AVIT 260 01: Control Tower Operations I

E-mail: colt.iseminger@UND.edu

Office Phone: 701.777.6159

More About Me: UND.edu/directory/colt.iseminger

Office Location: Ryan Hall room 223

Student Drop-In Hours: By Appointment is preferred.  To schedule an appointment, please login to Starfish.  Always feel free to stop by unannounced; however, I may not be available.

• Demonstrate Clearance Delivery, Flight Data, and Ground Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations and procedures during Air Traffic scenarios and written examinations.
• Summarize Local ATC IFR operations and procedures during Air Traffic scenarios.
• Paraphrase Chapters 2 and 3 in FAAO JO 7110.65, dealing with Terminal Tower Operations, through written examinations.  Recall Terminal Tower Operations in Chapters 4, 9, and 10 in FAAO JO 7110.65 through written examinations.
• Identify regulations and conditions for requesting and issuing Pilot Reports (PIREPs) for written examinations.
• Analyze METAR decoding, Weather Reporting and ATC ATIS recordings during Air Traffic Scenarios.
• Explain IFR ATC Clearances during Air Traffic Scenarios and written examinations.
• Memorize Airport Diagram for written examinations.
• Recall Aircraft Company Identifiers, Location and NAVAID Identifiers during Air Traffic Scenarios and for written examinations.
• Identify Same Runway Category Separation during Air Traffic Scenarios.

Prerequisites

The pre-requisites for this course are Intro to Air Traffic (AVIT 103) and a cumulative, institutional, and aviation GPA of at least 2.6.  In addition, a co- or pre-requisite for this course is Aviation Orientation (AVIT 100).

Mandatory Required Materials

1. Laptop or Tablet or iPad, capable of accessing; web-based Blackboard LMS via Wi-Fi and Zoom software client.
2. ‘Top’ portion of the ATC communication headset, a monaural (single ear) Plantronics analog H-Series ‘4-pin Quick Disconnect’ headset, for use in simulation laboratories.^‡
   • UND recommends the Plantronics Encorepro HW510.
   • Other Plantronics models tested for compatibility in our laboratories: H31CD, H51N, H251/N, HW251/N, HW510, HW510V, HW530, HW540, and HW710.
   • NOTE: Digital versions of these headsets (wider 6-pin Quick Disconnect) are NOT compatible with our laboratories.

^‡If needed, a temporary-use headset may be made available for the student to use during that class period and is not to be removed from the simulation lab. As of the eighth week of the semester, temporary-use headsets will not be available. However, if extenuating circumstances should arise, such as the headset breaks or fails during class, or student forgot to bring the headset to class (nonhabitual), a temporary-use headset may be issued for the student to use during that class period. Failure to bring the required ATC communication headset to class may result in receiving a failing grade for the course.

1. Black or Blue Fine Tip – STAEDTLER MARKER (Wet Erase - Fine Tip Marker) (Can be purchased at the AeroStop Shop, 1st Floor Robin Hall) (Pen must be Non-Permanent and Non-Dry Erase)
2. Current FAAO JO 7110.65 – PDF download or Paper copy (FAA.gov/air_traffic/publications or UND Bookstore)
3. UND Air Traffic Control Study Materials – Electronic Access (https://learn.aero.und.edu/pages.asp?PageID=211084)

Recommended Reading Material (Does not need to be purchased)

• Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) (Available at: FAA.gov/air_traffic/publications)
• FAAO JO 7210.3 (Available at: FAA.gov/air_traffic/publications)
• FAAO JO 7360.1 (Available at: FAA.gov/air_traffic/publications)

All assignments containing writing documents must be submitted in .DOC, or .DOCX, or .PDF file format. Students are expected to use their official UND email in the course. Visit the Office 365 Email webpage for information on your UND email and how to download/install a free version of Microsoft Office. For technical assistance, please contact UND Technical Support at 701.777.2222. Visit the University Information Technologies (UIT) website for their hours, help documents and other resources.

Visit the Knowledge Base for additional supports and information about general tech requirements for students including information about devices, operating systems, software, internet connection, and major-specific tech requirements.

Locations

Classroom: Ryan Hall room 124

360° Tower ATC Lab: Clifford Hall room 130

Course Schedule

This Course will meet in-person, for both the lecture portions of the course in the classroom and for the laboratory components of the course.  Both will take place during normally schedule bi-weekly course timeframe.  During the semester, some lectures may be pre-recorded videos and watched at the student’s leisure.  Any times listed in course documents (including the Syllabus), course announcements, on the course website, or deadlines for assignments/quizzes/exams are in the Central Daylight Time/Central Standard Time (UTC-5/UTC-6) (unless noted otherwise), please adjust accordingly if you are outside the Central Time Zone.

Important Dates

Last Day to ADD (or DROP without record):  January 19, 2023

Last Day to DROP:  April 6, 2023

Air Traffic Management Simulation Training Rate

THERE IS A SIMULATION TRAINING RATE OF $825 FOR THIS COURSE.  The Simulation Training Rate will be divided into three equal payments and withdrawn over the semester.

• After Last Day to Add
• After 6th Week
• After 10th Week

The Simulation Training Rate will be withdrawn from your UND AIMS account, if you do not have an active AIMS account, the amount will be charged to your Campus Connection UND account.

A student who officially withdraws from the University, under normal conditions and after the beginning of instruction, will be granted a refund of tuition/fees in accordance with federal regulations and North Dakota State Board of Higher Education policy 830.2.  See the Office of the Registrar for more details on an Official Withdrawal from UND.

Access and Log in Information

This course was developed and will be facilitated utilizing Blackboard. To get started with the course, please go to: https://blackboard.UND.edu and log in with your NDUS.Identifier, Username and Password. If you do not know your NDUS Identifier or have forgotten your password, please visit Your NDUS Account page on the UIT website.

The Blackboard course site consists of the following:

• Announcements: Displays a list of course announcements.
• Faculty: Contains information about the academic instructor in addition to contact information for the academic instructor.
• Syllabus & Important Info: Contains the course syllabus and tentative course schedule.
• Assessments: Contains all written exams and quizzes for the course.
• Lessons: Contains content such as readings, assignments, and files organized by topic.
• Resources: Contains documents, interactive training tools, and information on instructional aids.
• My Grades: Shows your individual gradebook.
• Libraries: Links to the UND Library website.
• Student Help Resources: Provides links to various student resources provided by UND.
• Student Support Services: Provides links to various student services provided by UND.
• UND Tech Support: Links to the UND University IT website.

Resources

UND cares about your success as a student. For more information, visit the Student Resources Page for additional information. Students have access to assistance from the UND Writing Center, Tutoring and Learning Services, Testing Services, and more.

Students also have access to the UND Student Resource Site via Blackboard. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials within Blackboard to better equip you in navigating the course and Educational Technology including Yuja, VoiceThread, Discussion Boards, Riipen, Smart Thinking, Proctoring, etc.

Course Requirements/Expectations

• The student will review the syllabus and tentative course schedule posted in Blackboard.
• The student will complete and submit assignments, exams, quizzes, etc. by the date noted and, in the manner, described on Blackboard and the course schedule. Central Daylight Time/Central Standard Time (UTC-5/UTC-6) will be utilized for due dates and times.
• The student will attend all scheduled class sessions.
• The student will complete all outside class assigned video lectures and be ready for Air Traffic Simulation class time.
• The student will participate fully and in a timely manner to get the benefit of learning from instructor and/or peers.

Language

In the world of Aviation, the English language is standard, and thus all communication over the frequency/telephone and between controllers must use English.  International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has set English Language Proficiency Level 4 (Operational) as the minimum requirement for all Aviation Professionals.  To properly understand and simulate the content of this course, enrolled students should, at a minimum, meet ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 4.

Language: English(US)

ICAO Level - 4

CEFR - B2/C1

IELTS - 6.5/7.0

TOEFL iBT - 79-80

TOEFL Paper - 550-570

PTE Academic - 53-65

Duolingo - 105-120

Course Overview

The course is broken into the following topics that build on each other throughout the semester.

1. FAAO JO 7110.65 Chapters 2, 3, and 4
2. Aviation Weather, METARs, TAFs, PIREPs, and ATIS recordings
3. Clearance Delivery (IFR)
4. Ground Control (IFR)
5. Local (Tower) Control (IFR)

Course Content

At times during this semester, we may be discussing historical events that may be disturbing, graphic, even traumatizing.  The Aviation Industry has a tombstone mentality, a pervasive attitude of ignoring design defects until people have died because of them.  Learning from past mistakes, can help prevent future mistakes.

Coursework Outside of Class

The University of North Dakota has determined for every credit hour a week the class is assigned, two hours of outside the classroom work/study is understood.  This class is a four-credit course, thus that in addition to the required bi-weekly scheduled lectures/laboratories, students are expected to do around eight hours of course-related work/study outside of class each week. This can include, completing assigned readings, participating in lab make-up sessions, studying class materials for examinations and laboratory evaluations, preparing written assignments, completing ‘take-home’ quizzes and exams, and other course-related tasks that must be completed to earn credit in the course.

