Theory and Practical Application is Combined at Centennial College’s Aviation Program

“The graduate from this program will go out and become an aircraft maintenance engineer,” says Jamie Milks the coordinator for the Aviation Program at Centennial College. “That’s the person that will certify, after inspection, any work that is done on the aircraft. And many of them will actually perform the work as well. Over the two years, you’ll learn not only the theory behind all of the various systems but also the maintenance practices and how to perform those tasks. We have over 200 mandatory performance tasks that every students has to complete before they leave here, so it is fairly intense.”

While Jamie gives a great overview of this two-year undertaking, let’s examine some specific details. First, to attend, students must complete the application process, which includes being able to present, at minimum, an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or General Education Development or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Applicants must also possess compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent and Math 11M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent.

Once approved, the students will find a credible program that is Transport Canada approved and Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council certified as a recognized aircraft maintenance training program. Highly skilled faculty members with years of experience have extensive technical expertise and a deep commitment to the program, its students and their success. They lead courses that are facilitated out of Ashtonbee Campus, which is the largest transportation training centre in Ontario. To meet the needs of Toronto’s sizeable aviation community Centennial’s aerospace facility contains modern equipment reflecting the current trends in the industry.

This particular aviation program emphasizes 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. A significant portion of time is spent on practical application in labs where students work on aircraft engines, conducting aircraft and component inspections in a maintenance environment and performing flight-line activities. Specific courses within the program include: Safety and Human Factors, Piston Engines and Propellers, Sheet Metal & Aircraft Structures; Tools, Materials & Processes, Theory of Flight, Aircraft Publications, Aircraft Applied Mathematics, Electrical Fundamentals, Avionics Fundamentals and more.

Aside from the more than 200 maintenance tasks that Jamie mentioned as a requirement for graduation from the Aviation Program, students are also required to obtain a minimum C grade in all courses. Transport Canada accreditation requires both a minimum B grade in every course and an absentee rate of less than five per cent of the total program hours. Qualified graduates may be eligible to participate in an articulated program with selected universities. These partnerships may allow graduates to apply academic credit towards further study.

The aviation program’s partner is British Columbia Institute of Technology (Technology Management degree).

In addition to an Ontario College diploma, successful graduates who meet the accreditation requirements are eligible for an 18-month experience credit and technical examination credit towards the regulatory requirements for issue of a Canadian Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License.

Author :- Jason White

View Source : Centennial College :- Aviation Program