Avionics Maintenance - Aviation Technician
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code8113
- Ministry NameAviation Technician – Avionics 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
Note: All transportation programs will take place on campus starting Fall 2022.
Do you have what it takes to repair, test and troubleshoot complex electronic navigation, guidance and communications systems, or the instrumentation and flight controls of an aircraft? Centennial College's Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance program will give you the skills and knowledge to do just that.
Why this program?
The Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance program is geared to the needs of the aircraft industry and will give you the essential theoretical knowledge and the practical skills to apply that knowledge on real aircraft and aircraft systems, under the focused direction of faculty. Not only do these faculty members bring years of industry experience and extensive technical expertise to the program, but they're also deeply committed to your success and to making this a highly desirable program.
In fact, aviation industry giant Bombardier named Centennial College as its trainer of choice in the manufacturing and maintenance of its aerospace products. Program partners and supporters, meanwhile, are members of Centennial College's advisory committees and participate as guest speakers and panelists, sharing their wealth of knowledge and expertise. That means you'll not only learn first-hand where your career can take you, but you'll also receive invaluable insight from those who have shaped the industry. As a program graduate, you'll already be in a perfect position to begin your career working with industry leaders.
What can I expect?
The best way to learn a skill is hands-on. At the School of Transportation, you'll have access to a variety of dedicated aviation labs and shops, including a large and impressive aircraft hangar, where you'll work on a variety of systems and aircraft. By the time you graduate, you'll be well prepared for work as a bench technician in avionics-approved shops at a variety of aviation organizations.
You'll learn the essential theory and broad base of knowledge for complex electronics and electrical systems related to the navigation, guidance, communications, instrumentation and flight controls of an aircraft. Working in labs, shops and the aircraft hangar, you'll practice the tasks and skills associated with shop bench work, and the testing, troubleshooting, repair, removal and installation of electrical, electronic and instrumentation systems.
The importance of the aircraft maintenance engineer — who is responsible for the certification of aircraft electrical and electronic systems after the completion of maintenance, inspection, repair or replacement — can't be understated. To that end, this program will be comprehensive and will require you to be dedicated and focused throughout the learning process.
What will 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 needed for a career in organizations that include general aviation, manufacturing, repair, overhaul and airlines.
Accreditation
Both the federal government licensing body, Transport Canada (TC), and the national aviation sector council, the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA) accredit the Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance program, which will also provide you with the basic training required to become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer (AME).
If you meet the accreditation standards, you'll be exempt from writing the TC technical examinations for issue of an AME licence and will be granted 18 months experience credit toward the issue of an AME “E” rated licence. You'll also be recognized as having met the basic training requirements for CCAA occupational trade certification as an avionics maintenance technician (AVT).
The passing grade for all technical courses is 60 per cent. 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 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 pathway programs with partnering institutions or articulated programs with select universities. These programs will allow you to receive degree and academic credit for your work at Centennial College and apply that credit toward further study (e.g., Technology Management degree).
Program Overview
Note: All transportation programs will take place on campus starting Fall 2022.
Do you have what it takes to repair, test and troubleshoot complex electronic navigation, guidance and communications systems, or the instrumentation and flight controls of an aircraft? Centennial College's Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance program will give you the skills and knowledge to do just that.
Why this program?
The Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance program is geared to the needs of the aircraft industry and will give you the essential theoretical knowledge and the practical skills to apply that knowledge on real aircraft and aircraft systems, under the focused direction of faculty. Not only do these faculty members bring years of industry experience and extensive technical expertise to the program, but they're also deeply committed to your success and to making this a highly desirable program.
In fact, aviation industry giant Bombardier named Centennial College as its trainer of choice in the manufacturing and maintenance of its aerospace products. Program partners and supporters, meanwhile, are members of Centennial College's advisory committees and participate as guest speakers and panelists, sharing their wealth of knowledge and expertise. That means you'll not only learn first-hand where your career can take you, but you'll also receive invaluable insight from those who have shaped the industry. As a program graduate, you'll already be in a perfect position to begin your career working with industry leaders.
What can I expect?
