Flight Program

(Degree)

Program Description

Seneca College has been a national leader in the field of aviation education since 1968. Increasingly, airlines have shown a preference for hiring individuals who have completed a degree program. With the exception of the Seneca College degree program in Flight, there are no aviation technology-based degree programs offered in Canada.

The Bachelor of Applied Technology (Flight Program) provides a rigorous aviation technology- based curriculum and the application of this theory to aviation. The breadth of knowledge and skills allows graduates to operate safely in a complex aircraft, to understand the technologies and human factors that affect the successful operation of an aircraft and to assume the professional responsibility associated with being a commercial pilot.

Business management, airport operations and planning, and air carrier administration courses provide a "larger sense" of the aviation industry and will allow students to access a greater variety of careers in the industry.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Six Grade 12 (U) or (M) courses with a minimum 65% average including:
  • Grade 12 English: ENG4(U)
  • Grade 12 Mathematics: Calculus and Vectors MCV4(U)
  • Grade 12 Mathematics: Advanced Functions MHF4(U)
  • Grade 12 Physics: SPH4(U)
• Candidates must attend a mandatory College orientation session
• Candidates who are offered admission to the program must also pass a medical examination administered by a physician designated by the College and a drug and alcohol test, prior to starting classes at Seneca. In order to pass the medical examination, candidates must meet Transport Canada’s Physical and Mental Requirements Category 1.
• Mature students (age 19 years or older) must submit proof of credits in the above subjects or their equivalent.

Recommended:

• Grade 11 (U) Chemistry

Applicant Selection:

• In addition to grades in the required subjects, applicants must attend a mandatory College orientation session and complete given assignments and/or tests. Those offered admission must pass a medical exam administered by a physician designated by the College, pass a drug and alcohol test and must not have any criminal convictions that would preclude them from holding an airport security clearance.
• Please note it is common practice for the Aviation Industry to require police criminal checks and drug testing on employment. Due to these industry requirements the College has changed its entrance requirements to address these practices.
• In order for students to fly to the United States during their flight training, it is strongly recommended that students have a valid Canadian passport or a United States entrance visa.

Restrictions:

• Persons holding a Commercial Pilot Licence may not be eligible for the FPR program. Contact the Program Director for further information.

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are available for candidates with distinguished academic records in their high school careers. A variety of scholarships and bursaries are available to students based on merits/financial needs.

Your Career

The Bachelor of Applied Technology (Flight Program) is structured to meet emerging training requirements identified by the aviation industry and to position graduates to compete in the global aviation market. Primary employment opportunities will occur as professional pilots in general aviation and regional air carriers with progression to corporate aviation, and major airlines. The breadth and depth of the program will also permit graduates to excel in such areas as government regulatory agencies, airport authorities, flight test and evaluation, aircraft manufacture and marketing, and the aviation insurance industry.

Seneca College has been granted a consent by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer the Bachelor of Applied Technology flight program. This program is also accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI). This board accredits Aviation University and College aviation programs. The School of Aviation and Flight Technology are members of the University Aviation Association (UAA) and the Air Transportation Assocation of Canada (ATAC). This program is Transport Canada approved (Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Program (ATP (A)).

Note: For students interested in a Military Career, this program may be eligible for the Canadian Forces, Regular Officers Training Plan ROTP. Please visit your local recruitment office for more details.

In addition to traditional technological and flight competencies, the aviation industry is increasingly focusing on the requirement for management and interpersonal skills. Crew Resource Management and Human Factors training help develop these competencies. The Bachelor of Applied Technology (Flight Program) is ideally positioned to meet the future requirements of the Canadian and global aerospace industry by graduating technically competent future managers and leaders.

The scope, complexity, and responsibility of available employment options will increase with experience, with eventual progression to management ranks. Graduates of this program have the opportunity to pursue additional studies at the graduate level. Details on these opportunities are available from the Program Director.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Technology (Flight Program) will be able to:

1. Independently fly and safely operate multiengine airplanes;
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and the appropriate application of aerospace principles, airplane design, airplane characteristics, operational limitations, aerodynamic principles and airplane properties for a variety of airplanes and designs;
3. Conduct themselves professionally and ethically and promote a professional pilot image;
4. Be confident with automation, complex equipment and technically challenging systems and with the verification of status, level and programming of automated systems;
5. Maintain safe operating conditions for all geographical areas and flying conditions;
6. Communicate effectively and concisely ideas, directions, and operations, in written and oral communications;
7. Use effective stress-management strategies;
8. Demonstrate appropriate and effective decision making skills;
9. Demonstrate effective leadership and motivation skills.

Applied Degree Structure

Co-operative Education

Students in the Flight Program are required to participate in a full-time consecutive cooperative education work experience. One successful (as indicated by the learning outcomes for co-operative education work terms) work term of 14 weeks is required for graduation. This work term may be taken during Term 3 of either Year 2 or Year 3.

Flight Training

The Seneca College flight program is a Transport Canada approved Integrated Airline Transport Pilot training program that prepares students to be Commercial Airline Pilots. Intensive flight and simulator training is an integral part of this rigorous degree program. Eight semesters of flight training is a required component of the program. Two of these Intensive training semesters will occur during the summer months.

Students who are unable to achieve a satisfactory rating in their flight training after a set number of attempts, will be withdrawn from the FPR program and will be ineligible for re-admission. Please note that the flight training is carried out seven days per week and students will be required to fly some weekends during their training. Students are also required to adhere to a dress code for all classes and flight training.

Tuition

Tuition fees for this program are significantly higher than other college degree programs. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

Promotion Policy

The Post Secondary Education Quality Assessment Board has mandated promotion and graduation requirements for all applied degree programs. Students in the Flight Program must achieve a minimum grade of C+ in all courses in order to be promoted in the program*. Attendance to all classes is a Transport Canada requirement for promotion.

* Students must pass all Transport Canada exams, which have higher pass grades.

The Importance of Learning Skills

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills.

Curriculum

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