Three Aviation Program Options at Centennial College Have Something for Everyone

The world of aviation is a diverse one that involves pilots, mechanics, flight instructors, avionics technicians and more. The professionals who fill these positions all get their start by attending an aviation program that caters to their particular area of interest. At Centennial College, students can attend three very different aviation programs, all of which fall under The School of Transportation umbrella. As such, whether they attend Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance, Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance or Professional Pilot Training, they study out of the school’s Ashtonbee Campus. This location houses Canada’s largest transportation training centre, which boasts state-of-the-art facilities, complete with a fully equipped hangar and tools of the trade. There are even airplanes that have been donated to the school and serve to help students master their craft.

The first aviation program is the Professional Pilot Training program, which is presented as a collaboration between Centennial College and Durham Flight Centre (where students obtain flight practice). This aviation program consists of three phases. During the first, students are required to obtain a grade average of 70 per cent and are required to successfully complete all ground school flight training requirements of the Private Pilot Phase within a certain time frame to go into the next program phase. In the Commercial Pilot Phase, students must maintain a 75 per cent average and are again required to complete all ground school and flight training requirements to move onto the last phase. The Multi Engine IGF Rating phase requires a 75 per cent and all ground school and flight training requirements to also be completed within a certain timeframe.

The other two aviation programs at Centennial College focus on the role of aviation technicians and are both approved by Transport Canada approved and certified by the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council as a recognized aircraft maintenance-training programs. Graduates of both of these avionics programs work in many areas of the industry including: manufacturers, airlines, aircraft, electronic and avionics maintenance companies; and other Canadian aviation operations

The first of these aviation programs is Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance program, which covers: aircraft maintenance, power plant structures, inspections, troubleshooting, mechanical, electrical and electronic applications. Also emphasized is the repair of a wide range of electrical and mechanical systems within an aircraft including: hydraulics, fuels, environmental systems, engines, surface controls and undercarriage systems, and the aircraft’s frame and external skin. Aviation maintenance servicing practices and procedures as well as aviation regulation requirements, round out training.

The final aviation program offering is Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance program. Taking two years to complete, it prepares bench technicians for work in avionic-approved shops and aircraft manufacturing companies. In this offering students develop skills in, basic electronics and sophisticated avionic systems used in modern aircraft. The aircraft’s various electronic systems are examined, including: electrical power distribution and control, navigation, flight instrumentation, communication and radar.