Aircraft Maintenance - Aviation Technician
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code8112
- Ministry NameAviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance
- SchoolSchool of Transportation
- CredentialOntario College Diploma
- Program TypePost-secondary program
- Program Length2 years/ 4 semesters
- LocationDownsview Campus: Bombardier Centre for Aerospace and Aviation
- Emailaerospacedepartment@centennialcollege.ca
- Telephone416-289-5000 ext. 57281
- Technology Requirements
Program Availability
- Program Overview
- Courses
- Career Options and Education Pathways
- Admission Requirements
- How to Apply
- Tuition and Fees
- Technology Requirements
- Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Advising Services
So, you've always had a fascination with helicopters, single-engine planes and jumbo jets, but now you want to be a part of one of mankind's greatest technological achievements and play an important role in the aviation industry? The Aviation Technician - Aircraft Maintenance program can help.
Accredited by Canada's federal licensing body, Transport Canada (TC), and the national aviation council, the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA), the offering will give you knowledge and skills to service, repair, overhaul and troubleshoot aircraft components and systems.
Why this program?
With more than 45 years teaching aircraft and avionics maintenance, Centennial's School of Transportation is, without question, the go-to institute if you’re serious about a career in the aviation industry. Your instructors will be some of the best in the business, with years of industry experience, extensive technical expertise, and a deep commitment to the program and to your success. They will be your guides as you work through the technical theory and your mentors as you work on real aircraft and components in onsite labs and hangar.
Support for this program from the top players in the industry (your future employers) is overwhelming. In fact, aviation industry giant Bombardier named Centennial as its trainer of choice in the manufacturing and maintenance of its aerospace products.
Because many of the program's partners and supporters are members of Centennial College's advisory committees and participate as guest speakers and panelists, the program is designed for your success. The wealth of knowledge and expertise they share with you first-hand will not only enhance your learning potential but will also give you valuable career direction insight.
The diploma you'll earn is highly coveted in the industry, and as a graduate of this program, you'll be well positioned to work with top-tier employers.
What can I expect?
The Aviation Technician - Aircraft Maintenance program will provide you with an understanding of aircraft maintenance areas such as general aviation, business and corporate aviation, and charter and transport category aviation.
Working in modern labs and an impressive aircraft hangar, you'll learn hands-on by working on both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Your instructors will walk you through techniques as you work on components like airframes, engines, electrical and hydraulic systems, propellers, avionics equipment and aircraft instruments. You'll also learn the essential theory and base of knowledge that will serve as a launching pad for growing your career.
Aviation Technician - Aircraft Maintenance is so robust it will also offer basic training required to obtain an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME – “M” rating). As a holder of an AME licence, you'll be qualified to certify (or release) aircraft for flight after the completion of maintenance, inspection, repair or modification. The importance of that responsibility cannot be understated. To that end, this program will be comprehensive and will require you to be dedicated and focused throughout the learning process.
What do I have when I’m done?
Accreditation
If you meet the accreditation standards of basic training required to obtain an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licence, you'll be exempt from having to write the TC technical examinations and will be granted 18 months experience credit toward the issue of an AME “M” rated licence. You'll also be recognized as having met the basic training requirements for CCAA occupational trade certification as an aircraft maintenance technician (AMT).
The passing grade for all technical courses is 60 per cent. To be eligible for accreditation, you must meet the following mandatory grading, attendance and practical performance requirements in all technical courses:
- 95 per cent attendance level (over the two-year program)
- 70 per cent (B) grade in all technical courses
- Successfully complete all mandatory practical tasks
Degree credit
As a graduate, you may be eligible to participate in articulated programs with select universities. These programs will allow you to receive a degree and academic credit for your work at Centennial College and apply that credit toward further study (e.g., Technology Management degree).
Program Highlights
- As a graduate of the Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance program, you may pursue a number of careers within the aviation industry working in a variety of roles with aircraft maintenance and manufacturing organizations, airlines, corporate/cargo/general aviation and flight training organizations as well as the Canadian Armed Forces and government.
