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This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 term. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus. Learn more
Overview
Study for a career as an aircraft repair or structures technician, leading up to your Aircraft Maintenance Engineer license, through this program that teaches the modification and repair of aircraft, helicopters and their structural components.
The Aircraft Structures Technician program offers the student the knowledge and skills required to enter a career to become an aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) “S”. As an “S” licensed aircraft maintenance engineer, you will be responsible for the manufacture and repair of aircraft and aircraft components.
The Aircraft Structures Technician program covers all the aspects of aircraft structure repair to general aviation, corporate, charter, transport category aircraft, and helicopters. Training includes traditional aluminum sheet metal structure as well as advanced composite material manufacturing and repair.
The program is two semesters in length. All classes are scheduled at the Art Smith Aero Centre for Training and Technology, located at the Calgary International Airport.
Some of the courses in this program are web-based and will require the students to access information online. These courses are delivered in one of the two computer labs available at the Art Smith Aero Centre.
Is this the right fit for me?
Most successful students spend approximately one hour each day doing homework and review, with additional study required to prepare for exams.
The material is presented at a fairly rapid rate so for the greatest level of success students must be present and take responsibility for their learning experience.
Students must be able to read, write and comprehend the English language at a level exceeding basic conversational English. Students with higher grades usually experience more success in SAIT programs.
Accreditation
The program's accreditation is ongoing and subject to periodic audits from Transport Canada. To receive Transport Canada credit towards the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers "S" license, graduates who are in compliance with the required attendance (95%) and minimum marks of 70% receive 10 months credit towards the "S" Category AME license.
Credential
Students who complete all courses by achieving 50% or higher as well as maintaining a 2.0 GPA will receive a SAIT Aircraft Structures Technician certificate.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- aircraft structures technician
- aircraft maintenance engineer (AME)*
* Upon completion of their AME “S” license.
Related careers include:
- aerospace engineer
- avionics technician
100%
$40,100
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $7,599
Year 1 (International): $24,581
Year 1: TBA
Year 1 (International): $23,501 (+fees TBD)
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
Over 85 years of aviation
We started with our first class, Aeronautics, in 1930. And over 85 years later, we are now a leader in aviation training. In 2004 we opened the Art Smith Aero Centre for Training and Technology, Canada's most comprehensive aerospace training facility, located at the Calgary International Airport.
Admission Requirements
Admission and selection
- Fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission requirements
At least 50% in the following courses or their equivalents:
- Math 20-1 or Math 20-2 or Pure Math 20 or Applied Math 20,
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
- All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct Entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Log in to mySAIT.ca to check your admission status and monitor changes to your application status.
Failure to meet anticipated final grades will result in offers being rescinded.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We receive a significant number of applications for this program so the selection process can take some time. Every effort will be made to maintain the timeline above. We appreciate your patience.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| AERO-203 | Aircraft Wood and Fabric Repair | 1.5 |
| AERO-204 | Aircraft Windows and Lenses | 1.5 |
| AERO-207 | Aerodynamics for Aircraft Structures | 1.5 |
| AERO-300 | Interpretation of Aircraft Drawings | 1.5 |
| AREG-250 | Introduction to Canadian Aviation Regulatory Requirements | 1.5 |
| EMTL-224 | Intro to Aircraft Metallurgy | 1.5 |
| EMTL-335 | Introduction to Aircraft Metal Structures | 6.0 |
| ENGN-230 | Aircraft Propulsion | 1.5 |
| INSP-203 | NDI Introduction for Aircraft | 1.5 |
| STDP-230 | Standard Practices Lab | 1.5 |
| STDP-235 | Standard Practices Theory | 1.5 |
| Semester 1 total | 21.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ASYS-306 | Airframe Systems Theory | 1.5 |
| EMTL-330 | Aircraft Composite Structures | 6.0 |
| EMTL-336 | Advanced Aircraft Metal Structures | 6.0 |
| HFAC-245 | Human Factors | 1.5 |
| INSP-226 | Aircraft Corrosion | 1.5 |
| PNTG-234 | Aircraft Sealing | 1.5 |
| Semester 2 total | 18.0 | |
| Program total | 39.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $ 6,377 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $7,599 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $23,268 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $24,581 |
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 domestic tuition and fees.
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 fees and program total.
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $23,501 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Books are approximately $400 for the year.
- The required tools and personal safety equipment will cost approximately $850; however, prices vary depending on the quality and brand of tools chosen.
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Fall 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 4, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
A tool list and timeline for purchasing the items will be provided at orientation.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
Students will require coveralls, safety glasses and a respirator.
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during orientation, where you can purchase these items using debit or credit.
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.7018
Email: aerocentre@sait.ca
Academic chair
Stephanie Hogewoning, Academic Chair
Email: stephanie.hogewoning@sait.ca