What are the advantages of the airport management degree as opposed to a general management degree?
The airport management degree sets you apart from the general management degree in that it will make you more marketable within the aviation industry. You will be a specialist, not a generalist.

I am looking for a career change, what are the benefits of a degree in airport management?
If you are the type of person who is looking for a fast-paced and exciting career within the aviation industry, working as an airport manager may be for you. The manager of an airport can be compared to the mayor of a small city, since both jobs require the utilization of numerous management and interpersonal skills. If you already work in the technical field of aviation, this degree will afford you the opportunity to move into a management position.

Will I be able to pursue my degree in airport management while working full-time?
At Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology we offer both full-time and part-time programs that are offered both day and evening, as well as on Saturdays in the fall and spring semesters.

Will I be able to transfer college credits I have previously earned at another institution?
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology has a liberal transfer policy. In order to receive transfer credits you must submit an Application for Admission and an official copy of all your college transcripts for evaluation. Applicants can obtain a preliminary evaluation of transfer credit by providing the office of admissions with unofficial copies of their college transcripts.

As an electronic technology student, what kind of systems will I work on during my studies?
Aircraft communications and navigation systems, pulse systems including transponders and distance measuring equipment (DME), weather and radar altimeter systems, power and distribution systems, flight control systems including: autopilot and flight directors, flight management systems (FMS), electronic flight instrument systems (EFIS), traffic alert and collision avoidance systems (TCAS) and global positioning systems (GPS).

Where can I take my Federal Communication Commission (FCC) examination?
The newly renovated FAA-Authorized Prometric Test Center at the College provides students with all the written exams for the FCC General Radio Telephone License.

How long does it take to complete the programs?
A full-time student can complete the BS program in eight semesters or four years, and the AAS program in four semesters or two years.

What are some of the design courses I will be taking in this program?

• 3-D Computer Graphics - creating artistically rendered, photorealistic and animated 3-D scenes using the 3-D Studio Max software.
• Introduction to Interactive Media - creating interactive media productions using a range of popular software programs such as Director, Autoware, HTML and PhotoShop.
• Advanced Computer Aided Design - learning the more advanced functions of the AutoCAD software program and creating and using layers and cross-reference drawings.

What kind of computers will I use during my studies?
Students in the computerized design and animated graphics programs work on Dell-Dimension XPS R350 computer stations equipped with 350-mhz Pentium II Processors, 128 MB RAM and eight-gigabyte hard drives. These computers, located in the graphics lab, are fully equipped with software programs such as:

• Studio Max, a 3-D animation program
• AutoCAD, a high-end engineering drawing software package
• Adobe PhotoShop, a program which enables you to edit and manipulate images in a variety of ways
• Macro-Media Director, a program which combines text, video, images and sound to mix interactive media presentations

How long does it take to complete the computerized design and animated graphics program?
A full-time student can complete the BS program in eight semesters or four years and the AAS program in four semesters or two years.

As a flight student, what kind of equipment will I work on during my studies?
The FRASCA 142 flight simulator, which allows students to practice flight procedures including take-off's and landings under various simulated conditions. A Cockpit Procedural Trainer (CPT), which simulates the operation of aircraft systems found on the Boeing 737 commercial airplane.

When will I start actual flight training?
In the first semester, flight training will begin at local airports with the College's approved contractors. They will provide FAA Part 141 certified aircraft and flight instruction for the FAA Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot Certificate. Students who are required to take developmental courses in English and/or Math will not be able to start flight training until those courses are completed.

How many flying hours does it take to obtain the FAA Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot Certificate?
Private Pilot Certificate: Minimum of 40, average of 70 flight hours. Instrument Rating: Minimum of 125, average of 150 flight hours. Commercial Single Engine Certificate: Minimum of 190, average of 250 flight hours. Commercial Multi-Engine Certificate: 260-270 flight hours. Certified Flight Instructor: approximately 300 flight hours.

How long does it take to complete the aircraft operations program?
A full-time student can complete the AAS degree program in four semesters or two years and the BS degree program in eight semesters or four years.

What kind of equipment and engines will I work on during my studies?

