Aviation
Associate Degrees
A.S. in Air Traffic Control
Sacramento City College maintains an Air Traffic Control program in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Collegiate Training Institute program. Our Associate of Science degree program is designed to provide students with a professional level of aviation knowledge and to allow students to compete for selection to attend the FAA Academy in a preferential selection pool.
The program is structured as an intensively-scheduled cohort learning program. Students will be taking a total of 12-17 units in a series of 4-8 week classes during each semester. Individual classes may require knowledge gained in prior classes, therefore scheduling individual classes outside of the cohort or taking courses out of sequence is not permitted.
The program covers all the FAA learning objectives of the FAA Academy's AT Basics course in a 2-semester series (12-17 units per semester) of cohort classes. Students must complete the degree to receive hiring consideration in the preferential pool.
Current FAA hiring requirements for Air Traffic Controllers include a maximum age of 30 years at the time of application and U.S. citizenship. Students must complete the degree to receive hiring consideration in the preferential pool.
This program meets the needs of students who want to pursue further training opportunities for work in an FAA facility, work in a contract ATC facility, or work in an ATC facility for the military. It is also suitable for students seeking an expanded knowledge of aviation flight operations and traffic flow management.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment Eligibility Course: | ||
| FLTEC 320 | Private Pilot Ground School | 4 |
| First Semester (Fall): | ||
| FLTEC 302 | Aviation Weather | 3 |
| FLTEC 304 | Human Factors and Risk Management in Aviation | 3 |
| FLTEC 306 | Federal Aviation Regulations | 3 |
| FLTEC 330 | Airplane Aerodynamics | 3 |
| Second Semester (Spring): | ||
| FLTEC 310 | Instrument Pilot/Instructor Ground School | 4 |
| FLTEC 312 | Air Navigation, Airspace, and Communication | 3 |
| FLTEC 314 | Large Aircraft Systems | 5 |
| FLTEC 321 | Commercial Pilot Ground School | 3 |
| Third Semester (Fall): | ||
| ATCAD 300 | Basic Terminal Procedures | 3.5 |
| ATCAD 301 | Advanced Terminal Procedures | 3.5 |
| ATCAD 302 | Basic En Route Procedures | 3.5 |
| ATCAD 303 | Advanced En Route Procedures | 3.5 |
| Total Units: | 45 | |
The Air Traffic Control Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.
Enrollment Eligibility
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- The Federal Aviation Administration requires that all applicants read, write, speak, and understand the English language. FAA guidance on language proficiency can be found in the current version of Advisory Circular AC60-28 and the Level 4 proficiency standards of ICAO Doc 9835.
- One of the following:
- a) Successful completion of FLTEC 320, Private Pilot Ground, OR
- b) Hold an FAA or ICAO-compliant Private Pilot certificate with a current biennial flight review (BFR), OR
- c) Have significant documented recent (within the last 5 years) military or civilian commercial aviation operations experience.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- interpret Federal Aviation Regulations that pertain to Air Traffic Control procedures.
- utilize correct air-to-ground and ground-to-air communication terminology and phraseology.
- interpret, prepare and disseminate terminal and enroute weather reports.
- apply Air Traffic Control procedures in simulated radar approach control, terminal, and enroute environments.
Career Information
Employment opportunities exist within the Federal Aviation Administration's National Air Traffic Control system for Air Traffic Controllers and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO's), with numerous contract facilities throughout the country, and with the military worldwide.
A.S. in Aircraft Dispatcher
Sacramento City College maintains a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorized 14 CFR Part 65 Aircraft Dispatcher (AD) Program. Our one-year certificate and two-year degree programs are designed to meet the needs of students who desire the technical training in order to qualify for the written, oral, and practical tests for the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate.
This is an intensive aviation program that brings participants with little or no aviation knowledge up to a knowledge level required by working aviation professionals. The program is taught in a two-semester sequenced cohort, with 12-15 credit units per semester. It is recommended that all general education requirements for the degree be completed before registering for the aviation-specific cohort classes.
All required courses must be passed with a grade of "C" or better.
In the final semester, students will be required to take the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test for Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX written). Students must be 21 years of age to take the exam. This exam is given on a PASS/FAIL basis by testing centers authorized by the FAA but not affiliated with Sacramento City College. Costs for the exam currently range from $150-$165.
