Aviation Technology Degree

Program Description

Seneca's Bachelor of Aviation Technology program is the only aviation technology–based degree program in Canada. We’ve been the national leader in aviation education for more than 40 years and responding to emerging industry demands, we’re now educating students at the degree level.

Our Bachelor of Aviation Technology program provides a rigorous aviation technology–based curriculum and the application of this theory to aviation. The breadth of knowledge and skills prepares you 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.

You’ll also learn business management, airport operations and planning, and air carrier administration to gain a "larger sense" of the aviation industry and ultimately access a greater variety of careers in the industry.

Program Learning Outcomes:

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:

• Independently fly and safely operate multi–engine airplanes;
• 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;
• Conduct yourself professionally and ethically and promote a professional pilot image;
• Be confident with automation, complex equipment and technically challenging systems and with the verification of status, level and programming of automated systems;
• Maintain safe operating conditions for all geographical areas and flying conditions;
• Communicate effectively and concisely ideas, directions, and operations, in written and oral communications;
• Use effective stress–management strategies;
• Demonstrate appropriate and effective decision making skills;
• Demonstrate effective leadership and motivation skills.

Essential Employability Skills:

Graduates of this program are also expected to demonstrate the essential employability skills learning outcomes as outlined on the Ministry of Training, College and Universities website.

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 designated Transport Canada Aviation Medical Examiner, 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. 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 merit and financial needs.

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. Seminars, workshops and tutoring are available at Seneca's Learning Centres.

Fees

Loading Tuition Costs

Your Career

The Bachelor of Aviation Technology program puts you at the leading edge of aviation training. As a graduate of this program, you will be well–positioned to compete in the global market as a professional pilot in general aviation and with regional air carriers, later progressing to corporate aviation and major airlines. The breadth and depth of the program mean that you could also pursue exciting careers in government regulatory agencies, airport authorities, flight test and evaluation, aircraft manufacture and marketing, and the aviation insurance industry.

In addition to traditional technological and flight competencies, the aviation industry is increasingly demanding management and interpersonal skills. Our Crew Resource Management and Human Factors training help develop these competencies and the result is that this degree program is ideally positioned to meet the future requirements of the Canadian and global aerospace industry. Every year we’re graduating technically competent future managers and leaders.

Your career options will increase with experience and many graduates can expect a progression to management ranks over time. You’ll also have the opportunity to pursue additional studies at the graduate level. Details on these opportunities are available from the Program Director.

Degree Structure

Co-operative Education

Students in the Flight Program benefit from a full-time consecutive co-operative 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

This 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 flight training is carried out seven days per week and students will be required to fly weekends during their training.

Tuition

Tuition fees for this program are significantly higher than other college degree programs. Fees include tuition and Flying classes.

For more detailed information, please see the 2012/2013 Fee Policies for this program:

• For Canadian Residents
• For International Students on Study Permit

Promotion Policy

Attendance to all classes is a Transport Canada requirement for promotion. Students must pass all Transport Canada exams, which have higher pass grades.

In accordance with PEQAB requirements, this program has a minimal overall acceptable achievement for progression.

Curriculum

* Students will take one option in Semester 2 and the other in Summer 1.

Seneca has been granted a consent by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer this degree for a 5-year term starting September 8, 2008. In conformity with the Minister’s criteria and requirements, Seneca will submit an application for the renewal of the consent for this program 12 months prior to the expiration of the consent. Seneca shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

Contact Us

Apply Online

• Canadian Students
• International Students