In order to help candidates in our accreditation programs, AAAE provides a complete set of study materials, free of charge with enrollment: Course materials are included in the accreditation program registration fee. However, if you need additional copies, or you are not enrolling in the accreditation program, you may order them here: Course Materials Order Form

• Introduction to Airports and the Federal Aviation Administration
• The Management Functions
• Management Theories, Roles, Motivation, and Communication
• Airport Capacity and Delay
• Air Traffic Control, Airspace, and Navigational Aids
• Environmental Regulations
• Airport Noise and Land Use Compatibility
• Financial Management and Accounting
• Airport Fees, Rates & Charges
• Airport Capital Development and Funding
• Airport System Planning and Airport Master Planning
• Airport Layout Plans
• Terminal Planning, Design and Operation
• Airport Operations and Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139
• Response to Emergencies and Airport Security

These modules have been developed by Stephen M. Quilty, A.A.E., a professor at Bowling Green State University, with contributions by the AAAE Board of Examiners, AAAE staff, and industry experts.

• develop a timeline of historical and regulatory events related to airports.
• identify the main provisions of the Federal Aviation Acts affecting airports and airport development.
• explain how airports evolved and received funding for development.
• explain the responsibilities and purpose of government organizations that regulate, represent or affect aviation.
• describe the changes the FAA has undergone over its years of existence.
• identify the federal regulatory and enforcement process.
• discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods and means of airport ownership.
• describe the AIP grant and PFC application process.
• summarize the basic grant assurances mentioned in the module.
• discuss the various arguments, strategies and trends for airport privatization.
• explain the concept and components of an airport’s economic impact on a community.
• describe the purpose of the essential air service program and the necessary criteria for an airport to be included in the program.
• identify the criteria for which airports are obligated to include DBE participation.

The Management Functions:
In this module you will learn to:

• explain the different management functions.
• describe how different airports are organized and structured to perform their functions.
• explain the advantages and disadvantages of the different organizational structures.
• distinguish between line, staff, and functional authority.
• identify those factors that affect a manager’s span of control.
• explain the characteristics associated with job analysis and job design.
• explain the various components of the staffing function.
• identify the steps involved in the recruitment and hiring process.
• distinguish between the function of leading and the ability to lead.
• explain the types and uses of power by a manager.
• identify the various steps, levels, and techniques involved in the control function.
• explain the different theories of organizational change.
• assess the reasons for resistance to organizational change and potential solutions for them.
• develop vision, mission, goals, and values statements for an airport organization.

Management Theories, Roles, Motivation, and Communication:
In this module you will learn to:

• identify the key management theorists who helped to develop management thought and practices.
• discern the differences among the various approaches to management behavior.
• recognize and explain the different roles that managers are expected to perform.
• describe the basic premises behind the different motivational theories presented in the module.
• describe different strategies used by leaders to influence others to follow.
• discern and explain the differences between motivational content and process theories.
• describe the communication process and the barriers to effective communication.
• describe the different communication networks and their characteristics that exist in an organization.
• explain the important characteristics and components associated with managing conflict.

Airport Capacity and Delay:
In this module you will learn to:

• describe the airport system, its different elements, and where capacity constraints can occur within the system.
• explain the difference between throughput and practical capacity.
• identify what constitutes delay and explain its relation to capacity.
• identify sources for delay data.
• explain the central factors and characteristics that act to lower system capacity or induce delay.
• list and explain the ways by which demand can be managed.
• explain the pros and cons of the different methods for managing demand.
• explain the purpose and rationale for airport slots, slot rules, and their impact on capacity.
• describe what new technologies are being developed to alleviate capacity and delay problems at airports.
• describe the effects of different weather phenomenon on airport capacity.
• explain how weather information is gathered and disseminated throughout the aviation system.
• classify the different levels of ASOS available.

• recognize the different light gun signals for vehicles operating on the airport.
• convert local time into UTC.
• describe the different airspace categories surrounding airports.
• identify how landing aid information is conveyed to pilots.
• distinguish between the types of radar used to separate aircraft in flight and on the ground.
• explain the purpose of each ground based equipment used for the navigation of aircraft.
• explain the components and function of a non-precision and precision instrument landing system.
• distinguish the operating characteristics and components of different approach lighting systems.
• identify the imaginary surfaces associated with FAR Part 77.
• identify when a FAA Form 7460-1 is required.
• list the options available to address the results of a FAR Part 77 study.

