Academic Catalogs

APT A173: Aircraft Recognition and Performance

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Eff Term Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 03/11/2026
Top Code 302030 - Air Traffic Control (CTE)
Units 3 Total Units 
Hours 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours 108
Total Student Learning Hours 162
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Open Entry/Open Exit No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S)

Course Description

This course provides air traffic control students with the knowledge and skills to identify and classify aircraft by type, category, and performance. Topics include aircraft configurations, climb and descent characteristics, approach speeds, wake turbulence separation, and recognition of aircraft from visual and radar signatures. PREREQUISITE: APT A143 or concurrent enrollment. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Students will accurately identify a minimum of 50 aircraft types and determine the correct FAA wake turbulence and performance categories.
  2. Students will apply performance data to sequencing decisions within simulated ATC scenarios.

Course Objectives

  • Identify aircraft by type, configuration, and performance class.
  • Apply wake turbulence categories and separation standards.
  • Interpret performance charts for climb, descent, and cruise speeds.
  • Recognize aircraft visually and through radar target characteristics.
  • Integrate aircraft performance knowledge into sequencing and separation decisions.

Lecture Content

  1. Introduction to Aircraft Recognition and its Role in ATC
    1. Why controllers must understand performance; overview of FAA wake turbulence and performance standards.
  2. Basic Aircraft Structures and Components
    1. Airframe design, wing configurations, powerplants, control surfaces
  3. Aircraft Categories and Classes
    1. FAA classifications: airplane, rotorcraft, glider, lighter-than-air, and powered-lift aircraft
  4. Weight Categories and Wake Turbulence Groups
    1. Heavy, Large, Small+, Small, Super; wake turbulence generation and dissipation
  5. Jet Aircraft Recognition
    1. Characteristics of jet engines, wing sweep, tail configurations, example ID of Boeing, Airbus, Gulfstream series
  6. Turboprop and Piston Aircraft Recognition
    1. Twin vs. single-engine configurations, general-aviation types, commuter aircraft
  7. Rotorcraft and Tilt-Rotor Aircraft
    1. Helicopter aerodynamics, performance envelopes, unique ATC considerations
  8. Aircraft Performance Fundamentals
    1. Power-to-weight ratio, climb and descent rates, cruise speeds, service ceilings
  9. Climb, Cruise, and Descent Profiles
    1. How performance affects sequencing and hand-offs between tower/TRACON/center
  10. Takeoff and Landing Performance
    1. Runway requirements, approach speeds, braking performance, wind components
  11. Mixed-Type Traffic and Sequencing
    1. Controller techniques for merging different performance categories safely
  12. Radar Signatures and Target Identification
    1. Primary vs. secondary radar returns; aircraft radar cross-sections
  13. Aircraft Performance Charts and Data Interpretation
    1. Using manufacturer and FAA data to predict performance outcomes
  14. Unusual and Military Aircraft
    1. Identification challenges, speed/altitude anomalies, restricted operations
  15. Review and Performance Scenario Integration
    1. Analyzing case studies of separation errors and wake incidents
  16. Final Lecture Review and Comprehensive Exam
    1. FAA-style written exam and visual recognition test

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
  • DE Online Lecture (02X)

Instructional Techniques

- Lecture with multimedia presentations (images, silhouettes, videos) - FAA documentation analysis (JO 7360.1, JO 7110.65) - Simulation and model identification labs - Group discussion and scenario-based performance evaluations

Reading Assignments

Students are expected to complete 25–40 pages of technical reading per week to support lecture. FAA Order JO 7360.1 – Aircraft Type Designators – Identify aircraft codes, manufacturer series, and category groupings. FAA Order JO 7110.65 (Chapters 5 7) – Review wake-turbulence separation standards and operational applications. FAA Air Traffic Basics (Course 50110) – Modules 10–13 on Aircraft Identification and Performance. Advisory Circular 90-23G – Aircraft Wake Turbulence. – Understand the physics and operational implications of wake turbulence. Nolan, M.S. (2011). Fundamentals of Air Traffic Control (5th ed.). – Chapters on performance, aircraft types, and sequencing. FAA Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28). – Effects of atmospheric conditions on aircraft performance. Selected case-study readings from FAA Safety Briefing and Journal of Air Traffic Control focusing on aircraft performance-related incidents.