- The program is structured to run in seven-week blocks, allowing you to concentrate your studies on a set number of courses within that time frame. At the end of the training block you'll complete your final test(s), have a one-week break period and then move onto the next set of training courses.
- If you don't meet any/all of the accreditation criteria, you may still be eligible to graduate from the program provided you successfully fulfil all requirements for graduation.
Notes:
- Due to the technical nature of the curriculum you must be able to read, write and comprehend the English language at a level exceeding basic conversational English.
- Classes may run between 7:30 am to 8:30 pm.
Program Overview
So, you've always had a fascination with helicopters, single-engine planes and jumbo jets, but now you want to be a part of one of mankind's greatest technological achievements and play an important role in the aviation industry? The Aviation Technician - Aircraft Maintenance program can help.
Accredited by Canada's federal licensing body, Transport Canada (TC), and the national aviation council, the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA), the offering will give you knowledge and skills to service, repair, overhaul and troubleshoot aircraft components and systems.
Why this program?
With more than 45 years teaching aircraft and avionics maintenance, Centennial's School of Transportation is, without question, the go-to institute if you’re serious about a career in the aviation industry. Your instructors will be some of the best in the business, with years of industry experience, extensive technical expertise, and a deep commitment to the program and to your success. They will be your guides as you work through the technical theory and your mentors as you work on real aircraft and components in onsite labs and hangar.
Support for this program from the top players in the industry (your future employers) is overwhelming. In fact, aviation industry giant Bombardier named Centennial as its trainer of choice in the manufacturing and maintenance of its aerospace products.
Because many of the program's partners and supporters are members of Centennial College's advisory committees and participate as guest speakers and panelists, the program is designed for your success. The wealth of knowledge and expertise they share with you first-hand will not only enhance your learning potential but will also give you valuable career direction insight.
The diploma you'll earn is highly coveted in the industry, and as a graduate of this program, you'll be well positioned to work with top-tier employers.
What can I expect?
The Aviation Technician - Aircraft Maintenance program will provide you with an understanding of aircraft maintenance areas such as general aviation, business and corporate aviation, and charter and transport category aviation.
Working in modern labs and an impressive aircraft hangar, you'll learn hands-on by working on both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Your instructors will walk you through techniques as you work on components like airframes, engines, electrical and hydraulic systems, propellers, avionics equipment and aircraft instruments. You'll also learn the essential theory and base of knowledge that will serve as a launching pad for growing your career.
Aviation Technician - Aircraft Maintenance is so robust it will also offer basic training required to obtain an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME – “M” rating). As a holder of an AME licence, you'll be qualified to certify (or release) aircraft for flight after the completion of maintenance, inspection, repair or modification. The importance of that responsibility cannot be understated. To that end, this program will be comprehensive and will require you to be dedicated and focused throughout the learning process.
What do I have when I’m done?
Accreditation
If you meet the accreditation standards of basic training required to obtain an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licence, you'll be exempt from having to write the TC technical examinations and will be granted 18 months experience credit toward the issue of an AME “M” rated licence. You'll also be recognized as having met the basic training requirements for CCAA occupational trade certification as an aircraft maintenance technician (AMT).
The passing grade for all technical courses is 60 per cent. To be eligible for accreditation, you must meet the following mandatory grading, attendance and practical performance requirements in all technical courses:
- 95 per cent attendance level (over the two-year program)
- 70 per cent (B) grade in all technical courses
- Successfully complete all mandatory practical tasks
Degree credit
As a graduate, you may be eligible to participate in articulated programs with select universities. These programs will allow you to receive a degree and academic credit for your work at Centennial College and apply that credit toward further study (e.g., Technology Management degree).
Program Highlights
- As a graduate of the Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance program, you may pursue a number of careers within the aviation industry working in a variety of roles with aircraft maintenance and manufacturing organizations, airlines, corporate/cargo/general aviation and flight training organizations as well as the Canadian Armed Forces and government.
- The program is structured to run in seven-week blocks, allowing you to concentrate your studies on a set number of courses within that time frame. At the end of the training block you'll complete your final test(s), have a one-week break period and then move onto the next set of training courses.
- If you don't meet any/all of the accreditation criteria, you may still be eligible to graduate from the program provided you successfully fulfil all requirements for graduation.
Notes:
- Due to the technical nature of the curriculum you must be able to read, write and comprehend the English language at a level exceeding basic conversational English.
- Classes may run between 7:30 am to 8:30 pm.
Courses
Career Options and Education Pathways
Companies Offering Jobs
Air Canada, Kelowna Flight craft, Great Slave Helicopters, Porter Airlines, Air Georgian, WestJet, Air Transat, Jazz, First Air, Toronto Airways, Brampton Flying club, Ottawa Flying Club, Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney, Messier Dowty, Vintage Wings, Transport Canada, IMP Group, Cascade Aerospace, Brant Aero, Department of National Defense
Career Outlook
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME)
- Aircraft maintenance technician (AMT)
- Airframe and power plant (A&P) mechanic or technician
- Aerospace mechanic
- Aircraft engine mechanic or technician
- Aviation mechanic
- Aviation Inspector
Education Pathways
Successful graduates of this Aircraft Maintenance - Aviation Technician diploma program have the opportunity to apply learning achieved at Centennial toward further study at the degree level. Listed below are the degrees from partnering institutions that are available for this program.
Please note that each partner pathway has minimum admission requirements in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the receiving partner institution.
| Partner Institution | Degree Program |
|---|---|
| Algoma University | Honours Bachelor of Arts in Multiple majors |
| Bachelor of Science in Multiple majors | |
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Commerce Post Diploma |
| Bachelor of Commerce Post Diploma with major | |
| Bachelor of Management (3-year) Post Diploma | |
| Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations Post Diploma | |
| British Columbia Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management |
| Griffith University | Bachelor of Aviation Management (Professional Experience program) |
| Lakehead University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor degree in Any major |
| Laurentian University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in Multiple majors |
| Nipissing University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in Multiple majors |
| Ontario Tech University | Honours Bachelor of Arts - Adult Education and Digital Technology |
| Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Bridge) | |
| Ottawa, University of | Honours Bachelor of Commerce |
| Seneca Polytechnic | Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies |
| University of Waterloo | Bachelor of Arts in Multiple majors |
| Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Multiple majors | |
| Bachelor of Mathematics in Multiple majors | |
| Bachelor of Science in Multiple majors | |
| Wilfrid Laurier University | Honours Bachelor of Arts in Multiple majors |
| York University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in Multiple majors |
| Honours Bachelor of Computer Science | |
| Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies (3- or 4-year) | |
| Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Science |
Please visit our website at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/ for more information on articulation agreements.
For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.
Educational Partners
Qualified graduates may be eligible to participate in an articulated program with select universities. These partnerships allow you to apply academic credit towards further study.
The Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance program's educational partner is British Columbia Institute of Technology, where you will be able to work towards a Technology Management degree.
Professional Associations
- Ontario Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Association
Placement Partners
Centennial’s Aerospace/Aviation department working in partnership with Air Canada, Air Georgian, Bombardier and other industry organizations, provides eligible students with the opportunity to take part in both work integrated learning and job shadowing opportunities (where and when available).
Accreditation
The programs are accredited by Transport Canada (TC) and the Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace (CCAA). Students that meet accreditation standards are:
- Exempt from having to write the TC technical examinations for issue of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME),
- Granted 18 months experience credit towards the issue of a TC AME “M” rated license, and
- Recognized as having met the basic training requirements for CCAA occupational trade certification as an AMT (aircraft maintenance technician).
To be eligible for accreditation students must meet mandatory grading, attendance and practical performance requirements in all technical courses, which include an absenteeism rate of less than five percent (of the total program hours), a 70% (B) grade in every course and successful completion of all mandatory practical tasks.