Professionalism

Aviation Instructors expect more of students because we are preparing you for success in an Aviation Profession, where there are norms of behavior you do not learn in the classroom.  You are expected to maintain high degrees of professionalism, commitment to active learning, time management skills, and integrity in your behavior in and out of the classroom.  Always use professional language (no netspeak or profanity) in your assignments and communications.  Civility in the classroom and respect for the opinions of others is very important.  It is likely you may not agree with everything, which is said or discussed in the classroom, but courteous behavior and responses are expected. Students should follow the Code of Student Life while interacting virtually or in person.

As an Aviation Student, you are expected to be well prepared and well rested. While the demands of class and labs are significant, you still have the professional responsibility to get adequate rest each night. Falling asleep during work would be unacceptable to your employer, therefore, falling asleep during class is not acceptable. If you are falling asleep in class, you will be asked to stand in the classroom for the remainder of class or may be asked to leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period.

Remote (Virtual) Instruction

Recording of Lectures

During the semester we may hold class lecture sessions virtually (online), please note these sessions may be recorded and distributed to other students enrolled in this course.

Zoom

Sign-in with your full first name and last name as on-file with UND. Do not use a nickname or other pseudonym when you log in, as those make it impossible to know who is in attendance. Using your full name quickly sorts students into their groups when needed. Users who do not provide their full names will be marked as absent.  If you wish to list a nickname, please place it in parentheses after your first name.  Name Layout: First (Nickname) Last

Video: Turn on your video when possible. It is helpful to be able to see each other, just as in an in-person course.

Audio: Mute your microphone when you are not talking. This helps eliminate background noise.

Announcements

Announcements will be posted in Blackboard on a regular basis. Be sure to check the course announcements regularly as they will contain important information about course assignments and other course matters

Email

The best means of direct communication with the academic instructor is via email, colt.iseminger@UND.edu.  Please understand that response times may be delayed over weekends, holidays, and outside of normal business hours (M-F 8 AM to 5 PM Central). When sending an email, please include the term “AVIT 260” in the subject line.

Note: Blackboard Messages are not an official course communication method.  Instructors do not monitor the messages sent via Blackboard Messenger.  Contact the Instructor of the Course via their UND email address for all electronic messaging.

ASSESSMENTS & GRADING

This course is made up of a series of assignments and assessments to assist you in achieving the course learning objectives/outcomes.

Assessments

Written Exams

Written Exams will make up 25% of your final grade.  See Course Schedule for scheduled exams, no individual early exams will be given, thus plan your travel arrangements accordingly.  Questions will be essay, multiple choice, and/or true/false and will be from classroom lectures, handouts, and required reading materials.  Make-up exams will be given only with prior instructor approval.  If you miss an exam and have not notified the instructor in advance, you will be subject to the Late Work policy.  Failure to attempt the Final Written Exam will result in a failing grade for the course. More information regarding UND’s Final Exam policy can be found on the Final Exam webpage.

FINAL EXAM DATE/TIME SET BY THE UNIVERSITY:

            Section 01 (#8042) – May 12, 2023, at 0800-1000

Quizzes

The course includes several quizzes that will make up 20% of your final grade. Quizzes may be given without advanced notice (i.e., Pop Quiz) and may be given on any material covered in class or from previous pre-requisite courses.  See Course Schedule for scheduled quizzes.

Full-credit make-up quizzes will be given only with prior instructor approval.  If you miss a quiz and have not notified the instructor in advance, you will be subject to the Late Work policy.

One Quiz, based on lowest graded percentage, will be dropped from Final grade calculation.  If two or more Quizzes equal the same percentage and are the lowest scores, the Quiz to be dropped will be the first Quiz offered in the course.

Performance Oral Evaluations

Performance oral evaluations will occur twice during the semester, during normal class times, that will make up 45% of your final grade. See Course Schedule for scheduled Oral Evaluations, no individual early evals will be given, thus plan your travel arrangements accordingly.    If you miss a Performance Evaluation and have not notified the instructor prior to lab time, you will receive a zero grade for that evaluation.

