AVIT 310 - Public Safety Aviation
2023 Spring Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 8113
Course Information
You are responsible for knowing this material, so please read carefully. Any changes will be announced in a Blackboard Announcement. You will be responsible for any changes. Your continued enrollment in this course is your implicit agreement to abide by the requirements of this class.
Times and Location
Avit-310: Public Safety Aviation is presented primarily asynchronously. Most portions of the course can be completed on your own schedule. The exception is exams and exam debriefs. Exams and exams debriefs are only available during the time periods indicated in the course schedule.
Instructor Information
Alan Frazier
Associate Professor
Email: alan.frazier@und.edu
Office: Robin Hall Conference Room
2023 Spring Office Hours:
By appointments
Cell Phone: (701) 213-8153
About the Professor
Middle Tennessee State University, BS, Aerospace Administration
University of Southern California, MPA, Public Administration
40 years of law enforcement experience
43 years of pilot experience
ATP, CFII, MEI
Course Description
Learning Objectives
- Gain an understanding and appreciation of the history, organization and operations of public safety aviation organizations including law enforcement, fire, and resource protection air support units.
- Learn specific technical terms and nomenclature utilized within law enforcement, fire, and resource protection aviation.
- Learn about employment opportunities and prerequisites for pilot positions within public safety aviation units.
Prerequisite
-
Avit-102 or Avit-142 or instructor permission.
Course Materials
NOTE: There are five (5) texts required for this course. While this may seem excessive, the fact is the reading assignments are very reasonable. The course content covers a wide range which no single text is capable of supporting. The total cost of all five texts combined is less than $125.00 which is equal to, or less than, the cost of many single texts required in non-aviation courses.
Tactical Helicopter Missions*
Author: Kevin P. Means Publisher: Charles C. Thomas Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-398-07738-9
Apprehending Fleeing Suspects*
Author: Jack Schonely Publisher: Charles C. Thomas Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-398-07541-5
*These two texts are usually available from the UND Bookstore. If you prefer to not utilize the UND Bookstore, you can order directly from the publisher or on Amazon. Here is the publisher’s link: https://www.ccthomas.com
Aerial Firefighting**
Author: Wolfgang Jendsch Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-7643-3068-1
**This text is usually available from the UND Bookstore. If you cannot find it in the UND Bookstore, it is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Aerial-Firefighting
Air Support Safety***
Author: Bryan Smith Publisher: Wright Publishing Group
ISBN: 978-1-7367065-0-3
***This test is available from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Air-Support-Safety
Federal Aviation Administration Seaplane Operations Handbook
Author: N/A Publisher: U.S. Government Printing Office
FAA Publication #: FAA-H-8083-23 (available online at: www.faa.gov)
Technical Requirements/Assistance
Whether you’re taking courses in the classroom or online, it’s important to have the right technology and equipment. Visit the UND Technical Requirements webpage for more information. Students are expected to use their official UND email in the course. 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.
Minimum Technical Skills Needed
In order to succeed in this course, at a minimum, you should be able to:
Insert minimum requirements expected and needed. In the bulleted example list below
- Navigate in and use basic Blackboard functions
- Download and open electronic documents
- Create, save, and upload/attach electronic documents
- Send, receive, and manage email
Course Logistics
Access and Log in Information
This course was developed and will be facilitated utilizing Blackboard. To get started with the course, please go to: http://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.
Course Overview
On the left side course menu in Blackboard there is a “Modules” tab. Inside Modules you will find all the required readings, videos, and assignments/activities . An overview of each Module can be found under the Course Schedule section below.
Academic Standards
You must obtain a C or better to satisfy the Aviation Department requirements for this course. Should you receive a D or F, the course will have to be retaken.
Students are expected to maintain scholastic honesty. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. For detailed policy statements and procedures dealing with scholastic dishonesty, see the Code of Student Life, Section 3. Scholastic dishonesty can result in suspension or indefinite suspension, as outlined in the Code of Student Life, Section 2.5.