• identify what procedures and policies an airport manager must address to mitigate environmental concerns.
• reiterate what penalties exist for violation of federal environmental laws.
• explain the criteria for liability exposure various parties have for environmental action under each of the Acts.
• describe how to establish an environmental compliance and audit program.
• identify what projects or actions constitute significant impacts, require an environmental assessment, or are excluded from having an EIS performed.
• identify the main purpose of each of the environmental Acts that affect airports and who is responsible for compliance.
• identify when an NPDES permit is necessary or required at an airport.
• identify to whom to report environmental spills, accidents or hazardous situations.
• identify an airport manager’s responsibilities under each of the Acts.
• explain the purpose of material data safety sheets.
• describe what constitutes hazardous material.
• identify the categories of hazardous waste generators and the responsibility of each.
• identify measures that can be taken to improve air quality and groundwater runoff at airports.

• list the alternatives an airport operator must consider under a Part 150 study to mitigate the effects of aircraft noise.
• describe the basic premise behind each of the common noise compatibility measures an airport operator can pursue.
• describe the significant provisions of each of the Federal Acts applicable to noise.
• explain the concepts and compare the values of sound energy and sound levels.
• determine the impact and consequences of noise contours developed from noise exposure maps.
• explain the the purpose and components of a Part 150 noise compatibility plan.
• determine which noise restriction actions an airport operator can and cannot implement at an airport.
• articulate the advantages and disadvantages of Part 150 planning.

• explain the role and responsibilities of an airport manager as a financial manager.
• explain the role and responsibilities of the airport’s governing body in the financial development and operation of an airport.
• distinguish between the proprietary and public nature of airport operations.
• articulate what is considered a fair and reasonable rate or charge.
• identify sources of revenue and expense at airports of different sizes.
• distinguish between assets and liabilities, equity and depreciation, net and gross profit, operating and non-operating revenue and expense.
• develop and explain a balance, income, and cash flow statement.
• determine what financial ratio to use in a given situation.
• explain the purpose and methods of managerial accounting.
• develop an operating and capital budget for any given airport.
• categorize various revenue and expense categories into airport functional areas.
• describe the basic philosophy behind each of the budgeting techniques available to financial managers.
• develop a line item revenue/cost center budget.
• utilize a chart of accounts.
• explain methods and techniques for assessing and monitoring the financial condition of an airport.

• present the arguments both for and against an airport being self-sufficient.
• identify factors to be considered when establishing fees, rates, and charges.
• distinguish and explain the difference between residual and compensatory approach to rates and charges.
• describe different trends in finance assessment methods at airports.
• describe different philosophies and objectives for setting rates at airports.
• explain the purpose and content of airport use agreements.
• identify methods for adjusting fees, rates, and charges.
• discuss why the FAA developed a policy on rates and charges at airports.
• identify significant court cases that have shaped rates and charges policies.
• summarize the principles involved in the FAA’s policy for resolving rates and charges disputes.
• distinguish between historic, replacement, and opportunity costs.
• identify what costs are allowable in an aeronautical rate base.
• describe the basic provisions of a concession agreement.
• explain the concept and arguments for and against peak pricing.

• list the steps involved in developing airport property.
• recognize the difference between the various bonds available for funding airport development.
• explain the ratings and rating criteria of each bond investor service.
• identify the similarities and differences between the AIP and the PFC funding process.
• identify the important legislative acts and their provisions for airport funding.
• identify the criteria necessary for AIP and PFC eligibility.
• explain the intent and purpose of the FAA’s ACIP and ADPD programs.
• explain how airport development projects are funded.
• identify the responsibilities of the airport manager to address labor issues in AIP grants.

• describe the attributes of an airport system.
• identify what makes up the NPIAS and what distinguishes one airport group from another.
• specify the criteria necessary for an airport to be included in the NPIAS.
• explain the advantages and disadvantages of the different organizational structures.
• identify what is meant by the term “hub” and its various applications to airports.
• identify which airport improvements are eligible for inclusion in the NPIAS and which are not.
• explain the benefits and drawbacks to the use of the NPIAS as a determinate of airport needs across the country.
• identify each of the NPIAS project categories.
• identify the goals of a metropolitan airport system plan.
• explain the purpose of a state airport system plan.
• list the objectives of an airport master plan.
• provide distinguishing characteristics between the NPIAS, MASP, SASP and airport master plan.
• describe the steps involved in the airport master planning process.
• explain the different phases of an airport master plan.
• identify the steps involved in selecting a consultant.
• identify the key components of aviation demand for an airport.
• explain the steps involved in forecasting aviation demand and identify the factors that are of particular benefit in forecasting the demand.
• describe the different types of forecasts methods used in airport planning.

