Air Traffic Control Courses

ATC 101 (0-3-1)

Flight for Controllers

This course provides a student with the practical flight experience (in a simulator) to integrate flight and air traffic control sequences. This simulator 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 for takeoff and approach at normal and high-density airports. 
PR/CR: ATC 120

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 are required to complete the FAA Control Tower Operator’s Exam in order to continue in subsequent ATC program laboratories. 
PR/CR: ATC 101 and ATC 120

ATC 120 (2-0-2)

Aviation Ops for ATC

This course provides a student with the fundamental concepts of aviation. Subject areas in this course include the following: aviation regulations, communications, airspace, weather theory and printed reports, publications, basic emergency procedures, instrument flight procedures, and terminology. 
PR: Students must be eligible to enroll in ENG 123 and a 100-level Math course 
CR: ATC 110

ATC 141 (0-3-1)

Instrument for Controllers

This course provides a student with the practical flight experience (in a simulator) to integrate instrument flight and instrument air traffic control sequences. This simulator flight training includes dual instruction only in attitude instrument flying, instrument navigation, air traffic control systems and clearances, departure and enroute charts and procedures, holding, approach charts and procedures and IFR cross country navigation.
PR/CR: ATC 101 and ATC 120

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 

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 
Fall 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 high-fidelity training simulation. 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.
PR: ATC 200 and ATC 205
CR: ATC 250
Fall only

ATC 260 (3-0-3)

Enroute Control

This course is a study of the required knowledge for En Route Control Operations. Subjects covered in this course 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 utilize primary and secondary radar for the expeditious and safe separation of aircraft in en route control operations. Students will apply similar procedures acquired in ATC 250 and ATC 255 in a simulated controlling environment. Previous controlling experience was limited to ground and tower operations. This course will require the student to apply previous material to aircraft en route, after leaving and before arriving at an airport.

ATC 265 (0-6-2)

En Route Control Lab

This course is a simulated, real-world environment where air traffic control students learn and practice critical communications, and aircraft handling skills, required during the en route phase of air traffic control. The UFA air traffic management technology simulators enable air traffic control training, airspace design/analysis, computer-human interface development and unmanned aircraft system integration. The laboratory is configured utilizing consoles emulating the FAA NexGen Transportation System.

ATC 280 (1-0-3)

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. 
PR: Aviation or Air Traffic Control major. completion of 30 hours, minimum overall GPA of 2.5. Aviation majors must have completed AER 150 and received a facility rating at Schenectady County Airport.