Resources
Many services are available to UND students such as writing assistance from the UND Writing Center, free online tutoring from Smarthinking, and more. Visit the Student Resources page for more information. 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 the site to better equip you in navigating the course.
Course Requirements/Expectations
- The student will review the syllabus and course schedule posted in Blackboard.
- The student will access and follow all course instructions found in each module of the Blackboard course.
- The student will complete and submit assignments, exams, quizzes, etc. by the dated noted and in the manner described in Blackboard and on the course schedule. We will use Central Standard Time for due dates and times.
- The student will participate fully and in a timely manner to get the benefit of learning from instructor and/or peers.
Communication
Announcements
Announcements will be posted in Blackboard on a regular basis. Be sure to check the class announcements regularly as they will contain important information about class assignments and other class matters.
if you need to contact me directly, check the Faculty tab in Blackboard or the syllabus for my contact information.
Assessments
Exam (100%)
Block Exam One25
Available Dates: 8-11 February 2023
Block Exam Two25
Available Dates: 9-11 March 2023
Block Exam Three25
Available Dates: 23-26 April 2023
Final Exam25
Available Dates: 7-12 May 2023
Grade Components
IMPORTANT NOTE: Students failing to post a self-introduction on the Blackboard Introduction Forum during week 1 of the semester will be penalized 5% of their overall grade for the semester.
Grading Scale
A: 92-100%
B: 84-91%
C: 76-83%
D: 68-75%
F: 0-67%
Course Schedule
Week of | Reading(s): | Agenda/Topic: | Due: |
---|---|---|---|
1/9 | AS 1 | Course Introduction [Module 1] Crime & the Criminal Justice System [Module 1] Law Enforcement History & Organization [Module 1] |
09-14 Jan 23 |
1/16 | AFS 7/8/9 THM 1 AFS 1/2/3 |
Suspect Containment & Perimeters [Module 2] Introduction to Airborne Law Enforcement [Module 2] |
15-21 Jan 23 |
1/23 | THM 4/5/6 THM 2/3 AFS 4/5 |
Airborne Law Enforcement Equipment [Module 3] Airborne Law Enforcement Patrol Operations (Pt 1) [Module 3] |
22-28 Jan 23 |
1/30 | THM 7/8 AFS 6/10 |
Airborne Law Enforcement Patrol Operations (Pt 2) [Module 4] Airborne Law Enforcement Special Operations [Module 4] |
29 Jan-4 Feb 23 |
2/6 | 40 minutes limit | Block Examination One Review [Module 5] Exam One Available [Module 5] |
5-7 Feb 23 8-11 Feb 23 |
2/13 | AF pgs 8-33 | Block Examination One Debrief [Module 5] Fire Chemistry & Behavior [Module 6] Fire Department History & Organization [Module 6] Fire Department Operations & Tactics [Module 6] Wildland Firefighting Equipment & Tactics [Module 6] |
12-13 Feb 23 |
2/20 | AS 2 AF pgs 34-132 |
Fireline Safety [Module 7] Introduction to Fire Air Operation [Module 7] |
19-25 Feb 23 |
2/27 | AF pgs 133-196 AS 3 |
Fire Air Operations Equipment & Tactics [Module 8] Fire Air Operations Case Study: LACFD Air Ops [Module 8] |
26 Feb-4 Mar 23 |
3/6 | ICS & NIMS [Module 9] Block Examination Two Review [Module 9] |
5-8 Mar 23 | |
3/13 | 60-minute time limit | Exam Two Available [Module 10] Block Examination Two Debrief [Module 10] Spring Break [No Class] |
9-11 Mar 23 12-13 Mar 23 12-18 Mar 23 |
3/20 | AS 4 | Air Ambulance Operations [Module 11] Introduction to Resource Protection [Module 11] Resource Protection Air Operations [Module 11] |
19-25 Mar 23 |
3/27 | SOH 1 & 2 | Public Safety Unmanned Aircraft Systems [Module 12] Seaplane Briefings 1 & 2 [Module 12] |
26 Mar-1 Apr 23 |
4/3 | SOH 3 & 4 | Seaplane Briefings 3 & 4 [Module 13] | 2-8 Apr 23 |
4/10 | SOH 5,6 & 8 | Seaplane Briefing 5 & Tailwheel Operations [Module 14] | 9-15 Apr 23 |
4/17 | Block Examination Three Review [Module 15] | 16-22 Apr 23 | |
4/24 | 40 minutes time limit | Exam Three Available [Module 16] Block Three Examination Debrief [Module 16] |
23-26 Apr 23 27-29 Apr 23 |
5/1 | Final Exam Review [Module 17] | 30 Apr-6 May 23 | |
5/8 | 60-minute time limit | Final Exam Available [Module 17] | 7-12 May 23 |
Legend
THM: Tactical Helicopter Missions
AF: Aerial Firefighting
AFS: Apprehending Fleeing Suspects
AS: Air Support Safety
SOH: Seaplane Operations Handbook
Course Policies
Assignment Policy
Due dates for each assignment or activity will be posted in Blackboard.
