Body of Knowledge
If you have already applied to AAAE's Certified Member or Accredited Airport Executive program, you will receive free electronic access to the Body of Knowledge modules. However, if you wish to order hard copies of AAAE's Body of Knowledge modules, please click here. An outline description of the material is available below. Please allow 7 to 10 business days to receive the study materials, unless you are submitting your payment with a purchase order. Study materials will be sent as soon as payment has been received. All module sales are final and non-refundable.
Module 1: History, the Regulation of Air Transportation, Airports, and the FAA
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Module 2: The Management Functions
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Module 3: Management Theories, Roles, Motivation, and Communication
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Module 4: Airport Capacity and Delay
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Module 5: Air Traffic Control, Airspace, and Navigational Aids
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Module 6: Environmental Regulations
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Module 7: Airport Noise and Land Use Compatibility
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Module 8: Financial Management and Accounting
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Module 9: Airport Fees, Rates, & Charges
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Module 10: Capital Development and Funding for Airports
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Module 11: Airport System Planning and Airport Master Planning
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Module 12: Airport Layout Plans
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Module 13: Terminal Planning, Design and Operation
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Module 14: Airport Operations and FAR Part 139—Certification
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Module 15: Airport Security and Response to Emergencies
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These modules were originally written by Stephen Quilty, A.A.E., and have been updated by the AAAE BOE, AAAE staff, and industry experts.
History, the Regulation of Air Transportation, Airports, and the Federal Aviation Administration:
In this module you will learn to:
- 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Air Traffic Control, Airspace, and Navigational Aids:
In this module you will learn to:
- 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.
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Environmental Regulations:
In this module you will learn to:
- 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.
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Airport Noise and Land Use Compatibility:
In this module you will learn to:
- 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.
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Financial Management and Accounting:
In this module you will learn to:
- 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.
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Airport Fees, Rates & Charges:
In this module you will learn to:
- 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.
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Capital Development and Funding for Airports:
In this module you will learn to:
- 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.
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Airport System Planning and Airport Master Planning:
In this module you will learn to:
- 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.
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Airport Layout Plans:
In this module you will learn to:
- 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.
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Terminal Planning, Design, and Operation:
In this module you will learn to:
- 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.
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Airport Operations And Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139—Certification:
In this module you will learn to:
- 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.
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Airport Security and Response to Emergencies:
In this module you will learn to:
- 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.
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