Areas of Employment
Graduate Aircraft Maintenance Technicians typically find employment working on the aircraft in the hangar and/or on the flight line. Industry employers include:
- Aircraft Maintenance & Manufacturing Organizations
- Airlines, Corporate/Cargo & General Aviation Operations
- Maintenance Repair & Overhaul Organizations
- Engine and Component Manufacturers
- Flight Training Organizations
- Canadian Armed Forces
- Government Civil Aviation
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
- Grade 12 English (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial English Admission Test
- Grade 11 Mathematics (M or U) or Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial College Engineering Math Skills Assessment for Admission
Additional Requirements
Transfer Credit
Due to Transport Canada accreditation requirements, the option for transfer credit is only applicable to certain General Education (COMM, GNED elective) courses in the Aviation Technician - Aircraft Maintenance program. Applicability/approval is subject to review.
Safety Requirements
Students are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (clear safety glasses with side shields, cotton coveralls and CSA approved safety boots/shoes) for all practical shop, lab and hangar activities.
Semester Requirements
1st Year :
6 or 12 inch steel scale (1/100ths of an inch scale)
Over Ear Hearing Protection 100 db min.recommended
2nd Year:
Cartridge Style Organic dust & fumes respirator
Tybek suit
#2 Phillips screw driver
Flash-light
Inspection Mirror
How to Apply
1. Apply Online
Are you an International Student? Apply directly to Centennial College here.
If you are applying through the Second Career Strategy, please apply at the Employment Training Centre for Second Career (Progress Campus). Second Career Strategy is a funding initiative for those who have been laid-off and are in need of training. For more information go to Second Career Strategy.
If you have previously attended a full-time program at Centennial College, you may be eligible for a Program Transfer. Visit Enrolment Services at any Campus for information.
All other applicants must apply online at Ontariocolleges.ca. A non-refundable application fee of $125 must accompany applications. The fee is payable online, by telephone, online banking, by mail, or in person to Ontariocolleges.ca. For more information go to Ontariocolleges.ca Application Fees.
2. Submit Documents
Current Ontario high school students and graduates from Ontario high schools: Notify your guidance counsellor that you have applied to college and your school will forward transcripts to Centennial College via Ontariocolleges.ca.
Graduates of college/university, or high school outside Ontario but within Canada: You are responsible for requesting that your educational institute sends any required documents and transcripts to Ontariocolleges.ca.
Applicants who attended school outside of Canada: If you are submitting transcripts to meet admission requirements, you must have the transcripts assessed by an independent credential assessment agency such as World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS).
For more information go to Submitting your Transcripts.
3. Confirm Your Offer of Admission
Offers of Admission are sent by mail to eligible applicants. When you receive your offer, you must login to your account at Ontariocolleges.ca and confirm before the Deadline to Confirm noted in your offer letter.
You may confirm only one college and one program offer at a time.
You must confirm your offer by the Deadline to Confirm noted in your Offer of Admission letter or your seat may be given to another applicant.
When you confirm your Offer of Admission at Centennial College you are given access to your personal myCentennial account where you can check your email, grades, register for courses, pay tuition fees, and see your class timetable.
4. Pay Fees
Centennial fees statements are sent by email to your personal email account and to your myCentennial email account. Fees statements are not mailed.
You must make a minimum payment by the Fees Deadline noted in your Fees Statement, or your seat may be given to another applicant.
5. Build Your Timetable (Register for Courses)
Build your timetable (web-register for courses) at my.centennialcollege.ca.
Fall registration begins mid-July
January registration begins mid-December
May registration begins mid-April
Your web-registration will not open if:
You have not submitted your minimum fee payment by the deadline
You received a Conditional Offer of Admission, and you have not met the conditions of your offer.
Once you have paid your fees or have made appropriate arrangements, register for your courses online through myCentennial.