Late Work
If you find that you’re having trouble keeping up in this class, please let me know as soon as possible so that I can help. Due dates are important as they help you spread out your workload and help us keep the behind-the-scenes aspects of the course as organized as possible.
Please note: You do not need to disclose the nature of a medical condition or other circumstance when requesting help. Just let me know (very broadly) that you need help, and I will do what I can to get you back on track in the course.
Class Participation
Since this course is delivered COMPLETELY ONLINE, you have a great deal of freedom on pacing yourself through the video briefings. However, the exams and exam debriefs are only available on specific dates and times. Carefully read the schedule and comply with those exam availability periods. When a specific exam or debrief is available, the item will appear in the appropriate module. Strive to use a robust, high-speed Internet connection whenever interacting with the course, but especially during exams.
If you plan to request disability accommodations you are expected to register with the Disability Support Services (DSS) office (190 McCannel Hall, 777-3425)
Incompletes
It is expected that students will complete all requirements for a course during the time frame of the course. For reasons beyond a student’s control, and upon request by the student or on behalf of the student, an incomplete grade may be assigned by the instructor when there is reasonable certainty the student will successfully complete the course without retaking it. The mark “I,” Incomplete, will be assigned only to the student who has been in attendance and has done satisfactory work up to a time within four weeks of the close of the semester, including the examination period, and whose work is incomplete for reasons satisfactory to his or her instructor. More information regarding UND’s Incomplete policy can be found on The Grading System webpage.
Netiquette
When participating in class (online or in person) it is important to interact with your peers in an appropriate manner. Netiquette is a set of rules for behaving properly online. Here are a few basic points to remember when communicating in this course:
Be scholarly. Use proper language, grammar, and spelling. Explain your thoughts, justify opinions, and credit the ideas of others by citing scholarly resources. Avoid misinforming others when you are unsure of the answer. When discussing something and supplying a guess, clearly state that.
Be respectful. Respect the privacy of others. Do not share personal or professional information about others unless permission has been granted. Respect diversity and opinions that differ from their own. Be tactful when you communicate.
Be professional. Everyone should strive to give their best impression online. Truthfulness, accuracy, and running a final spell check are appropriate expectations for university students. Writing in a legible font and limiting the use of emoticons is considered professional behavior. Profanity and participation in hostile interactions, known as flaming, is unprofessional as well as disruptive.
Be polite. Students should address professors and instructors by the appropriate title or requested name. Students should interact online politely, just as they would be expected to do in a physical environment. Sarcasm, rudeness, and writing in all capital letters (shouting) should be avoided.
Pronouns
Everyone has the right to be addressed by the name and personal pronouns that correspond to their gender identity, including non-binary pronouns, for example: they/them/theirs.
As this course is conducted online, it is highly unlikely that you will need to address a fellow student. If you do, please strive to use the student's preferred pronouns.