The best way to learn a skill is hands-on. At the School of Transportation, you'll have access to a variety of dedicated aviation labs and shops, including a large and impressive aircraft hangar, where you'll work on a variety of systems and aircraft. By the time you graduate, you'll be well prepared for work as a bench technician in avionics-approved shops at a variety of aviation organizations.
You'll learn the essential theory and broad base of knowledge for complex electronics and electrical systems related to the navigation, guidance, communications, instrumentation and flight controls of an aircraft. Working in labs, shops and the aircraft hangar, you'll practice the tasks and skills associated with shop bench work, and the testing, troubleshooting, repair, removal and installation of electrical, electronic and instrumentation systems.
The importance of the aircraft maintenance engineer — who is responsible for the certification of aircraft electrical and electronic systems after the completion of maintenance, inspection, repair or replacement — can't be understated. To that end, this program will be comprehensive and will require you to be dedicated and focused throughout the learning process.
What will 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 needed for a career in organizations that include general aviation, manufacturing, repair, overhaul and airlines.
Accreditation
Both the federal government licensing body, Transport Canada (TC), and the national aviation sector council, the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA) accredit the Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance program, which will also provide you with the basic training required to become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer (AME).
If you meet the accreditation standards, you'll be exempt from writing the TC technical examinations for issue of an AME licence and will be granted 18 months experience credit toward the issue of an AME “E” rated licence. You'll also be recognized as having met the basic training requirements for CCAA occupational trade certification as an avionics maintenance technician (AVT).
The passing grade for all technical courses is 60 per cent. 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 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 pathway programs with partnering institutions or articulated programs with select universities. These programs will allow you to receive degree and academic credit for your work at Centennial College and apply that credit toward further study (e.g., Technology Management degree).
Courses
Career Options and Education Pathways
Companies Offering Jobs
Air Canada, Kelowna Flight craft, Porter Airlines, Air Georgian, WestJet, Air Transat, Jazz, First Air, Bombardier, Magellan Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Messier Dowty, Transport Canada, IMP Group, Mid Canada Mod Centre, Kitchener Aero, Cascade Aerospace, Department of National Defense, Flight Safety Canada Aviation
Program Highlights
- The Avionics Maintenance Technician program is geared directly to the needs of the aircraft industry.
- 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 or all of the accreditation criteria, you may still be eligible to graduate from the program provided you successfully complete all graduation requirements.
- 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 the hours of 7:30 am to 8:30 pm
Career Outlook
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME)
- Avionics maintenance technician (AVT)
- Avionics/Electrical/Electronic mechanic or technician
- Electrical systems technician
- Aviation mechanic
- Aviation Inspector
Education Pathways
Successful graduates of this Avionics 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 pathway programs with partnering institutions. These pathway programs allow you to receive degree credit for learning obtained at Centennial College. Our partners include:
- Athabasca University, Alberta
- Seneca College, Ontario
- Wilfred Laurier University, Ontario
- Algoma University, Ontario
Professional Associations
- Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA)
Placement Partners
Centennial’s Aerospace and 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 “E” rated license, and
- Recognized as having met the basic training requirements for CCAA occupational trade certification as an AVT (avionics 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 Avionics Maintenance Technicians typically find employment working on aircraft (hangar) and off aircraft (shops, bench work) as aircraft maintenance engineers (AME), avionics maintenance technicians (AVT), avionics/electrical/electronic mechanics or technicians, aviation mechanics, or aviation inspectors for a variety of employers including:
- Aircraft Maintenance & Manufacturing Organizations
- Airlines
- Corporate/Cargo & General Aviation Operations
- Avionics Repair & Overhaul Organizations
- 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 - Avionics Maintenance program. Applicability and 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.
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 avionics and electrical systems to complete maintenance and repair work on large and small aircrafts.
- Perform scheduled and unscheduled inspections on aircraft communication, navigation, surveillance and flight guidance systems to ensure they are in proper working order and meet standards of performance and safety.
- Remove, install and assemble avionics parts, components and assemblies as part of unscheduled maintenance and out-of-phase tasks.
- Remove, install, and configure the aircraft power plant indication on both turbine and piston engines.
- Remove, install, configure, test, and evaluate function and operation of instrument, communication, navigation, surveillance and flight guidance systems.
- Diagnose malfunctions and defects in aircraft systems, avionics 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 and reassemble electrical and electronic systems 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.
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