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Air Traffic Control Courses

ATC 101 (0-3-1)

Flight for Controllers

This course provides a student with the practical flight experience in a single engine aircraft to integrate flight and air traffic control sequences. This primary flight training includes dual instruction only in basic flight maneuvers, air traffic control procedures at controlled and uncontrolled airports, introduction to cross country procedures and air traffic control at terminal and enroute facilities. Students are introduced to navigational facilities and procedures including traffic sequencing takeoff and approach at normal and high density airports. 
PR: FAA Second Class Medical Certificate (required), proof of U.S. citizenship or completion of the U.S. Office of Homeland Security, Terminal Security Administration background check requirements. 
CR: AER 103 
Fall Only

ATC 110 (3-0-3)

Air Traffic Basics

This course covers the knowledge areas for a Control Tower Operator Certificate. Subjects covered in this course include: a review of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) System and the National Airspace System, aircraft separation minima requirements, fundamentals of radar, introduction to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) orders and manuals (7110 manual), Letters of Agreement, Search and Rescue Operations, Pilot/Controller Glossary and mandatory phraseology, stripmarking and clearance requirements. Students will be required to complete the FAA Control Tower Operator’s Exam in order to continue in subsequent ATC program laboratories. 
PR: AER 103 and AER 101 or ATC 101

ATC 141 (0-3-1)

Instrument for Controllers

This course provides a student with the practical flight experience in a single engine aircraft to integrate instrument flight and instrument air traffic control sequences.  This flight training includes dual instruction in attitude instrument flying, instrument navigation, air traffic control system and clearances, departure and enroute charts and procedures, holding, approach charts and procedures and IFR cross country navigation. Must enroll concurrently with AER 140. 
PR: ATC 141 or AER 101.

ATC 200 (3-0-3)

Ground Control

This course covers the required knowledge for ground and clearance delivery controllers. Students will learn aircraft recognition features and performance material, airport utilization and console instruments specific to ground control and clearance delivery. Students will be exposed to and determine best course of action procedures for handling emergency and unusual situations as a function of the ground control position. 
PR: ATC 110 
CR: ATC 205 
Fall only

ATC 205 (0-6-2)

Ground Control Laboratory

This course is an application of the knowledge information gained in ATC 110 and ATC 200 through a laboratory setting for control of aircraft during ground operations. Students will gain experience through the use of low fidelity training simulation, observation of ground control and clearance delivery operators and hands-on, over-the- shoulder aircraft control. Students will be required to utilize knowledge of the air traffic system, proper terminology and phraseology in all facets of aircraft control during taxi, clearance and ground operations. 
PR: ATC 110 and FAA Second Class Medical Certificate 
CR: ATC 200
Lab Fee: $2,000 
Fall only

ATC 250 (3-0-3)

Local Control

This course covers the required knowledge for local tower controllers. Students will learn VFR and IFR separation rules and apply rules to separating departing and arriving aircraft in visual and instrumental conditions, VFR on-top and special VFR conditions. Students will learn helicopter and special flight operations for numerous aircraft types and configurations. Students will apply weather theory and instrumentation to the various effects on inflight aircraft including LLWSAS, runway condition advisories and hazardous weather advisories. Students will be introduced to primary and secondary radar tower equipment. 
PR: ATC 200 and ATC 205 
CR: ATC 255 
Spring only

ATC 255 (0-6-2)

Local Control Laboratory

This course is an application of the knowledge gained in ATC 250 through a laboratory setting for control of aircraft during flight operations. Students will gain experience through the use of low fidelity training simulation, observation of flight control operators and hands-on, over- the-shoulder aircraft control. Students will be required to utilize knowledge of the air traffic system, proper terminology and phraseology in all facets of aircraft control during VFR and IFR departure and arrival operations. Upon completion of this laboratory, students will have gained the experience to complete a Control Tower Operator-Facility Rating at the Schenectady County Airport. 
PR: ATC 200 and ATC 205 
CR: ATC 250
Lab Fee: $2,500 
Spring only

ATC 260 (2-0-2)

Enroute Control

This course is a study of the required knowledge for Enroute Control Operations. Students will be introduced to subject areas involving a career in the FAA as an air traffic controller. Subjects covered include: a review of the ATC System and the National Airspace System, airway facilities, role of the air traffic controller, locations and office facilities. Students will gain insight into entry level positions within the FAA and training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, OK. Students will be exposed to primary and secondary radar control operations including DBRITE radar indicator tower equipment. Students will gain strategies for satisfactorily completing the FAA entrance exam (Air Traffic Selection and Training AT-SAT test). 
PR: ATC 200 
CR: ATC 250 
Spring only

ATC 280 (1-6-3)

Aviation/ATC Internship

This course provides a student with the opportunity to explore and gain experience working in an aviation or air traffic control related career. Classroom theory and laboratory experiences, were applicable, are enhanced while working under the supervision of a professional in the industry. Field study will incorporate aviation or air traffic control related assignments and will require scheduled meetings with the instructor. Completion of 90 hours of fieldwork is required and grading is on a pass/fail basis. Students must apply for and receive Instructor or Dean approval to enroll in this course.