Technology Statement
As this class is delivered completely online, we are dependent upon the Internet as a communication method. However, do not hesitate to let me know if you wish to speak via phone or meet in-person.
Copyright Notice
©2023 Alan Frazier, all rights reserved.
College/Department Policies
In addition to Course and University Policies, the Colleges and/or Departments may have some of their own. Please edit this section to add any polices for your college or department. This could include things like mission statements, professional standards, ethical statements, etc.
University of North Dakota Policies & Resources
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a serious matter, and any deviations from appropriate behavior will be dealt with strongly. At the discretion of the professor, situations of concern may be dealt with as a scholastic matter or a disciplinary matter.
As a scholastic matter, the professor has the discretion to determine appropriate penalties for the student’s workload or grade, but the situation may be resolved without involving many individuals. An alternative is to treat the situation as a disciplinary matter, which can result in suspension from the University, or have lesser penalties. Be aware that I view this as a very serious matter and will have little tolerance and/or sympathy for questionable practices. A student who attempts to obtain credit for work that is not their own (whether that be on a paper, quiz, homework assignment, exam, etc.) will likely receive a failing grade for that item of work, and at the professor’s discretion, may also receive a failing grade in the course. For more information read the Code of Student Life.
Access and Opportunity, Disability Support, & Medical Services
The University of North Dakota is committed to providing equal access to students with documented disabilities. To ensure access to this class and your program, please contact Disability Services for Students (DSS) to engage in a confidential discussion about accommodations for the classroom and clinical settings. Accommodations are not provided retroactively. Students are encouraged to register with DSS at the start of their program. More information can be obtained by email UND.dss@UND.edu or by phone at 701.777.2664.
COVID-19
UND is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment while providing quality learning experiences for our students. COVID-19’s continued presence within our UND community may necessitate changes in classroom management as the academic year progresses. As such, UND asks students and instructors to be flexible when necessary to promote a safe environment for learning. Please do not attend an in-person class or lab if you are feeling ill, particularly if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been directed by health professionals to quarantine or isolate. If you are not able to attend class or lab, please notify your instructor as soon as possible and discuss options for making up any missed work in order to ensure your ability to succeed in the course. If you will have an extended absence due to serious illness or other uncontrollable circumstances, you may request an absence notification through the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Similarly, if your instructor is ill they may need to cancel class or temporarily move your course to online delivery to ensure that you are able to complete the course successfully. Instructors may require students to wear masks in the classroom or in the laboratory as a preventative measure designed to facilitate uninterrupted classroom engagement and to facilitate health and safety in the classroom. If your instructor does require masks in class or in a laboratory, you are expected to comply with that request.
UND also strongly encourages all members of the University community, including students, to get vaccinated, seek out testing when needed, and model positive behavior both on- and off-campus to foster a healthy and safe learning environment for all students. Individuals who would like to discuss disability accommodations regarding masks should contact the Disability Services for Students (DSS) office at 701.777.2664 or UND.dss@UND.edu. Individuals who are unable to wear a mask due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact the UND Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office at 701.777.4171 or UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu.
Religious Accommodations
UND offers religious accommodations, which are reasonable changes in the academic environment that enable a student to practice or observe a sincerely held religious belief without undue hardship on the University. Examples include time for prayer or the ability to attend religious events or observe a religious holiday. To request an accommodation, complete the student religious accommodation request form. If you have any questions, you may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office.
Pregnancy Accommodations
Students who need assistance with academic adjustments related to pregnancy or childbirth may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or Academic Affairs to learn about your options. Additional information and services may be found at Pregnancy Resources.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
It is the policy of the University of North Dakota that no person shall be discriminated against because of race, religion, age, color, gender, disability, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran’s status, or political belief or affiliation and the equal opportunity and access to facilities shall be available to all. Concerns regarding Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA, and Section 504 may be addressed to Donna Smith, Assistant Vice President for Equal Opportunity & Title IX and Title IX/ADA Coordinator, 102 Twamley Hall, 701.777.4171, UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Education, 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 or any other federal agency.
