, visual separation, and fatigue awareness will be taught and tested.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify procedures and phraseology for:<br> (1) Issuing altimeter settings<br> (2) Assigning altitudes<br> (3) Confirming altitudes
- Identify rules, procedures, and phraseology for holding aircraft.
- Identify the following:<br> (1) Terminology associated with instrument approach procedures<br> (2) Conditions for issuing an approach clearance<br> (3) Responsibilities and phraseology for issuing arrival/approach clearances<br> (4) Arrival information forwarded to approach controls and non-approach control towers<br> (5) Responsibilities and phraseology for issuing cruise clearances<br> (6) Advance descent procedures
- Draw the Aero Center (ZAE) Map.<br> (1) The blank maps have unlabeled NAVAIDs (navigational aids) and boundaries only.<br> (2) Students label the NAVAIDs and boundaries then draw all items on the map (e.g., intersections, DME (distance measuring equipment) fixes; airways and jet routes; and special use airspace).<br> (3) The Airspace Map test is a fill in the blank/multiple choice assessment covering the ZAE airspace features.
- Identify standards, procedures, and phraseology as they apply to vertical separation
- Identify longitudinal separation minima for aircraft on same, converging, crossing, or opposite-direction courses.
- Identify the following:<br> (1) Airspace to be protected along airways/routes, and holding patterns<br> (2) Minima and procedures for applying lateral separation
- Identify procedures and phraseology for:<br> (1) Initial separation between successive departing aircraft<br> (2) Authorizing a non-approach control tower to provide separation between arriving and departing aircraft
- Read and disseminate METARS (Current weather).
- Identify and understand how fatigue affects air traffic control (ATC).<br> (1) Understand the importance of personal fatigue<br> (2) Identify ways to increase alertness on night shifts<br> (3) Identify means to avoid sleep loss<br> (4) Understand how substances can affect alertness<br>
ATC 322 Enhanced Air Traffic Control En Route 3
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ATC 321 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This class will familiarize the student with non-radar air traffic control. Simulated non-radar scenarios will be taught and tested.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- successfully perform a non-radar scenario while applying prescribed separation standards, correctly forwarding flight plan and control information, properly issuing clearance and route assignments to aircraft, properly issuing holding instructions, ensuring positive control, using required phraseology, maintaining required strip marking, and correctly disseminating weather products
ATC 323 Enhanced Air Traffic Control En Route 4
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ATC 322 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course provides lecture on the fundamental concepts of En Route Air Traffic Control operations. All aspects of radar air traffic control such as radar identification, radar handoffs, radar point outs, radar separation and safety alerts, radar vectoring, military operations, position relief briefings, computer equipment and message entry, voice switching and control systems, and radar scanning and awareness will be taught and tested.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify the meaning of selected data on the radar display.
- Identify the following:<br> (1) ATC (Air Traffic Control) transponder and altitude reporting requirements and use<br> (2) Beacon code assignment requirements and procedures
- Identify the following:<br> (1) Primary and beacon identification methods<br> (2) Causes of questionable identification<br> (3) Target marker requirements<br> (4) Computer tracking procedures and symbols<br> (5) Controller requirements for radar termination
- Identify the following:<br> (1) Terminology and procedures for transferring radar identification<br> (2) Procedures and phraseology for initiating and receiving handoffs and point outs
- Recognize the following:<br> (1) Flight information differences between nonradar and radar<br> (2) Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs)<br> (3) Letters of Agreement (LOAs)<br> (4) Sector 66 Airspace<br> (5) Fix Radial Distances (FRDs)
- Identify the following:<br> (1) Radar separation procedures and minima<br> (2) Safety alert procedures<br> (3) Conflict Alert procedures<br> (4) Mode C validation conditions
- Identify the following:<br> (1) Reasons for issuing radar vectors<br> (2) Procedures for issuing radar vectors
- Identify procedures and responsibilities for:<br> (1) Aircraft emergencies<br> (2) Unusual situations<br> (3) Overdue aircraft<br> (4) Communication failure
- Identify the following:<br> (1) Terms for selected military operations<br> (2) Procedures and minima for Special Use/ATC Assigned Airspace and formation flights<br> (3) Procedures for forwarding information from military flights
- Identify position relief briefing:<br> (1) Terms<br> (2) Responsibilities<br> (3) Sequence<br> (4) Precautions
- Be familiar with:<br> (1) Sector team position<br> (2) Primary responsibilities of sector team<br> (3) The role of teamwork within the ATC community<br> (4) Best practices used in the field today
- Identify the following:<br> (1) The purpose of ERAM (En Route Automation Modernization) and its basic operations<br> (2) Benefits of EDST (En Route Decision Support Tool)<br> (3) Hardware used in the radar-associate position<br> (4) Computer messages<br> (5) EDST entries
- Utilize voice calling systems<br> (1) Given SVSCS (Simulated Voice Switching and Control System) equipment, you will place and receive calls<br> (2) Navigate the screens using the VDM buttons, the VIK, or both as appropriate.
- Identify the following:<br> (1) EDST entries for point outs<br> (2) Alert coding<br> (3) GPD (graphic plan display) usage and trial planning<br> (4) Sector operations
- Recognize the following:<br> (1) Reasons for radar scanning<br> (2) Scanning methods<br> (3) Scanning environment
- Recognize the elements required for success in initial ATC training.<br> (1) Identify the differences between radar and non-radar<br> (2) Identify Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) <br> (3) Identify Letters of Agreement (LOAs) <br> (4) Identify Fix/Radial distances<br> (5) Identify Sector 66 airspace<br>
ATC 325 Air Traffic Control En Route Simulation Training
- Units:4
- Hours:72 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ATC 323 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course will provide instruction and training on air traffic control simulations leading to the final testing of the students by certified Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examiners. Successful evaluations may lead to direct employment as an air traffic controller with the FAA.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply prescribed separation standards between aircraft and/or airspace and ensure positive control.
- forward flight plan and control information.
- apply prescribed radar identification procedures and apply prescribed transfer of radar data procedures.
- prioritize duties, manage flight plan data, and provide an efficient flow of traffic.
- apply prescribed emergency, unusual situation, overdue aircraft, and communication failure procedures.
- apply prescribed weather hazards procedures and disseminate weather products.
- apply prescribed military operations procedures.
- apply prescribed position relief procedures.
- issue clearance and route assignments to aircraft.
- issue holding instructions.
- manage sector/position resources and system/equipment outages.
- use required phraseology and use required strip marking.
- demonstrate effective scanning.
ATC 499 Experimental Offering in Air Traffic Control
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This is the experimental courses description.
Faculty
Programs and Majors
Business and Industry
This program is part of the Business and Industry meta major.