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.
The program is delivered in the Dawson Creek Aerospace Centre. The Centre is a 2,230 square metre hangar and includes 15 aircraft for students to work on.
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.
Licensing
Licensing for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) “M” rating is separate from certification as a SkilledTradesBC 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.
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The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council.
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
Intakes
Length
1820 hours in total.
Each intake includes four, 20-week semesters, with a break in July and August.
Estimated Program Fees
Program fee type: Trades/Apprenticeship (Tier 2)
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.
Domestic Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 3,239.60 | $ 161.46 | $ 469.28 | $ 3,870.34 |
| Year 2 (estimated) | $ 3,304.39 | $ 161.46 | $ 469.28 | $ 3,935.13 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 13,387.00 | $ 171.92 | $ 275.36 | $ 289.80* | $ 14,124.08 |
| Year 2 (estimated) | $ 14,056.35 | $ 180.52 | $ 275.36 | $ 14,512.23 |
*Per four months
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Admission Requirements
Adults
English Requirement
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.
Math Requirement
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.
Concurrent Studies Students (dual credit)
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.
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.
Science
- A grade 11 core science (preferably physics) or equivalent with a minimum grade of C.
Recommended
One Grade 10 level shop class is also recommended.
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. Students are required to have a computer (laptop or other mobile device) with minimum computer requirements.
- The program is affiliated with SkilledTradesBC.
Program Requirements
| Residency Requirement | 100% of all coursework must be completed at an approved Northern Lights College training facility |
|---|---|
| Minimum Grade Requirements | Students who achieve a 70% minimum course grade in all courses and do not exceed 5% absenteeism or 91 hours over the entire program, broken down per semester at 22.75 hours per semester will receive accreditation with Transport Canada (noted on transcript and diploma with a Transport Canada approval number). Students who achieve between 60% and 70% in all courses, or students who exceed 5% absenteeism over the entire program, will not receive accreditation with Transport Canada (noted on transcript and diploma as NON ACCREDITED). |
Semester One
All of:
- AMT 101 – General Introduction (10 contact hours)
- AMT 102 – Aerodynamics Fixed Wing Aircraft (25 contact hours)
- AMT 103 – Materials Aircraft Structures (40 contact hours)
- AMT 104 – Aircraft Hardware Approved Parts (24 contact hours)
- AMT 105 – Aircraft Hydraulic Pneumatic Systems (20 contact hours)
- AMT 106 – Aircraft Equipment Introduction (8 contact hours)
- AMT 107 – Basic Aircraft Electricity Dc (30 contact hours)
- AMT 108 – Blueprint Design (14 contact hours)
- AMT 109 – Hand Tools (24 contact hours)
- AMT 110 – Aviation Math (10 contact hours)
- AMT 111 – Canadian Aviation Regulations 1 (24 contact hours)
- AMT 112 – Flight Controls Fixed Wing and Rigging (8 contact hours)
- AMT 114 – Practical Projects (218 contact hours)
Semester Two
All of:
- AMT 121 – Canadian Aviation Regulations 2 (24 contact hours)
- AMT 122 – Non Destructive Testing Corrosion (24 contact hours)
- AMT 123 – Aircraft Aerodynamics Rotary (16 contact hours)
- AMT 124 – Human Factors in Aviation (8 contact hours)
- AMT 125 – Aircraft Maintenance Inspections (32 contact hours)
- AMT 126 – Basic Electricity AC (16 contact hours)
- AMT 127 – Turbine Engine Theory (24 contact hours)
- AMT 128 – Piston Engines 1 (32 contact hours)
- AMT 129 – Reciprocating Components (54 contact hours)
- AMT 130 – Electrical Systems (37 contact hours)
- AMT 132 – Practical Projects 2 (188 contact hours)
Semester Three
All of:
- AMT 210 – Instrumentation and Avionics (40 contact hours)
- AMT 211 – Dynamic Systems (30 contact hours)
- AMT 212 – Aircraft Protection Systems (48 contact hours)
- AMT 213 – Weight and Balance (8 contact hours)
- AMT 214 – Piston Engines 2 (36 contact hours)
- AMT 215 – Propellers (24 contact hours)
- AMT 216 – Turbine Engine Systems (32 contact hours)
- AMT 217 – Landing Gear (24 contact hours)
- AMT 218 – Rotary Flight Controls and Rigging (16 contact hours)
- AMT 219 – Turbine Engine Systems (24 contact hours)
- AMT 220 – Practical Projects 3 (173 contact hours)
Semester Four
All of:
- AMT 221 – Canadian Aviation Regulations 3 (16 contact hours)
- AMT 222 – Practical Projects 4 (439 contact hours)
Credential
Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Technician