Reporting of Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct
If you or a friend has experienced sexual misconduct, such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, please contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or UND’s Title IX Coordinator, Donna Smith, for assistance: 701.777.4171; donna.smith@UND.edu; or visit the Title IX webpage. You may also contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX office if you or a friend has experienced discrimination or harassment based on a protected class, such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, pregnancy, marital or parental status, veteran's status, or political belief or affiliation.
Faculty Reporting Obligations Regarding Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct
It is important for students to understand that faculty are required to share with UND’s Title IX Coordinator any incidents of sexual misconduct or of discrimination or harassment based on a protected class that they become aware of, even if those incidents occurred in the past or are disclosed as part of a class assignment. This does not mean an investigation will occur if the student does not want that, but it does allow UND to provide resources to help the student continue to be successful at UND. If you have been impacted by discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, you can find information about confidential support services on the Equal Opportunity & Title IX webpage..
UND Cares Program
How to Seek Help When in Distress
We know that while college is a wonderful time for most students, however, some students may struggle or have issues that arise. You may experience students in distress on campus, in your classroom, in your home, and within residence halls. Distressed students may initially seek assistance from faculty, staff members, their parents, and other students. In addition to the support we can provide to each other, there are also professional support services available to students through the Dean of Students and University Counseling Center. Both staffs are available to consult with you about getting help or providing a friend with the help that he or she may need. For more additional information, please visit the UND Cares Program Webpage.
How to Recognize When a Student is in Distress
The term “distressed” can mean any of the following:
- Student has significant changes in eating, sleeping, grooming, spending, or other daily activities.
- Student has cut off or minimized contact with family or friends.
- Student has significant changes in performance or involvement in academics, sports, extracurricular, or social activities.
- Student describes problems (missing class, not remembering, destructive behavior) that result from experiences with drinking or drugs.
- Student is acting withdrawn, volatile, tearful, etc.
- Student is acting out of character or different than usual.
- Student is talking explicitly about hopelessness or suicide.
- Student has difficulty concentrating or difficulty carrying on a normal conversation.
- Student has excessive dependence on others for company or support.
- Student reports feeling out of control of one’s emotions, thoughts, or behaviors.
Land Acknowledgement Statement
Today, the University of North Dakota rests on the ancestral lands of the Pembina and Red Lake Bands of Ojibwe and the Dakota Oyate - presently existing as composite parts of the Red Lake, Turtle Mountain, White Earth Bands, and the Dakota Tribes of Minnesota and North Dakota. We acknowledge the people who resided here for generations and recognize that the spirit of the Ojibwe and Oyate people permeate this land. As a university community, we will continue to build upon our relations with the First Nations of the State of North Dakota - the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Nation, Spirit Lake Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.
Additional Resources
It is my goal to foster an environment of mutual respect in which everyone feels comfortable voicing their opinions, sharing their stories, and learning about potentially heavy or personally relevant material. If, at any point, you feel like the information covered in this class elicits thoughts, feelings, or concerns that you would like to discuss further, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, or the UND Counseling Center (701-777-2127).
Further, if you experience extenuating circumstances, sexual violence, identity-based harm, or any other personal crisis during the semester, don’t hesitate to reach out to me so we can provide academic assistance and help you in this course, and put you in contact with the appropriate resources and services (if needed).
- UND Care Team: 701-777-2664 (8:00 AM to 4:30 PM M-F) or 701-777-3491 (evenings and weekends)
- UND Campus Police: 701-777-3491·UND Student Health: 701-777-4500
- UND Title IX Resources
- Abuse and Rape Crisis Hotline (CVIC): 701-746-8900 (24 hours)
- Grand Forks Police Department: 701-787-8000 (24 hours)
- Emergency Room: 701-780-5280
- UND Student Diversity and Inclusion: 701-777-6985
- Food For Thought Pantry: (Wilkerson Commons Room 169; 701-777-4200)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (1-800-273-8255)