• Mid-Term Flight Data (FD)/Clearance Delivery (CD) Evaluation
  • Record 1 ATIS (FD)
  • 3 – IFR FRC Clearances (CD)
    • 1 Turbojet
    • 1 Helicopter
    • 1 Turboprop or Reciprocating
    • At least one of the clearances must be a Military aircraft.
• Final Flight Data/Clearance Delivery/Ground Control (GC) Evaluation
  • Weather – VFR, Runways 28R/L
  • ASDE (Ground RADAR) OTS (Out of Service)
  • Evaluation Runs are minimum 20 minutes.
  • Everything in the Ground Control Position is evaluated material.
  • Record an ATIS (FD).
  • At least 3 – IFR Clearances (CD)
    • At least 1 Helicopter, requesting “…an Intersection Departure and distance available…”
    • At least 1 Turboprop or Reciprocating
    • At least one of the clearances must be a Military aircraft.
  • At least 3 – Taxi Clearances from Parking to Departure Runway (GC)
  • At least 3 – Arrival Aircraft taxi clearance to parking (GC)
  • At least 1 – Runway Crossing Request with an Aircraft
  • At least 1 – Vehicle Clearance from Crash/Rescue to Spartan or Falcon Air (GC)
• Final Local Control (LC) Evaluation
  • Weather – VFR, Runways 28R/L
  • Evaluation Runs are minimum 20 minutes.
  • A basic understanding of the Local Control position for IFR operations.
  • Utilizes proper Same Runway Separation (SRS) on Departures and Arrivals.

Assignment                                               Final Grade

1. Quizzes (10 @ 10 pts each)                                          100 Points
2. Weekly Discussion Boards (15 @ 5 pts each)                75 Points
3. Research Paper                                                            100 Points
4. Presentation                                                                 100 Points
5. Presentation Peer Feedback                                         25 Points
6. Final Exam                                                                    100 Points
7. Active Participation                                                      100 Points

                  Total: 600 Points

Final Grade Scale

A . . . . ≥ 92%

B . . . . <92% to ≥84%

C . . . . <84% to ≥76%

D . . . . 76% to ≥68%

F . . . . <68%

Final grades are not rounded. Example: 91.999% = B

Near the end of the semester, you will be asked to complete an anonymous online course evaluation form (SELFI). Your feedback on the course is extremely valuable to me. I read the comments carefully and use them to improve the course the next time I teach it.

• When the time comes, please let me know which aspects of the course helped you learn—and which aspects might be modified to help future students learn more effectively. 
• Please note that the course evaluations are anonymous and that I will not see the results until after the grades for the course are submitted, allowing you to provide honest and constructive feedback. 
• Throughout the semester if you have concerns or feedback, please reach out to schedule a time to discuss.

Accreditation Course Outcomes

AABI General Outcomes:

Student Learning Objectives

b. An ability to analyze and interpret data

Evidence

• Performance Midterm
• Performance Final
• Written Final

Student Learning Objectives

e. An ability to communicate effectively, including both written and verbal communication skills

Evidence

• Performance Midterm
• Performance Final
• Written Final

Student Learning Objectives

h. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern technology necessary for professional practice

Evidence

• Performance Midterm
• Performance Final

Student Learning Objectives

j. An ability to apply pertinent knowledge in identifying and solving problems

Evidence

• Performance Midterm
• Performance Final

AABI Core Outcomes:

Student Learning Objectives

Knowledge of airports, airspace, and air traffic control

Evidence

• Performance Midterm
• Performance Final
• Written Final

Student Learning Objectives

Knowledge of meteorology and environmental issues

Evidence

• Performance Midterm
• Performance Final
• Written Final

Program Outcomes:

Student Learning Objectives

Knowledge of airports and the ability to apply tower operations

Evidence

• Performance Midterm
• Performance Final
• Written Final

Instructional Methods

Lectures, videos, reading assignments, homework assignments, scenarios, and class discussion.

Assessment

Course Objectives will be assessed through:

1.Oral question and answer sessions during classroom discussion.

2.Objective written examinations.

3.Evaluation during Air Traffic scenarios

Laptop/Tablet

Bring your laptop or tablet or iPad to every class session, unless otherwise told.  Laptop/tablet/iPad will be necessary for online quizzes and exams, or materials covered in class.  Be sure your battery is sufficiently charged or bring a power cord.  We are all challenged these days by the ways in which our digital devices—including laptops, tablets, phones, and watches—can steal our attention away from our immediate surroundings. Technology should be used for educational purposes only during scheduled class times. Those using computers during class for work not related to this class may be asked to leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period.

QUIET POLICY:  All sounds are to be muted on your laptop or tablets while in the classroom.

TOP-DOWN POLICY:  At some points during the lectures, guest speakers, in-class activities, I will request all laptops and tablets be placed with the top down or screen down.  This is to minimize distractions.

Cell Phones

The use of cell phones, smart phones, or other mobile communication devices is disruptive, and is therefore prohibited during class.  If you need your phone accessible for a situation, please discuss with the instructor at the beginning of class.  Except in emergencies, those using such devices may be asked to leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period.

With the new wave of wearable technologies, these items fall under the same scrutiny as cell phones.

