Technical standards outline the skills and expectations required for students to successfully enter, progress through, and complete the program. They ensure clarity and consistency for students, faculty, staff, administration, and disability services. These standards apply equally to all students.
If you require accommodations to fully participate in the program, please contact the Office of Disability Services to confidentially discuss your needs. Technical standards can be met with or without accommodations, and the examples provided are not all encompassing.
Technical Standard, Definition and Examples
Demonstrate abilities sufficient for classroom, lab, and (Aviation-related) work environments
Examples:
- Receive, interpret, and correctly complete assignments (e.g. reading, research, writing, and presentations).
- Interpret multiple Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
- Identify legal and ethical issues relating to the aviation industry.
- Evaluate aviation accident case studies and identify risk mitigation strategies.
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic principles of operation and unique practices of airports and other aviation-related businesses or entities.
Demonstrate abilities sufficient to move in one's environment with ease and without restriction
Examples:
- Move safely within a classroom or office environment.
- Sit at a desk or pilot (crew) station for up to three hours with breaks.
- Possess typing skills required to use a computer for completing assignments, taking exams/quizzes, and producing reports.
Demonstrate abilities sufficient to use computers and operate various classroom and office equipment
Examples:
- Perform duties on a computer related to all academic and workplace tasks.
- Utilize various classroom/office equipment, e.g. overhead projector, copy machine, etc.
Sufficient physical ability and stamina to attend class
Examples:
- Life a minimum of 50 pounds to chest level from the floor level.
- Be able to work up to 90 minutes without sitting.
Demonstrate abilities sufficient to comprehend spoke language and to detect building alarms
Example:
- Discern directions from instructors or supervisors in the classroom, online, and in office environments.
- Comprehend conversation via video, whether in person or online.
- Perceive a fire alarm.
- Participate effectively in web-based meetings.
Demonstrate abilities sufficient to read printed and written instructions, work on a computer for up to three hours with breaks, and meet the FAA's medical standards
Examples:
- Read textbooks, assignments, reports, and exams/quizzes.
- Use computers to conduct research, complete assignments, produce reports, and produce/download weather/flight briefings.
- Read and respond to emails on the computer.
Demonstrate abilities sufficient to communicate effectively and professionally when interacting with peers, faculty, or classmates both verbally and in written form
Examples:
- Demonstrate active listening skills.
- Speak and/or write clearly in preparing documents, creating reports, or making presentations in front of others.
- Be capable of working with others in a team environment to complete a task.
Demonstrate abilities sufficient to interact and work collaboratively with individuals from a diverse population in classroom and airplane cockpit environments
Examples:
- Work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Have respect for those whose appearance, condition, beliefs, and/or values may conflict with your own.
Olfaction sufficient to detect odors and tolerate various odors
Examples:
- Safely work with potentially harmful chemicals used in studio or laboratory settings.
Demonstrate abilities sufficient to maintain composure in stressful situations and assume responsibility/accountability for actions
Examples:
- Calmly receive feedback and constructive criticism.
- Exercise independent judgement to effectively solve problems and make informed decisions.
- Adapt to changing environments and/or stress.
- Possess sufficient emotional health to perform under stress and exercise good judgement to complete all assignments or pilot duties.
We are committed to ensuring all students have the support they need to succeed in this program. If you have a documented disability, reasonable accommodations will be provided unless they fundamentally alter essential training requirements, create undue hardship, or pose a safety risk to you or others.
Disability Services Statement
If you have a documented disability and need accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office (Ward Hall Building; 252-638-1454) as soon as possible—ideally before classes or field experiences begin. You are also encouraged to inform your instructor as needed so we can best support your learning.