Program Description
The Aircraft Maintenance Technician program trains students to troubleshoot and perform aircraft inspections, including airframe structures, engines and aircraft systems. They learn to disassemble and remove defective parts, assemble and install replacement parts, interpret technical manuals, drawings and blueprints, test aircraft systems, record problems, take actions to rectify the issues and maintain an accurate statement of the maintenance history.
Pathways to Certification
In BC, an individual can obtain a Certificate of Apprenticeship as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician by completing the required hours and recording a sponsor attestation. Apprenticeship programs are for individuals who have an employer to sponsor them.
There is no challenge pathway for this program.
Note: Licensing for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) “M” rating is separate from certification as an ITA Aircraft Maintenance Technician. AME licensing is issued by Transport Canada. There are no transferable credits between the two programs. Please visit www.tc.gc.ca for details. This program has Transport Canada accreditation for Basic M training.
This program is also Canadian Armed Forces Accreditation Certification Equivalency approved, allowing one to fast track their career with the armed forces.
To watch a video outlining the program, click on the photo.
Career Prospects
Employment may be found working for airlines and various other aviation-related businesses such as air taxis, police, air ambulances, survey companies, agriculture, and pilot training facilities. Some flying clubs also employ aircraft engineers. Others opportunities include employment as instructors, administrative sales personnel, technical reps, accident investigators or the Canadian Armed Forces. They can also be employed by aircraft manufacturers in production fitting or design and development..
Details
Location: Dawson Creek Campus
Length: 76 weeks (1820 hours)
Training occurs over a 4 semester 2 year program. Each semester is 455 hours or 18.2 weeks contact. There is mid-year and summer breaks.
Start: September or February
Fees: Current Fee Schedule
Admission Prerequisites
Math – one of the following:
BC Pre-Calculus Math 11 or BC Pre-Calculus Math 12 with a minimum final grade of C, or equivalent.
Alberta Applied Math 20, Math 20-3, Math 20-2, Pure Math 20, or Math 30-1 with a minimum final grade of C.
MATH 040 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C, or equivalent.
English – one of the following:
BC Language Arts 11 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C, or equivalent.
BC Language Arts 12 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C, or equivalent.
Alberta English Language Arts ELA 20-2, or ELA 20-1 with a minimum final grade of C.
Alberta English Language Arts ELA 30-2, or ELA 30-1 with a minimum final grade of C.
ENGL 040 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C, or equivalent.
IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no band less than 5.5 or equivalent English placement test and score.
Concurrent studies (dual credit)
Math – one of the following:
BC Pre-Calculus Math 11 with a minimum final grade of C, or equivalent.
BC Pre-Calculus Math 12 with a minimum final grade of C, or equivalent.
English – one of the following:
BC Language Arts 11 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C, or equivalent.
BC Language Arts 12 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C, or equivalent.
A grade 11 core science (preferably physics) or equivalent with a minimum grade of C.
One Grade 10 level shop class is also recommended.
Aircraft Mechanic Basic Students
Applicants who have successfully completed the NLC Aircraft Mechanic Basics Certificate program may enter at Semester 3 and complete Semesters 3 and 4.
Okanagan Transfer students
Successful completion of equivalent coursework to Semesters 1, 2, and 3 at Okanagan College with attendance of 95% and higher or no more than 68.25 hours missed and a minimum of 70% in all courses.
Important Notes
- The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit StudentAid BC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
- Students must provide safety equipment, including two pairs of full-sleeved coveralls, footwear having CSA safety-toe protection with soft soles for climbing on aircraft, and CSA approved safety glasses with clear lenses.
- The program is affiliated with the Industry Training Authority.
- The AMT program has the following partnership agreements in place: Northern Lights College Aircraft Maintenance Technician theory and practical curriculum is delivered under Transport Canada approval in Vernon, BC. by Nothern Lights College instructional staff. Students accomplish 1.5 years of training at the Okanagan College, Vernon Campus and the final semester of training at the Dawson Creek campus in the 24000 squre foot hangar with 15 aircraft to work on sharing the extensive compliment of aircraft available in the Dawson Creek Aerospace Centre at Northern Lights College.
- Students are required to have a computer (laptop or other mobile device) with minimum computer requirements as listed on the NLC website (www.nlc.bc.ca/Services/Information-Technology/minPC).
- The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Completion Guide (effective Sept 2022) approved by NLC’s Education Council. Download a PDF of the Program Completion Guide (effective Sept 2022).
APPLY NOW for the Aircraft Maintenance Technician – Basic Training program
Do you need more information?
Contact trades@nlc.bc.ca
Courses
Semester 1
AMT101 General Introduction -10hrs
AMT102 Aerodynamics Fixed Wing Aircraft -25hrs
AMT103 Materials Aircraft Structures -40hrs
AMT104 Aircraft Hardware Approved Parts -24hrs
AMT105 Aircraft Hydraulic Pneumatic Systems -20hrs
AMT106 Aircraft Equipment Introduction -8hrs
AMT107 Basic Aircraft Electricity DC -30hrs
AMT108 Blueprint Design -14hrs
AMT109 Hand Tools -24hrs
AMT110 Aviation Math -10hrs
AMT111 Canadian Aviation Regulations 1 -24hrs
AMT112 Flight Controls Fixed Wing and Rigging -8hrs
AMT114 Practical Projects -218hrs
Semester 2
AMT121 Canadian Aviation Regulations 2 -24hrs
AMT122 Non Destructive Testing Corrosion -24hrs
AMT123 Aircraft Aerodynamics Rotary -16hrs
AMT124 Human Factors in Aviation -8hrs
AMT125 Aircraft Maintenance Inspections -32hrs
AMT126 Basic Electricity AC -16hrs
AMT127 Turbine Engine Theory -24hrs
AMT128 Piston Engines 1- 32hrs
AMT129 Reciprocating Components -54hrs
AMT130 Electrical Systems -37hrs
AMT132 Practical Projects 2 -188hrs
Semester 3
AMT210 Instrumentation and Avionics -40hrs
AMT211 Dynamic Systems -30hrs
AMT212 Aircraft Protection Systems -48hrs
AMT213 Weight and Balance -8hrs
AMT214 Piston Engines 2 -36hrs
AMT215 Propellers -24hrs
AMT216 Turbine Engine Systems -32hrs
AMT217 Landing Gear -24hrs
AMT218 Rotary Flight Controls and Rigging -16hrs
AMT219 Turbine Engine Systems -24hrs
AMT220 Practical Projects 3 -173hrs
Semester 4
AMT221 Canadian Aviation Regulations 3 -16hrs
AMT222 Practical Projects 4 -439hrs