• Reciprocating and turbine engines, such as those on the Jet Commander, King Air, and several twin and single-engine aircraft that are all located on campus.
• A Cockpit Procedural Trainer (CPT), which simulates the operations of aircraft systems found on the Boeing 737 commercial airplane.
• Non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment, which determines the overall structural integrity of aircraft.
• In the composites lab, students study the installation and repair of composite structural material for modern aircraft.

How long does it take to complete the maintenance program?
Applicants for the bachelor of science program who hold a valid Airframe and Powerplant (A & P) certificate can complete the program in six semesters or three years, if attending full time. Applicants who do not yet hold an A & P certificate must first obtain these licenses. Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology' Aviation Training Institute offers students the opportunity to complete this course of study in as little as 16 months.

Where can I take the examinations for my Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications?
The newly renovated FAA-Authorized Prometric Test Center at the College provides students with all the written exams offered by the Federal Aviation Administration including the Airframe and Powerplant exam.

What are some of the courses that I will have to take during my studies?

• Material Science and Composites - This course will cover basic atomic structure, metallurgy, plastic and ceramic materials.
• Computational Methods in Engineering - This course will cover numerical analysis, finite difference approximations, matrix inversion methods, implicit and explicit procedures.
• Engineering Graphics - This course emphasizes the interpretation of engineering drawings, combining theory and standard practice.

How long does it take to complete the aeronautical engineering technology (pre-engineering) program?
A full-time student can complete the AAS program in four semesters or two years.

Are all my credits transferable from the aeronautical engineering technology degree to a bachelor of science degree program?
Graduates of this program can either continue their studies in the College's bachelor of science degree program in computerized design or transfer to engineering programs at other four-year programs at a variety of colleges. We have articulation agreements with New York Institute of Technology and Manhattan College. For more information, please see the department chairman.

What is the Air Traffic Control - Collegiate Training Initiative Program?
The Air Traffic Control - Collegiate Training Initiative program is a partnership between the Federal Aviation Administration and Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology to provide the academic preparation necessary for students interested in air traffic control careers.

Who is eligible to participate in the ATC-CTI program?
Most Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology students are eligible to participate in the Air Traffic Control - Collegiate Training Initiative. Students studying General Management, Aeronautical Engineering Technology, Computerized Design and Animated Graphics, and the General Electronics and Optical Communications concentrations of the Electronic Technology program are not eligible for the Collegiate Training Initiative. Graduates of other colleges or universities may also be eligible for the Air Traffic Control - Collegiate Training Initiative. They would need to enroll for a second associate or bachelor degree program and complete a minimum of 30 credits at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology.

What are the qualification requirements for the ATC-CTI program?
To qualify for employment with the FAA, CTI program graduates must meet all legal, regulatory and academic requirements, including but not limited to the following:

• Achieve a qualifying score on the current FAA testing procedures
• Meet entry-level air traffic control specialist (ATCS) medical standards
• Pass pre-employment drug test
• Pass the background investigation for security and suitability
• Have U.S. citizenship
• May not have reached their 31st birthday prior to initial appointment
• Complete course work including all ATC-CTI-specific courses
• Be able to read, write, and understand the English language and speak it rapidly without accent or impediment of speech
• Successfully complete the FAA interview process
• Receive Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology' recommendation based on grades and attendance

What courses constitute the ATC-CTI program?
For students enrolled in the aircraft operations (flight) degree program: Completion of the FO55 Advanced ATC course, with a grade of "C" or better, would enable students to become eligible for recommendation to the ATC-CTI program. The FO55 course would also serve as a technical elective course within the aircraft operations degree program.

What if I am not currently enrolled in the flight degree program?
Three additional courses would provide the academic preparation necessary to allow Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology to recommend these students to the ATC-CTI Program: FO50 Air Traffic Control I, FO51 Air Traffic Control II and BP30 Aviation Weather. At least one of the ATC-CTI courses could serve as a technical elective and meteorology could serve as a basic science elective for most of Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology' other degree programs.

What topics will the ATC-CTI courses cover?
The ATC-CTI courses will cover a range of topics on airport communications, with particular emphasis on air traffic control systems. Topics include an introduction to the air traffic control system, publications, regulations, separation, aircraft types, navigation, aerodynamics, emergencies, wake turbulence, weather and communications.