Advanced Diploma in Aviation Technology - Aircraft Maintenance & Management Centennial College

• Program Code: 8312
• School: School of Transportation
• Credential: Ontario College Advanced Diploma
• Program Type: Post-secondary program
• Program Length: 3 years/ 6 semesters
• Location: Downsview Campus: Bombardier Centre for Aerospace and Aviation

Turn your fascination with helicopters, single-engine planes and jumbo jets into a career as an aviation technician (AMT) in aircraft maintenance with training from Centennial College's Aviation Technology - Aircraft Maintenance & Management program, which Transport Canada (TC) accredits.

Why this program?

Because the School of Transportation has been teaching aircraft and avionics maintenance for 40 years, it's highly regarded in the industry. Each of your instructors will be highly skilled with years of technical expertise, industry experience and a deep commitment to your success.

Top industry players also support the program. In fact, aviation industry giant Bombardier named Centennial College as its trainer of choice in the manufacturing and maintenance of its aerospace products. Additionally, program partners and supporters are members of Centennial College's advisory committees and participate as guest speakers and panellists. The wealth of knowledge and expertise they'll share with you will not only enhance your learning but will also give you valuable insight into the direction your career can take.

What can I expect?

The Aviation Technology - Aircraft Maintenance & Management program will provide you with an understanding of the different areas of aircraft maintenance, including general aviation, business and corporate aviation, and charter and transport category aviation.

In the College's modern labs and impressive aircraft hangar, you'll learn about both fixed and rotary wing aircraft with instructors walking you through techniques as you work on components such as 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.

Because it's such a robust program, Aviation Technology - Aircraft Maintenance & Management will also provide you with the basic training required to become a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME – “M” rating), while giving you the opportunity to obtain additional business and management skills related to and required by the industry at large.

As the 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?

Diploma

When you graduate from this program, you'll have a coveted diploma from a highly respected college, with the required knowledge and skills for a career in areas such as aircraft maintenance and manufacturing organizations, airlines, engine and component manufacturers, flight training companies, the Canadian Armed Forces and civil aviation.

Accreditation

The federal government licensing body, Transport Canada, accredits the Aviation Technician-Aircraft Maintenance and Management program, which will provide you with the basic training required to become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer. If you meet the accreditation standards, you'll be exempt from having to write the TC technical examinations for the issue of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licence and will be granted 18 months of experience credit toward the issue of an AME “M” rated licence.

The passing grade for all technical courses is 60 percent. To be eligible for accreditation, you'll be required to meet the following mandatory grading, attendance and practical performance requirements in all technical courses:

• 95 percent attendance level (over the two-year program)
• 70 percent (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., a Technology Management degree).

Semester 1

• ATAT-105 Basic Electricity - AC/DC
• ATAT-110 Applied Mathematics

1A

• ATAT-101 Theory of Flight
• ATAT-102 Aircraft Publications
• ATAT-104 Metallurgy & Processes
• ATAT-107 Intro to CARs, Human Factors & SMS
• ATAT-108 Orientation & Pathways to Success, Pt 1
• COMM-160/COMM-161 College Communications 1
• GNED-D General Education Elective

1B

• ATAT-103 AME Standard Practices
• ATAT-106 Basic Tools & Hardware
• COMM-160/161 College Communication 1
• GNED General Education Elective

Semester 2

2A

• ATAC-201 Circuit Control & Protection, Semiconductors
• ATAC-202 Motors & Generators
• ATAC-203 Avionics Systems
• ATAC-507 Pitot Static & Aircraft Engine Instrument Practices
• ATAV-210 CAD Programming

2B

• ATAC-204 Corrosion, NDI & Approved Parts
• ATAC-205 Aerodynamics
• ATAC-206 Aircraft Structures & Sheet Metal
• ATAT-201 Maintenance Records

2C

• ATAC-209 Emergency, Fire, Fuel, Systems
• ATAC-302 Hydraulic & Pneumatic Power Systems
• ATAC-303 Ice, Rain & Environmental Control Systems
• ATAC-509 Electrical Power Generation, Distribution

Semester 3

3A

• ATAC-207 Piston Engines 1
• ATAC-208 Turbine Engines 1
• ATAT-603 Airside Worker Safety and Security
• COMM-170/COMM-171 College Communications 2

3B

• ATAC-402 Rotary Wing Powertrain
• ATAT-310 Non-technical Skills
• COMM-170/171 College Communication 2
• GNED-500 Global Citizenship: From Social Analysis to Social Action

Semester 4

4A

• ATAC-301 Turbine Engines 2
• ATAC-404 Piston Engines 2
• ATAC-502 Propellers & Systems
• GNED-D General Education Elective

4B

• ATAC-403 Rotary Wing Systems & Procedures
• ATAC-405 Fire Protection & Auto Flight Systems
• GNED General Education Elective

4C

• ATAC-406 Landing Gear Systems, Servicing
• ATAC-503 Aircraft Systems Servicing Procedures
• ATAC-504 Inspection Procedures

Semester 5

5A

• ATAC-401 Aircraft Structures 2 and Composites
• ATAC-501 Turbine Engines 3
• ATAT-601 Ethical Behaviour in the Workplace

5B

• ATAC-505 Aircraft Communication Systems
• ATAC-506 Aircraft Navigation Systems
• ATAC-508 Data Bus and Writing Practices
• ENGL-250 Report Writing in a Technical Environment

Semester 6

6A

• ATAC-604 Avionics & Electrical
• ATAT-401 Aviation Maintenance Planning
• ATAT-602 Aviation and Aerospace Manager
• ATAT-700 Canadian Aviation Regulations

6B

• ATAC-601 Powerplant
• ATAC-602 Maintenance Procedures
• ATAC-603 Airframe Aerodynamics
• ATAT-604 Business Skills

Minimum Passing Grade: a "C" grade in all courses, except COMM/GNED, is required to graduate

Program Highlights

• 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 on to 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.

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, manufacturer's instructions and specifications, service bulletins and Transport Canada guidelines.
• Perform composite material repairs using advanced structural techniques and procedures in adherence to pertinent regulations and safety procedures.
• Evaluate, modify and implement quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
• Apply human resource practices, and principles of business ethics and corporate social responsibility to support organizational objectives.
• Manage projects using leadership principles and industry best practices appropriate to project requirements in order to achieve project goals.
• Develop strategies for personal, career and entrepreneurial development to enhance work performance and maintain currency with the aerospace industry.

Companies Offering Jobs

Air Canada, Kelowna Flightcraft, 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 (AP) mechanic or technician
• Aerospace mechanic
• Aircraft engine mechanic or technician
• Aviation mechanic
• Aviation Inspector

Education Pathways

Successful graduates of the Aviation Technology - Aircraft Maintenance and Management Advanced Diploma program have the opportunity to apply their credits 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 a specific minimum grade requirement in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the partner institution.

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