Students who successfully complete the FAA written exam and complete the program are eligible to take the FAA Practical Exam. In accordance with FAA regulations, the authorization to take the exam is valid for 90 days after completion of the ATCAD 310 Aircraft Dispatcher Operations course. Sacramento City College normally makes arrangements to have an FAA Dispatch Examiner present at the college within that window. Costs for the Dispatch Practical Exam range from $600 to $1000.
Upon passing the FAA Practical Exam, graduates aged 23 years or more are certificated to perform the duties of an aircraft dispatcher for a 14 CFR Part 121 Air Carrier. Those who have not reached age 23 are issued an FAA Letter of Competency which may be presented to any FAA Flight Standards Office for issuance of the Aircraft Dispatcher certificate on or after their 23rd birthday.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment Eligibility Course: | ||
| FLTEC 320 | Private Pilot Ground School | 4 |
| First Semester (Fall): | ||
| FLTEC 302 | Aviation Weather | 3 |
| FLTEC 304 | Human Factors and Risk Management in Aviation | 3 |
| FLTEC 306 | Federal Aviation Regulations | 3 |
| FLTEC 330 | Airplane Aerodynamics | 3 |
| Second Semester (Spring): | ||
| FLTEC 310 | Instrument Pilot/Instructor Ground School | 4 |
| FLTEC 312 | Air Navigation, Airspace, and Communication | 3 |
| FLTEC 314 | Large Aircraft Systems | 5 |
| FLTEC 321 | Commercial Pilot Ground School | 3 |
| Summer: | ||
| ATCAD 309 | Airline Operations and Performance | 3 |
| ATCAD 310 | Aircraft Dispatcher Operations | 3 |
| Total Units: | 37 | |
The Aircraft Dispatcher Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.
Enrollment Eligibility
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- The Federal Aviation Administration requires that all applicants read, write, speak, and understand the English language. FAA guidance on language proficiency can be found in the current version of Advisory Circular AC60-28 and the Level 4 proficiency standards of ICAO Doc 9835.
- One of the following:
- a) Successful completion of FLTEC 320, Private Pilot Ground, OR
- b) Hold an FAA or ICAO-compliant Private Pilot certificate with a current biennial flight review (BFR), OR
- c) Have significant documented recent (within the last 5 years) military or civilian commercial aviation operations experience.
- The Federal Aviation Administration requires that applicants for the Aircraft Dispatcher written exam be at least 21 years of age. It is expected that students complete the FAA written exam after completing ATCAD 309, but before ATCAD 310 begins.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- perform the required duties of an Aircraft Dispatcher, as outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration.
- demonstrate a readiness to take the oral and practical examinations for the Federal Aviation Administration's aircraft dispatcher certificate.
- apply concepts learned such as weather analysis, large aircraft systems, regulations, and human factors to practical Aircraft Dispatcher problems.
Career Information
Aircraft Dispatchers are employed by all major and regional airlines worldwide. Outside of the United States, the aircraft dispatcher may be referred to as a Flight Operations Officer in accordance with the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Many jet charter and helicopter air ambulance operators, as well as government agencies and the military, utilize their services.
A.S. in Flight Technology
The Flight Technology A.S. Degree program is designed for students who want to pursue professional careers in aviation flight operations, or who wish to continue their aviation studies in a baccalaureate program.
During the course of the program the student will have the opportunity to qualify to take the written portions of the FAA Private, Instrument, Commercial Pilot, Basic and Advanced Ground Instructor and the Certified Flight Instructor Instrument examinations. Examinations are given at FAA-authorized locations not related to the college. Each exam is given on a PASS/FAIL basis, and costs between $150 and $165. Results of the exams are valid for 2 years after the date of examination.
