Centennial College

Preparing to become a bench technician for avionic-approved shops and aircraft manufacturing companies is a very intensive process as technicians maintain engine operations, flight patterns, navigation systems, radio communications and weather radar systems; and inspect, test and double-check electrical power distribution and control as well as flight instrumentation. The avionics program you choose should include classroom and shop activities through which you gain both theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as hands-on skills and experience through the demonstration and application of standard industry techniques and processes that are included and imbedded in the program curriculum. One aviation program that includes all this and much more is Centennial College’s Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance offering.

But that’s not all that makes this aviation program stand apart from others. The offering is facilitated from Ashtonbee Campus, which the largest training school for transportation technology in Canada. The campus includes a fully functional aircraft hangar, licensed by Transport Canada, complete with a “fleet” of 10 aircraft, which are used as training aids by the aviation program students. Also housed within this facility is modern equipment reflecting the current trends in the industry. Not only are these facilities well equipped but partners and supporters of the program are members of Centennial College’ advisory committees and participate as guest speakers and panelists, sharing their knowledge and expertise for the benefit and enhancement of the program. This results in students and the College being provided with aircraft, components, technical resources and access to industry information and the latest technology.

The curriculum of the aviation program is divided evenly between theory and lab training with shop work on various aircraft, learning basic electronics and sophisticated avionic systems used in modern aircraft and becoming comfortable with the aircraft’s various electronic systems. Specific topics covered with the undertaking include: safety and human factors, piston engines and propellers, sheet metal and aircraft structures, tools, materials and processes; theory of flight, aircraft publication, aircraft applied mathematics, electrical fundamentals, avionics fundamentals, aviation installation practices, avionics troubleshooting practices and more.

Graduation from this aviation technician schools program, requires students to obtain at minimum a C grade in all courses. Transport Canada accreditation requires both a minimum B grade in every course and an absentee rate of less than five per cent of the total program hours. Graduates who meet attendance requirements, project completion requirements, and attain 70 per cent in each course, are granted up to 18 months credit towards their Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s licence (E rating).

Lastly, in order to apply for the aviation program students must possess at least an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or General Education Development or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, they must have completed the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent and Math 11M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent.