Diploma of Aviation Technician - Aircraft Maintenance (Co-op)
London, Canada
Diploma
DURATION
64 weeks
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2027
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: Fanshawe College’s two-year Diploma of Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance (Co-op) is a Transport Canada-approved programme combining classroom and practical training in aircraft systems, propellers, aerodynamics, avionics and regulations. You’ll study fixed-wing and rotary-wing maintenance, develop electronic and computer systems skills, and complete a co-op work placement.
Career Outcomes: Graduates enter aircraft maintenance, aerospace manufacturing, avionics, line maintenance, technical records and ground support roles. Meeting Transport Canada requirements gives 18 months approved basic training toward the AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer) M category license. Typical roles include maintenance apprentice, flight line technician, avionics apprentice, and manufacturing or field-service technician roles.
Aviation Technician - Aircraft Maintenance (Co-op) is a two-year Ontario college diploma program. Students will learn about the aspects of aircraft systems used in general aviation, corporate, transport category aircraft, and helicopters. Graduates will be prepared for a career within domestic or international aircraft maintenance and aviation manufacturing organizations.
Your Learning Experience
Aircraft safety is the most important aspect of the aviation industry. As an aviation technician, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that safety, which means you’ll be a valued and vital part of the maintenance team.
With the Transport Canada-approved Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance program, you’ll learn about all aspects of aircraft systems used in general aviation, corporate, charter transport category aircraft, and helicopters. Along with developing cutting-edge computer and electronic systems skills, you’ll also study propellers, aviation regulations, wing aerodynamics, and more. Also, with aircraft constantly evolving and improving, you’ll have opportunities to adapt and upgrade your skills and your progress through the program, embarking on a life-long learning journey.
When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a career with Canadian and international aircraft maintenance and aircraft manufacturing organizations. As well, you’ll be able to pursue your license in fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft in either the M1 or M2 categories.
The Aviation Technician - Aircraft Maintenance (Co-op) program is a Transport Canada-approved program (TC-2013-08-4174) with a co-operative education component. This program provides the knowledge and skills required to start a career in fixed-wing and helicopter maintenance. This program covers all aspects of aircraft maintenance; including systems used in general and corporate aviation, charter aviation, and transport category aircraft and helicopters.
CIP Code: 47.0607
Level 1
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
- Shop Safety and Aircraft Tools
- Aircraft Corrosion Control
- Fixed Wing Aerodynamics
- Aircraft Reciprocating Engines
- Aircraft Propellers
- Aircraft DC Electrical Systems
- Co-operative Education Employment Preparation
- Strategies for AME Communication
Level 2
Gen Ed - Take a 3-credit General Education elective course
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
- Aircraft Metallic Structure and Metallurgy
- Hydraulic Controls/Emergency Equipment
- Canadian Aviation Regulations
- Rotary Wing Aerodynamics
- Aircraft AC Electrical Systems
Level 3
Gen Ed - Take a 3-credit General Education elective course
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
- Aircraft Materials/Hardware
- Aircraft Non-Metallic Structure and Comp
- Aircraft Gas Turbine Engines
- Aircraft Water, Fuel, and Ignition Systems
- Aircraft Airframe Electrical Systems
Level 4
Gen Ed - Take a 3-credit General Education elective course
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
- AMO Management: Records and Inspections
- Maintenance Techniques
- Aircraft Turbine Engine Maintenance
- Aircraft Starting and Indications
- Avionics-Introduction
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Inspect and service aircraft systems on large or small, fixed or rotary wing aircraft utilizing current and relevant theories of aerodynamics; aircraft; and mechanical, electrical, electronic, and engineering principles.
- Inspect, test, troubleshoot, service, repair, and overhaul aircraft in a manner that ensures adherence to Canadian aviation and company regulations of aircraft safety and airworthiness.
- Evaluate fixed-wing and rotary aircraft structures including transparencies, materials and fasteners, furnishings and fabric coverings, and lines and conduits, to complete maintenance, assembly, fabrication, and repair work on large and small aircraft.
- Perform scheduled and unscheduled inspections on aircraft systems, structures, instruments, and related components to ensure they are in proper working order and meet standards of performance and safety.
- Install aircraft engines, parts, components, and structures as part of routine and unscheduled maintenance and replacement tasks.
- Diagnose malfunctions or other problems in aircraft systems, structures, instruments, and related components using technical manuals, drawings, blueprints, and standards of performance and safety.
- Complete structural and non-structural repairs and modifications by following applicable procedures and safety precautions, and meeting industry standards.
- Perform component wear and fatigue analysis using appropriate measuring devices to determine necessary repair or replacement tasks to maintain the aircraft’s airworthiness and safety.
- Perform service, maintenance, repair, reconditioning, and modification procedures on aircraft systems, structures, instruments, and related components to maintain aircraft safety and airworthiness.
- Dismantle airframes, aircraft engines, and other systems for repair and overhaul.
- Interpret written instructions, schematics, manufacturer's specifications, technical drawings, manuals, and computer-based information correctly, effectively, and efficiently while performing routine and unscheduled tasks.
- Maintain detailed inspection, repair, maintenance, and certification records and reports to meet industry regulations and logbook requirements.
- Complete all work in a manner that enhances health, wellness, and personal well-being; reduces the risk of occupational and workplace injury; meets relation health, safety, and environmental legislation; and conforms to occupational health and safety guidelines.
Fanshawe’s Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance program prepares graduates for a career with Canadian and international aircraft maintenance and aircraft manufacturing organizations. Students who successfully meet the Transport Canada requirements will achieve 18 months of approved basic training credit towards the 48 months of experience required to obtain a Transport Canada Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) license, 'M' Category. Graduates will have the knowledge and experience to pursue their license in fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft in the M1 and M2 categories.
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance program:
Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice
Assist in the maintenance and care of aircraft and their related systems. This can be with general aviation, corporate, or transport category companies.
Airport Flight Line Technician
Assist in the maintenance and safe operation of ground support equipment and municipal airport maintenance by government regulations, airport policies, and procedures.
Aerospace Manufacturing
Worked for various manufacturing companies such as engine, landing gear, aircraft systems, and structure manufacturing. This can include field service and aircraft diagnosis.
Co-op Opportunities
The Aircraft Maintenance program offers a cooperative education component, which provides students the opportunity to gain invaluable first-hand workplace experience within their chosen field. Here are some co-op jobs that have kick-started the careers of some Aircraft Maintenance students before even graduating!
Jazz Maintenance
Work with technical records, lease return, in-service engineering and technical service, component repair and line maintenance.
AME Avionic Apprentice
Inspect and maintain airworthiness standards, minor and major repairs on aircraft, refurbishments, planning and technical records.
Maintenance & Avionics Program YYZ & YHZ
Job shadow/work with a wide range of departments, including technical records, lease return, in-service engineering, stores, component repair and maintenance quality.