This is an intensive, broad-based aviation program that brings participants with little or no aviation knowledge up to a knowledge level required by working aviation professionals. The program is taught in cohorts, with 12 to 15 credit units per semester. It is recommended that all general education requirements for the degree be completed before registering for aviation-specific cohort classes.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment Eligibility Course: | ||
| FLTEC 320 | Private Pilot Ground School | 4 |
| First Semester (Fall): | ||
| FLTEC 302 | Aviation Weather | 3 |
| FLTEC 304 | Human Factors and Risk Management in Aviation | 3 |
| FLTEC 306 | Federal Aviation Regulations | 3 |
| FLTEC 330 | Airplane Aerodynamics | 3 |
| Second Semester (Spring): | ||
| FLTEC 310 | Instrument Pilot/Instructor Ground School | 4 |
| FLTEC 312 | Air Navigation, Airspace, and Communication | 3 |
| FLTEC 314 | Large Aircraft Systems | 5 |
| FLTEC 321 | Commercial Pilot Ground School | 3 |
| Total Units: | 31 | |
The Flight Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.
Enrollment Eligibility
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- The Federal Aviation Administration requires that all applicants read, write, speak, and understand the English language. FAA guidance on language proficiency can be found in the current version of Advisory Circular AC60-28 and the Level 4 proficiency standards of ICAO Doc 9835.
- One of the following:
- a) Successful completion of FLTEC 320, Private Pilot Ground, OR
- b) Hold an FAA or ICAO-compliant Private Pilot certificate with a current biennial flight review (BFR), OR
- c) Have significant documented recent (within the last 5 years) military or civilian commercial aviation operations experience.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate the required knowledge and skills in order to qualify for the written portions of the Federal Aviation Administration examinations for pilot and instructor.
- perform navigational pre-flight planning.
- assemble and analyze terminal and en route weather data.
- calculate departure, en route, and arrival performance data.
- assess risk factors to aircraft operations and apply the appropriate safety and communications protocols to mitigate the risks.
Career Information
Professional Pilots are employed as Charter Pilots, Flight Instructors, Ground Instructors, Agricultural Pilots, Helicopter Pilots, Flight Engineers, and Regional Airline/Major Airline Pilots, as well as working for Government Agencies or the Military.
Certificates of Achievement
Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate
Sacramento City College maintains a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorized 14 CFR Part 65 Aircraft Dispatcher (AD) Program. Our one-year certificate and two-year degree programs are designed to meet the needs of students who desire the technical training in order to qualify for the written, oral, and practical tests for the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate.
This is an intensive aviation program that brings participants with little or no aviation knowledge up to a knowledge level required by working aviation professionals. The program is taught in a two-semester sequenced learning cohort, with 12-15 credit units per semester.
All required courses must be passed with a grade of "C" or better.
In the final semester, students will be required to take the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test for Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX written). Students must be 21 years of age to take the exam. This exam is given on a PASS/FAIL basis by testing centers authorized by the FAA but not affiliated with Sacramento City College. Costs for the exam currently range from $150-$165.
Students who successfully complete the FAA written exam and complete the program are eligible to take the FAA Practical Exam. In accordance with FAA regulations, the authorization to take the exam is valid for 90 days after completion of the ATCAD 310 Aircraft Dispatcher Operations course. Sacramento City College normally makes arrangements to have an FAA Dispatch Examiner present at the college within that window. Costs for the Dispatch Practical Exam range from $600 to $1000.
Upon passing the FAA Practical Exam, graduates aged 23 years or more are certificated to perform the duties of an aircraft dispatcher for a 14 CFR Part 121 Air Carrier. Those who have not reached age 23 are issued an FAA Letter of Competency which may be presented to any FAA Flight Standards Office for issuance of the Aircraft Dispatcher certificate on or after their 23rd birthday.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FLTEC 320 | Private Pilot Ground School | 4 |
| FLTEC 302 | Aviation Weather | 3 |
| FLTEC 304 | Human Factors and Risk Management in Aviation | 3 |
| FLTEC 306 | Federal Aviation Regulations | 3 |
| FLTEC 330 | Airplane Aerodynamics | 3 |
| FLTEC 310 | Instrument Pilot/Instructor Ground School | 4 |
| FLTEC 312 | Air Navigation, Airspace, and Communication | 3 |
| FLTEC 314 | Large Aircraft Systems | 5 |
| FLTEC 321 | Commercial Pilot Ground School | 3 |
| ATCAD 309 | Airline Operations and Performance | 3 |
| ATCAD 310 | Aircraft Dispatcher Operations | 3 |
| Total Units: | 37 |
Enrollment Eligibility
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- The Federal Aviation Administration requires that all applicants read, write, speak, and understand the English language. FAA guidance on language proficiency can be found in the current version of Advisory Circular AC60-28 and the Level 4 proficiency standards of ICAO Doc 9835.
- One of the following:
- a) Successful completion of FLTEC 320, Private Pilot Ground, OR
- b) Hold an FAA or ICAO-compliant Private Pilot certificate with a current biennial flight review (BFR), OR
- c) Have significant documented recent (within the last 5 years) military or civilian commercial aviation operations experience.
- The Federal Aviation Administration requires that applicants for the Aircraft Dispatcher written exam be at least 21 years of age. It is expected that students complete the FAA written exam after completing ATCAD 309, but before ATCAD 310 begins.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- perform the required duties of an Aircraft Dispatcher, as outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration.
- demonstrate a readiness to take the oral and practical examinations for the Federal Aviation Administration's aircraft dispatcher certificate.
- apply concepts learned such as weather analysis, large aircraft systems, regulations, and human factors to practical Aircraft Dispatcher problems.
Career Information
Aircraft Dispatchers are employed by all major and regional airlines worldwide. Outside of the United States, the aircraft dispatcher may be referred to as a Flight Operations Officer in accordance with the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Many jet charter and helicopter air ambulance operators, as well as government agencies and the military, utilize their services.
Flight Technology Certificate
Sacramento City College offers a one-year certificate program organized to offer aspiring pilots all the academic ground instruction required for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private and Commercial pilot certificates with an Instrument rating, and the Ground Instructor certificate with Advanced and Instrument ratings.
Students will also study large commercial aircraft systems.
During the course of the program the student will qualify to take the written portions of the FAA Private, Instrument, Commercial Pilot, Basic and Advanced Ground Instructor and the Certified Flight Instructor Instrument examinations. Examinations are given at FAA-authorized locations not related to the college. Each exam is given on a PASS/FAIL basis, and costs between $150 and $165. Results of the exams are valid for 2 years after the date of examination.
No actual flight training is available through Sacramento City College.
This is an intensive, broad-based aviation program that brings participants with little or no aviation knowledge up to a knowledge level required by working aviation professionals. The program is taught in cohorts, with 12 to 15 credit units per semester.
All required courses must be passed with a grade of "C" or better.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FLTEC 320 | Private Pilot Ground School | 4 |
| FLTEC 302 | Aviation Weather | 3 |
| FLTEC 304 | Human Factors and Risk Management in Aviation | 3 |
| FLTEC 306 | Federal Aviation Regulations | 3 |
| FLTEC 330 | Airplane Aerodynamics | 3 |
| FLTEC 310 | Instrument Pilot/Instructor Ground School | 4 |
| FLTEC 312 | Air Navigation, Airspace, and Communication | 3 |
| FLTEC 314 | Large Aircraft Systems | 5 |
| FLTEC 321 | Commercial Pilot Ground School | 3 |
| Total Units: | 31 |
Enrollment Eligibility
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- The Federal Aviation Administration requires that all applicants read, write, speak, and understand the English language. FAA guidance on language proficiency can be found in the current version of Advisory Circular AC60-28 and the Level 4 proficiency standards of ICAO Doc 9835.
- One of the following:
- a) Successful completion of FLTEC 320, Private Pilot Ground, OR
- b) Hold an FAA or ICAO-compliant Private Pilot certificate with a current biennial flight review (BFR), OR
- c) Have significant documented recent (within the last 5 years) military or civilian commercial aviation operations experience.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate the knowledge and skills to qualify for the written portions of the Federal Aviation Administration examinations for pilot and instructor.
- perform navigational pre-flight planning.
- assemble and analyze terminal and en-route weather data.
- calculate departure, en-route, and arrival performance data.
- assess risk factors to aircraft operations and apply the appropriate safety and communications protocols to mitigate the risks.
Career Information
Professional Pilots are employed as Charter pilots, Flight Instructors, Ground Instructors, Agricultural Pilots, Helicopter Pilots, Flight Engineers, and Regional Airline/Major Airline Pilots as well as working for a Government Agency or the Military.
Business and Industry
This program is part of the Business and Industry meta major.