• describe the components of an airport layout plan and what is included on an airport layout drawing.
• describe the impact different runway configurations have on airfield capacity and the location of airport buildings and facilities.
• identify design principles associated with runways, taxiways, and apron/ramps.
• identify required information and data that must be submitted to receive FAA approval of an airport layout drawing.
• explain the purpose and parameters of runway safety and protection areas.
• identify recommended restrictions to be considered for industrial parks.
• compare the advantages and disadvantages of airport industrial parks and foreign trade zones.
• explain the use of the airport reference code in the design of airports.
• distinguish between requirements for heliports and vertiports.

• identify the purpose of the passenger terminal building and the objectives of a terminal area plan.
• describe the advantages and disadvantages associated with each of the different types of terminal building layouts.
• identify the factors that affect terminal building design.
• describe the process for calculating terminal space and design parameters.
• distinguish between an origination, through and transfer airport.
• identify the different types of federal inspection services available and explain their impact on terminal design.
• delineate the various factors to consider in locating a terminal building.
• distinguish between and explain the passenger handling processes and activities that terminal buildings are designed to accommodate.
• identify means by which congestion problems in and around a terminal building can be reduced or resolved.
• identify different passenger characteristics that influence terminal design and building layout.
• identify the different types of terminal building design concepts, explain their function, and articulate the advantages and disadvantages of each.
• identify the requirements and eligibility of terminal buildings for federal funding participation.
• identify constraints and concerns of locating other buildings in the terminal area.
• identify and explain the purpose of ADA and ADAAG and their applicability to airports.
• list the elements of a terminal area that must be in compliance with ADA regulations.

• articulate the primary responsibilities of an airport manager in satisfying FAR Part 139 requirements.
• list the sections of an airport certification manual.
• identify the components of an airport self-inspection program and the type of activities they address.
• describe the distinguishing characteristics between the different types of pavements, pavement deterioration, and pavement treatments.
• identify those factors that affect pavement strength and wear and how to mitigate deterioration.
• explain the effects of poor pavement conditions on aircraft and how pavement traction and friction can be maintained and improved.
• explain how pavement conditions are measured and the effect of different readings.
• delineate the movement and safety areas of an airport and the criteria that affects them.
• identify the different types of approach lighting systems that exist and their operating criteria.
• identify a manger’s responsibilities under SMGCS.
• identify the marking and signage requirements at airports and delineate their inscriptions or color.
• describe the effects of snow and ice on pavement surfaces and the responsibility of airport operations to mitigate their effects.
• explain the purpose of snow and ice plans and their basic components.
• explain the various methods and timing for removing snow and ice from pavement surfaces.
• describe the basic properties of anti-ice and de-ice compounds.
• identify when and what information is conveyed in a NOTAM.
• develop vision, mission, goals, and values statements for an airport organization.
• determine when to conduct an ecological study at an airport and strategies for resolving or mitigating wildlife hazards.

• explain the purpose and scope of an Airport Emergency Plan (AEP).
• list those individuals or organizations that would have responsibilities under an AEP.
• identify and explain the five phases of emergency.
• identify and distinguish between different means for testing the AEP.
• describe the role and responsibility of the NTSB, FAA, and airport in accident investigation.
• summarize the contents of an AEP.
• summarize the key components of command, control, and communication.
• distinguish between the different airport ARFF indices.
• identify the responsibility, performance, and training requirements for ARFF response.
• identify the markings and placards associated with hazardous substances and material.
• explain the hazards associated with aviation fuels and oils and how to mitigate the hazards on an airport.
• explain the benefits and drawbacks of above and below ground fuel storage tanks.
• explain the areas of responsibility required by FAR Parts 107, 108, 109, and 129.
• identify and explain an airport manager’s responsibility under FAR Part 107.
• identify and explain SIDA requirements and means for access control on an airport.
• summarize new security technology being developed and implemented at airports.