QUIET POLICY:  All sounds are to be muted on your phone while in the classroom/laboratory (set phone to silent).

Quiz/Exam Academic Integrity

All quizzes and exams are to be completed in the classroom environment or a designated location indicated by the instructor.  Failure to comply will result in a course Academic Integrity inquiry.

Late Work

Any assignment turned in after the due date or quiz/exam that is taken late will be graded at one letter grade lower than the maximum for each day late.  For example, an assignment turned in two days late will receive a “C” as a maximum grade for the assignment. All late assignments, quizzes, or exams must be submitted by the end of scheduled Final Exam time, anything submitted after this time will not be accepted.

Instructor Responsibilities and Feedback

Communication Expectations:  I will work hard on responding to emails or voicemails quickly.  However, there may be instances where this is not feasible (e.g., nights, holidays, or weekends).

Grading Expectations: I will work hard on grading assignments or exams quickly but thoroughly and post the grade within seven days of the assignment due date or exam.  However, there may be times were this is not feasible and longer wait times may be required. All grades will be completed and posted prior to Semester Grade Due Date (Tuesday after Finals Week).

Overall Expectations: I will treat all students with respect and equally in accordance with the University of North Dakota’s non-discrimination policies.  Additionally, I will carefully consider factors that may impact a student’s academic performance.

Course Participation

“UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA ATTENDANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURE:

Attendance and participation in class activities are considered integral parts of a university education. It is the University policy that attendance in classes is expected of all students. If attendance and/or participation are required and will impact grading, it is the responsibility of the instructor to communicate clearly that policy to students during the first week of class in the course syllabus.

Even in situations where an instructor might excuse a class absence, e.g., severe medical situations, family emergencies, military service, or authorized University activities, it is the responsibility of the student, whenever possible, to inform the instructor ahead of time…”

Attendance and participation in this course are required and will influence grading (10% of Final Grade).  Course attendance is necessary to earn participation points. At times, we will be studying unfamiliar subject matter that will require concentration and preparation.  Therefore, your attendance is required to ensure optimum learning.  If you know you are going to miss class, please let me know ahead of time to setup a plan.

Incompletes

In the event of an emergency change to remote instruction (online) of the ATM course by University of North Dakota, and/or, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, the following guideline shall be used to determine if students in the ATM course will be allowed to complete and receive a grade for the course or shall be issued a grade of “Incomplete”. The use of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) simulators are an indispensable function to the instruction of the critical techniques use to safely separate and manage the flow of air traffic. Therefore, if the student has successfully completed the simulator scenarios, up to and including successfully completing the midterm practical evaluation, then the student will be required to complete the remainder of the course through online instruction. Consequently, if the student has not successfully completed the scenarios up to and including the midterm practical evaluation, instruction would be stopped and the student would be issued a grade of “Incomplete” for the course. It would be incumbent upon the student to complete the “Incomplete” course as soon as the emergency situation has reached a level that the University deems it safe to continue in person instruction and allow the ATC simulators to be used.  Per University Policy, if you receive an incomplete, you then have one calendar year, or any other time limit set by the University, from the start of the course to complete the course. If you do not finish during that time frame, the “Incomplete” will be converted to an “F”. More information regarding UND’s Incomplete policy can be found on The Grading System webpage.

Course Advancement

Students must attain a grade of “C” or higher, in the AVIATION 260: [ATC] Control Tower Operations 1 course, to be eligible to graduate with an Air Traffic degree offered at the University of North Dakota.

Copyright Notice

Copyright laws and fair use policies protect the rights of those who have produced the material. The copy in this course has been provided for private study, scholarship, or research. Other uses may require permission from the copyright holder. The user of this work is responsible for adhering to copyright law of the U.S. (Title 17, U.S. Code). To help you familiarize yourself with copyright and fair use policies, visit a training site at https://guides.library.fresnostate.edu/copyright to learn more.

Course web sites and LMS contain material protected by copyrights held by the instructor, other individuals, or institutions. Such material is used for educational purposes in accord with copyright law and/or with permission given by the owners of the original material. You may download one copy of the materials on any single computer for non-commercial, personal, or educational purposes only, provided that you (1) do not modify it, (2) use it only for the duration of this course, and (3) include both this notice and any copyright notice originally included with the material. Beyond this use, no material from the course web site may be copied, reproduced, re-published, uploaded, posted, transmitted, or distributed in any way without the permission of the original copyright holder. The instructor assumes no responsibility for individuals who improperly use copyrighted material placed on the web site.

All materials related to this course, without their own copyright, are Copyright © 2012-2023 University of North Dakota. All rights reserved.