Tuition and Fees
Fees noted below are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters, beginning Fall 2024.
| Student | Tuition (2 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $4,156.00 | $1,177.34 | $5,333.34 |
| International | $20,785.00 | $1,665.52 | $22,450.52 |
Technology Requirements
Technology Requirements
This program is part of the BringIT initiative, which means students taking it will need to be able to consistently access and use a mobile computing device that meets or exceeds the program’s recommended hardware requirements.
Students with Accessibility Needs: If you require accommodations for a documented disability, please consider your adaptive technology needs when you select a device for your program. If you want to access disability services, you can make an appointment with the Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling Services, by calling 416-289-5000 ext. 3850, or by email at calcs@centennialcollege.ca.
Want to know more? Check out Frequently Asked Questions for our BringIT Program.
Students from this program will need to have consistent access to the following:
Minimum Recommended Specifications:
- Windows Laptop or Surface Device with:
- Intel Core i5 or AMD equivalent processor;
- 8GB or more of RAM;
- 256GB HD, USB port;
- Windows 10 Operating System
- Recommended:
- Built-in Ethernet Port; Audio/Mic combo;
- A Solid State Drive (SSD);
- 15 inch Touch Screen;
- A laptop with a battery life of 3hrs or better
OR
- Macbook Air or Pro, 2018 or later
Minimum Internet Requirement:
You will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection. High-speed broadband access (LAN, Cable or DSL) with minimum 50mbps download speed is highly recommended.
ClassAPPs 2.0
Students are invited to use Centennial College’s ClassAPPs 2.0, an all-in-one system that lets you use all of the digital tools you need to complete your college courses from the comfort of your own home, at any time, instead of finding the time to head for a computer lab. Any student can use the ClassAPPs 2.0 system with any modern, HTML5 enabled web browser, like Chrome, Edge or Firefox. Just log in to the service with the same ID and password you use to get into a College PC, and you instantly gain access to cloud-based software, and other learning resources.
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.
- Service, test, troubleshoot and repair aircraft and systems on large or small, fixed or rotary wing aircraft in accordance with manufacturers' specified instructions, accepted aviation techniques/practices and the requirements of the Canadian aviation regulations.
- Evaluate fixed wing and rotary aircraft structures including transparencies, materials and fasteners, furnishings and fabric coverings, and lines and conduits, to complete maintenance, assembly, fabrication and repair work on large and small aircraft.
- Perform scheduled and unscheduled inspections on aircraft structural systems to ensure they are in proper working order and meet standards of performance and safety.
- Remove, install and assemble airframe parts, components and assemblies as part of unscheduled maintenance and out-of-phase tasks.
- Remove, install, and configure the aircraft power plant and accessories on turbine and piston engines.
- Diagnose malfunctions and defects in aircraft systems and related components using technical manuals, drawings, wiring diagrams, engineering orders and standards of performance and safety.
- Complete minor structural repairs and modifications in accordance with technical manuals, standard practices and safety precautions.
- Perform component analysis using appropriate measuring devices to determine wear and fatigue repair or replacement tasks in order to maintain the aircraft’s airworthiness and safety.
- Dismantle, remove, reassemble and install airframes, turbine/piston engines and accessories for repair and overhaul.
- Interpret written instructions, schematics, manufacturer's specifications, technical drawings, manuals, and computer based information while performing routine and unscheduled tasks.
- Maintain inspection, repair, maintenance, and certification records and reports to meet industry regulations and logbook requirements.
- Perform all work in accordance with health and safety regulations, manufacturers' instructions and specifications, service bulletins and Transport Canada guidelines.
- Perform composite material repairs using advanced structural techniques and procedures in adherence with pertinent regulations and safety procedures.
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Ryan Gomes, Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance, GraduateI can't think of another college that could prepare me for the aviation industry like Centennial College has.
Being an Aircraft Maintenance Technician is a fascinating, technically and physically demanding occupation that not only requires great knowledge, but the hand skills to match.
...
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