Overview
The Avionics Technology program offers the student the knowledge and skills required to start a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) “E”. As an “E” licensed AME, you will be responsible for servicing and repairing aircraft electrical and electronic systems. An “E” licensed aircraft maintenance engineer will maintain and repair the aircraft's communication, navigation and data systems. This program covers all the aspects of aircraft avionics systems used in general aviation, corporate, charter, transport category aircraft and helicopters.
The program is four semesters long with a break between semesters two and three. All classes are scheduled at the Art Smith Aero Centre for Training and Technology, located at the Calgary International Airport.
Is this the right fit for me?
Most successful students spend approximately two hours daily doing homework and reviewing, 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.
Graduates who comply with the required attendance (95%) and have minimum marks of 70% in each course will receive Transport Canada credit for 18 months' work experience towards the 'E' category AME license.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT diploma in Avionics Technology.
Get more information about this and similar programs
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- avionics technician
- avionics technologist
- aircraft electronics technician
- mechanic
Related careers include:
- electronic engineering technologist
- aircraft structures technician
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $9,424
- Year 2: $8,710
International total 2023/24
- Year 1: $24,225.16
- Year 2: $22,165.60
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
Government of Alberta invests $10.8 million in SAIT to fund high-demand programs
Investment in SAIT allows more students to pursue programs in growing industries
Admission requirements
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 50% in Math 30-1 or 30-2
- at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 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. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
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 to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through the application portal.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
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 recommend you add the transportation.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | Dec. 16, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2023 |
| Spring 2024 | May 6, 2024 | Dec. 13, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First year
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| AERO-220 | Aerodynamics | 1.5 |
| ELCM-355 | Avionics Systems Introduction Theory | 1.5 |
| ELCM-356 | Avionics Systems Introduction Lab | 1.5 |
| ELEC-214 | Electricity for Aircraft Theory | 1.5 |
| ELTR-216 | Applied Sciences for Aviation Electronics | 1.5 |
| ELTR-235 | Electronics I Theory | 3.0 |
| ELTR-236 | Electronics I Lab | 3.0 |
| STDP-215 | Standard Practices I Theory | 1.5 |
| STDP-224 | Standard Practices I Lab | 1.5 |
| Semester 1 total | 16.5 | |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| AREG-250 | Introduction to Canadian Aviation Regulatory Requirements | 1.5 |
| DATA-310 | Aircraft Instruments | 1.5 |
| DFTG-250 | Aircraft Electrical Drawing I | 1.5 |
| DIGI-235 | Digital I Theory | 3.0 |
| DIGI-236 | Digital I Lab | 1.5 |
| ELCM-250 | Electronic Communications Theory | 1.5 |
| ELTR-259 | Electronics II Theory | 3.0 |
| ELTR-260 | Electronics II Lab | 1.5 |
| STDP-283 | Standard Practices II Lab | 1.5 |
| Semester 2 total | 16.5 | |
Second year
Semester 3
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ASYS-307 | Electrical System Interfacing and Installation Theory | 3.0 |
| ASYS-310 | Aircraft Navigation Systems | 1.5 |
| ASYS-351 | Electrical Interface II Laboratory | 1.5 |
| COMM-249 | Technical Communications | 1.5 |
| DFTG-305 | Aircraft Electrical Drawing II | 1.5 |
| ELCM-348 | Communications Systems II Laboratory | 3.0 |
| ELCM-349 | Communications Systems II Theory | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ASYS-220 | Aircraft Systems Theory | 1.5 |
| ASYS-225 | Aircraft Systems Laboratory | 1.5 |
| AVTR-353 | Introduction to Technical Records | 1.5 |
| CMPH-365 | Aircraft Computers | 1.5 |
| CNTR-360 | AutoPilot and Control Systems | 1.5 |
| EFAB-340 | Avionics Systems Installation | 1.5 |
| ELCM-390 | Avionics Systems Laboratory | 3.0 |
| ENGN-240 | Aircraft Engines Theory | 1.5 |
| HFAC-245 | Human Factors | 1.5 |
| Semester 4 total | 15.0 | |
| Program total | 63.0 | |
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.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $7,854 | $948 | $622 | $9,424 |
| 2 | 2 | $7,140 | $948 | $622 | $8,710 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $22,655.16 | $948 | $622 | $24,225.16 |
| 2 | 2 | $20,595.60 | $948 | $622 | $22,165.60 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.23/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books are approximately $1,000 for the first year and $100 for the second year.
The required tools and personal safety equipment will cost approximately $1,200. However, prices vary depending on the quality and brand of tools chosen.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*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.
Orientation
Program orientation (ORNT 118) for students starting in Fall 2023 will take place on campus August 31. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
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 will be provided at orientation. You'll have to purchase these during your first few weeks of classes.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
Coveralls (supplied by SAIT) and safety glasses are required. Safety glasses can be purchased using a debit or credit card.
Wait to purchase equipment. The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed at orientation.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
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 is required for this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.7018
Email: aerocentre@sait.ca
Academic chair
Stephanie Hogewoning, Academic Chair
Email: stephanie.hogewoning@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
Sign up to get important updates on: