Avionics Maintenance and Management - Aviation Technology
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code8313
- Ministry NameAviation Technology - Avionics Maintenance and Management
- SchoolSchool of Transportation
- CredentialOntario College Advanced Diploma
- Program TypePost-secondary program
- Program Length3 years/ 6 semesters
- LocationDownsview Campus: Bombardier Centre for Aerospace and Aviation
- Emailaerospacedepartment@centennialcollege.ca
- Telephone416-289-5000 ext. 57281
- Technology Requirements
- Program Overview
- Courses
- Career Options and Education Pathways
- Admission Requirements
- How to Apply
- Tuition and Fees
- Technology Requirements
- Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Advising Services
If you think you have what it takes to build and repair complex electronic navigation, guidance and communications systems, or repair the instrumentation and flight controls of an aircraft, Centennial College's Aviation Technology - Avionics Maintenance and Management program can help.
Why this program?
Accredited by Transport Canada (TC), the Aviation Technology - Avionics Maintenance and Management program is geared to the aircraft industry's needs, and the College's highly skilled faculty members and instructors are some of the best in the business. They bring with them years of industry experience and extensive technical expertise as well as a deep commitment to your success.
Beyond faculty support, aviation industry giant Bombardier named Centennial its trainer of choice in the manufacturing and maintenance of its aerospace products. External program partners and supporters are members of Centennial's advisory committees and participate as guest speakers and panelists, sharing their wealth of knowledge and expertise with students. 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.
The combination of essential theoretical knowledge and the practical skills to apply that knowledge on real aircraft and aircraft systems, under the focused direction of industry-seasoned faculty and instructors, with industry support, will result in a 360-degree education.
What can I expect?
By the time you graduate, you'll be fully 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 a large 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. This program will also give you the opportunity to obtain additional business and management skills related to and required by the industry at large.
An aircraft maintenance engineer is responsible for the certification of aircraft electrical and electronic systems after the completion of maintenance, inspection, repair or replacement. 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 will I have when I'm done?
Diploma
You'll graduate with a coveted diploma from a highly respected college, with the required knowledge and skills needed for a career in organizations that will include general aviation, manufacturing, repair, overhaul and airlines.
Accreditation
With TC accreditation, the program will provide you with the basic training required to become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer. If you meet accreditation standards, you'll be exempt from writing the TC technical examinations for issue of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Licence and will be granted 18 months experience credit toward the issue of an AME "E" rated licence.
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 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
If you think you have what it takes to build and repair complex electronic navigation, guidance and communications systems, or repair the instrumentation and flight controls of an aircraft, Centennial College's Aviation Technology - Avionics Maintenance and Management program can help.
Why this program?
Accredited by Transport Canada (TC), the Aviation Technology - Avionics Maintenance and Management program is geared to the aircraft industry's needs, and the College's highly skilled faculty members and instructors are some of the best in the business. They bring with them years of industry experience and extensive technical expertise as well as a deep commitment to your success.
Beyond faculty support, aviation industry giant Bombardier named Centennial its trainer of choice in the manufacturing and maintenance of its aerospace products. External program partners and supporters are members of Centennial's advisory committees and participate as guest speakers and panelists, sharing their wealth of knowledge and expertise with students. 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.
The combination of essential theoretical knowledge and the practical skills to apply that knowledge on real aircraft and aircraft systems, under the focused direction of industry-seasoned faculty and instructors, with industry support, will result in a 360-degree education.
What can I expect?
By the time you graduate, you'll be fully 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 a large 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. This program will also give you the opportunity to obtain additional business and management skills related to and required by the industry at large.
An aircraft maintenance engineer is responsible for the certification of aircraft electrical and electronic systems after the completion of maintenance, inspection, repair or replacement. 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 will I have when I'm done?
Diploma
You'll graduate with a coveted diploma from a highly respected college, with the required knowledge and skills needed for a career in organizations that will include general aviation, manufacturing, repair, overhaul and airlines.
Accreditation
With TC accreditation, the program will provide you with the basic training required to become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer. If you meet accreditation standards, you'll be exempt from writing the TC technical examinations for issue of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Licence and will be granted 18 months experience credit toward the issue of an AME "E" rated licence.
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 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 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 be eligible to graduate from the program provided you successfully complete all the 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 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 the Avionics Maintenance and Management - Aviation Technology advanced 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 | |
| British Columbia Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management |
| Lakehead University | Bachelor of Engineering Post Diploma |
| 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 - Educational Studies |
| Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Bridge) | |
| Seneca Polytechnic | Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies |
| University of Ottawa | Honours Bachelor of Commerce |
| University of Waterloo | Bachelor of Arts - Multiple majors |
| Bachelor of Environmental Studies - Multiple majors | |
| Bachelor of Mathematics - Multiple majors | |
| Bachelor of Science - Multiple majors | |
| Wilfrid Laurier University | Honours Bachelor of Arts in Multiple majors |
| York University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor Degree in Any major |
| Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Science in Multiple majors | |
| Honours Bachelor of Computer Science | |
| Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies (3- or 4-year) |
Please 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 program is accredited by the Federal Government Licensing body (Transport Canada) and the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace. 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
Graduates 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
You will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (clear safety glasses, cotton coveralls and CSA approved safety boots/shoes) for all practical shop, lab and hangar activities.
You will be expected to invest extra time on study, mandatory project completion and exam preparation.
Training in this program may be scheduled between the hours of 7:30 am through 8:30 pm.
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 Technology - Avionics Maintenance & Management 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
Effective immediately, there will be no further intakes for this program, however, it will remain operational until April 2027.
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 | $1,097.34 | $5,253.34 |
| International | $20,785.00 | $1,585.52 | $22,370.52 |
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 aircraft.
- 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.
- Perform composite material repairs using advanced structural techniques and procedures in adherence with 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.
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