Writing Assignments

Students will complete approximately 10–12 pages of formal written work throughout the term to develop analytical and professional communication skills. Technical Summary Report: “Aircraft Categories and Wake Turbulence.” Write a 2-page explanation of the FAA’s wake-turbulence classification system and its operational consequences. Performance Comparison Report: Compare a turboprop and jet aircraft from the same category. Include cruise speed, climb rate, and operational envelope; explain how performance differences affect ATC sequencing. Case-Study Analysis: “Wake Encounter Investigation.” Review a real incident from the NTSB database and analyze controller actions, aircraft performance, and recommended procedural changes. Aircraft Identification Portfolio: Compile a portfolio of at least 50 identified aircraft (image, notes, and key characteristics). Include a one-page reflection on recognition strategies. Final Reflection Essay: “The Role of Performance Knowledge in Safety.” Explain how understanding aircraft performance supports controller decision-making and safety management.

Out-of-class Assignments

Students devote roughly 2 hours per week outside class for observation, practice, and preparation. Aircraft Spotting Log: Observe aircraft at a local airport or via live ATC feeds (e.g., FlightRadar24). Record aircraft type, category, and approximate performance data for 10 examples; verify identification later using JO 7360.1. Simulation Observation Exercise: Watch a tower or radar simulation (ATC-Sim, VATSIM, UFA ATLIVE) and document at least three aircraft hand-offs where performance or wake categories affect sequencing. Performance Chart Analysis: Using manufacturer data, calculate estimated climb/descent times for a given altitude change and compare to FAA standards. Phraseology Integration Assignment: Practice sequencing calls using correct wake-turbulence identifiers (e.g., “Heavy,” “Super,” “Small Plus”). Submit a written transcript demonstrating proper terminology. Research Summary: Locate a current article or advisory circular discussing new aircraft technologies (e.g., electric VTOL, UAS). Write a 1-page summary describing how these will alter performance expectations for controllers. Study Guide Preparation: Develop personal flash cards or digital study notes for the 50 most common aircraft recognized in U.S. airspace; test with peers.

Study Non-Contact Hours Recommended

108

Methods of Student Evaluation

  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Exam
  • Short Quizzes
  • Written Assignments
  • Essay Examinations
  • Problem Solving Exercises

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Students must analyze real-world and simulated data to make operationally sound judgments about aircraft identification, performance limitations, and wake-turbulence effects. Scenario Analysis: Given mixed traffic (e.g., B737 followed by C172 and A320), students determine required separation minima and justify the sequence based on performance data and wake-turbulence categories. Case Study Evaluation: Review an NTSB wake-encounter investigation; identify contributing factors, performance differences, and alternative sequencing strategies. Performance Assessment: Compare climb and descent profiles of jet and turboprop aircraft to determine appropriate vectoring instructions in a TRACON-style scenario. Critical Reflection: Evaluate how environmental conditions (density altitude, wind shear) alter aircraft performance and impact controller decision-making.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Required Writing Students demonstrate the ability to articulate technical reasoning and professional documentation consistent with FAA standards. Technical Report: “Wake-Turbulence Separation Standards.” Analyze FAA Order JO 7110.65 Chapter 5 and explain how it informs operational sequencing. Aircraft Comparison Brief: Write a two-page memorandum comparing performance characteristics of two aircraft within the same class but different categories (e.g., B737 vs E145). Incident Summary: Produce a one-page FAA-style occurrence report describing a simulated wake-turbulence conflict and the corrective action taken. Learning Reflection: Maintain a weekly journal connecting lecture topics to lab experiences and performance observations. Problem Solving Students apply quantitative reasoning and procedural knowledge to resolve aircraft-performance-based conflicts. Performance Computation Exercise: Using climb/descent tables, calculate time and distance required for altitude changes between two aircraft. Sequencing Algorithm Drill: Arrange five aircraft of varying types into an optimal landing order while maintaining wake-turbulence separation. Radar-Speed Adjustment Problem: Determine appropriate heading and speed vectors to prevent overtake in en-route operations. Environmental Variable Analysis: Adjust performance assumptions based on temperature, pressure altitude, and wind data. Skills Demonstration Students perform practical demonstrations replicating the analytical and coordination tasks of an air-traffic controller. Aircraft Identification Lab: Identify aircraft by silhouette, configuration, and radar target within 5 seconds of presentation. Sequencing Simulation: Manage simulated approach operations for mixed aircraft categories using correct wake-turbulence spacing and speed control. Radar Display Exercise: Match aircraft performance data with radar identifiers and apply corresponding vectoring techniques. Final Capstone Lab: Integrate recognition, performance analysis, and communication skills to safely handle a full-pattern simulation with variable aircraft types.

Resources Subscreen

  • Textbook: Nolan, M. S.. Fundamentals of Air Traffic Control. Cengage (2015).

Eligible Discipline(s)

  • Aviation (flight, navigation, ground school, air traffic control): Any bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.