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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
Start your career as an aircraft avionics technician by learning to repair and maintain the electrical and electronic systems — including communication, navigation and data systems — in all types of airplanes and helicopters.
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 the servicing and repair of aircraft electrical and electronic systems and maintaining the aircraft communication, navigation and data systems. The Avionic Technology 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 in length 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.
Some of the courses in this program are web-based.
Is this the right fit for me?
Most successful students spend approximately two hours 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.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT diploma in Avionics Technology.
Students achieving 50% or higher in each course as well as maintain a 2.0 GPA will receive a SAIT diploma.
Graduates who are in compliance with the required attendance (95%) and minimum marks of 70% in each course will receive Transport Canada credit of 18 months' work experience towards the 'E' category AME license.
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
100%
$43,000
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $7,147
Year 2: $6,608
Year 1 (International): $21,900
Year 2 (International): $20,029
Year 1: TBA
Year 2: TBA
Year 1 (International): $21,617 (+fees TBD)
Year 2 (International): $21,028 (+fees TBD)
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
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 |
|---|---|
| Winter 2021 | Jan. 11, 2021 |
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
Over 85 years of aviation
We started with our first class, Aeronautics, in 1930. 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 30-1 or Math 30-2 or Pure Math 30 or Applied Math 30
- 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
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 | |
| First year total | 33.0 | |
Second year
Semester 3
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ASYS-310 | Aircraft Navigation Systems | 1.5 |
| ASYS-320 | Electrical Interface I Theory | 1.5 |
| ASYS-350 | Electrical Interface II Theory | 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 | |
| Second year total | 30.0 | |
| 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.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Griffith University
- SAIT
- Thompson Rivers University
To learn more, visit transfer options.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5,925 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $7,147 |
| 2 | $5,386 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $6,608 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,587 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $21,900 |
| 2 | $18,716 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $20,029 |
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 | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
| 2 | 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 | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,617 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
| 2 | $21,028 | $- | $- | $- | 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 $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.
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.
Winter 2021
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place on Friday, Jan. 8, 9 — 11 am and will be on Zoom.
Visit our orientation page.
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 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.
Additional technology requirements
Students will require a subscription to AutoCAD.
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 and safety glasses are required. Safety glasses can be purchased using a debit or credit card at SAIT. Coveralls you will need to purchase elsewhere.
Wait to purchase this equipment. The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed at orientation.
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 Winter 2021 booklist will be available beginning in late November.
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.