for the 2022 Webster Memorial Trophy champion, awarded to Canada’s top amateur pilot after a week of competition.
Victoria Flying Club | Sidney
The Victoria Flying Club has been training professional pilots since 1946. VFC works with its students to develop a customized training program that will help you achieve any of your flying goals. It operates a fleet of 10 Cessna 172SPs, a Piper Seminole, and three recreational rental aircraft (C172N, PA-28-140, & PA28R-200) for CPL time building. It also offers training and private rental of a Redbird FMX simulator. The VFC is accredited as a Private Training Institution with the Ministry of Advanced Education, as well as a Designated Learning Institution federally. As such, VFC’s students can seek student aid as well as using their RESP and/or VETB funding towards their post PPL flight training.
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Calgary Flying Club | Calgary
The Calgary Flying Club (CFC), based CYBW Springbank Airport, provides a range of flight training, including Private Pilot Licence Commercial Pilot Licence, Multi-Engine Rating, and Advanced IFR Program. Its advanced IFR program is designed for either single or multi-engine aircraft.
Centennial Flight Centre | Edmonton
Centennial Flight Centre, in operation since 1967, is located at Villeneuve Airport, approximately 20 kilometres northwest of Edmonton. It provides training for Recreational Pilot Permit, Private Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot Licence, Multi-Engine and Instrument Rating.
Edmonton Flying Club | Edmonton Edmonton Flying Club, home of the Edmonton Flight College, is located just west of Edmonton, operating out of Parkland Airport in Parkland County. Originally founded in 1927 as the Edmonton and Northern Alberta Aero Club, the club’s first president was Canadian World War 1 flying ace, Wilfrid R. May. Today, the Edmonton Flying Club is a member-owned organization with a diverse fleet of aircraft and providing flight training at all levels from recreational pilots to Commercial Multi-Instrument rated, career-ready pilots.
Mountain View Helicopters | Springbank
Mountain View Helicopters (MVH) has trained pilots for commercial or private
helicopter licences from its Springbank Airport location since 1995, near Calgary International. MVH is able to provide flying weather found on the prairies and also proximity to mountains.
Super T Aviation | Medicine Hat Super T Aviation is one of the premier flight schools in Western Canada. Serving southern Alberta since 2008, Super T Aviation is a family owned operation and part of the Bar XH Sales group of companies. In 2019, Super T purchased a modern ALX simulator from Alsim. This is Super T’s second Alsim simulator after purchasing an AL200, which has been in operation since 2014.
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Mitchinson Flight Centre | Saskatoon
Mitchinson Flight Centre’s Professional Pilot Course consists of three categories, including: Private Pilot License with a one year estimated length of program; Commercial Pilot License with a one year estimated length of program; and Multi Engine Instrument Rating, which is included in CPL program above. Mitchinson also operates an Advanced RPAS Training program consists of online ground school instruction that meets Transport Canada Requirements and the practical exam portion once the candidate completes the written exam through Transport Canada. All flight training, including RPAS, is conducted in and around the YXE John G. Diefenbaker Airport in a controlled environment.
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Brandon Flying Club | Brandon
The Brandon Flying Club’s Flight Academy has served the region since 1936. Located at Brandon Municipal Airport, just outside of Winnipeg, BFA offers a continuous ground school, as well as Recreational, Private, and Commercial courses. Night VFR Over the Top and Instrument Ratings are also available. Transport Canada Written Recreational, Private, Ultra Light, and Helicopter exams can be completed at the centre as well.
Harv’s Air | Steinbach
Harv’s Air is a family owned and operated air service with locations near Steinbach and St. Andrews, both in the Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada area. Our air service offers flight training, air taxi, and aircraft maintenance service since 1973 with the current owner and operator. Having two locations allows us to offer amazing
resources for flight training including examiners, instructors, aircraft maintenance engineers. We offer accelerated but very comprehensive courses for pilot licences both for a career in aviation and for personal enjoyment.
PilotTraining | Steinbach
Founded in 1999, PilotTraining.ca provides online instruction for aviation written examinations. Courses can be used as credit toward the Transport Canada ground-school requirement. The operation is approved to conduct ground schools with Harv’s Air, its parent company. Courses are completed by using multimedia tools such as video, mp3, presentations, animations, web pages, and automatic correcting and referenced practice questions.
Prairie Helicopters | Gimli
Prairie Helicopters, which also provides charter helicopter services, describes itself as Manitoba’s only turbine helicopter flight school. Its head office and main hangar are located at the Gimli Airport approximately 45 minutes north of Winnipeg. The operation holds a fleet of Bell 407, Bell 206L3 and Bell 206B helicopters.
Winnipeg Aviation | St. Andrews
Winnipeg Aviation has provided pilot training for more than 45 years. The school is based at St. Andrews Airport, 15 kilometres outside of Winnipeg. This provides for proximity to an international airport and uncontrolled grass strips. St. Andrews holds three runways for training with and without crosswinds.
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Altohelix | Markham and Oshawa
Altohelix is partnered with Toronto Airways to run full time UAV ground school and flight training with units based in two Greater Toronto locations, including Markham and Oshawa. It provides training required for the Transport Canada Special Flight Operation Certificate (SFOC) and Pilot Permits.
Aerocourse | Oakville
AeroCourse provides advanced pilot ground school training. IFR and ATPL ground school seminars are conducted across Canada virtually and in-person which are designed to lead students through the knowledge necessary to be successful on their Transport Canada exams and to become better IFR and airline pilots respectively. We work with several flight schools and offer an Advanced multicrew Training Program. The advanced
program is a six- to seven-month course with over 270 hours of ground school training covering all the requirements for airline transition. It includes over 30 hours of multicrew simulator training. We are also part of the BFC Integrated ATPL Program designed to meet the flight crew skill needs of airlines. Students receive training in flight and ground school subjects approved by Transport Canada and cover the requirements of air carriers for new hire pilots as well as, providing trainees with insights into getting a job in the industry.
Brampton Flight Centre | Brampton
The Brampton Flight Centre, which includes the Brampton Flight College, has been training pilots since 1946. It provides training for those interested in pursuing a career or for recreational purposes, as a recognized Private Career College and Designated Learning Institute. There are several program options available, including fast track (aviation diploma) as its Professional Pilot Licence program or self-paced (certificate) as its Commercial Pilot Licence program. Brampton Flight Centre also provides Flight Instructor Rating (certificate); ratings for night multi and instrument; upgrades for Tail
Dragger Checkout and 182 Glass Cockpit; and Checkout, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) training. The school’s IATPL program progresses to advanced airline level training with multi crew training in 737 Simulator. This includes content developed and delivered by airline training captains and pilots through its partnership with AeroCourse. The organization also has working relationships with the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program, Destination Porter Pilot Mentorship and CAE. Brampton Flight Centre makes resources readily available with an online booking system, which includes access to a fleet of 20-plus aircraft and 30-plus instructors on staff, including pilot examiners. The organization holds its own airport facilities including aircraft maintenance, fuel operations, pilot shop and restaurant..
Brantford Flight Centre | Brantford
As one of the oldest flight training schools in Canada, the Brantford Flight Centre (BFC) has been providing quality flight training in Brantford, Ontario since 1929. Its instructors hold a vast history of experience from the aviation industry, offering students extensive knowledge of the Airline, Corporate and Instructor fields.
Located in uncontrolled airspace, BFC allows students to avoid costly delays due to airspace congestion.
Canadian Flight Academy | Oshawa Toronto Airways, through its Canadian Flight Academy subsidiary, provides an Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence curriculum, which also inlcudes support for new flight instructors. Based at Oshawa Executive Airport, the Canadian Flight Academy (CFA) provides opportunities through new collaborations with Seneca College.
Diamond Flight Centre | London
Diamond Flight Centre has been training pilots at the London International Airport since 2009 and, as a registered Private Career College (PCC) in the province of Ontario, holds a full-time staff of certified flight instructors. The school also holds a fleet of 10 training aircraft manufactured in London, ON, by Diamond Aircraft, which develops modern glass-cockpit aircraft like the 2-seat DA20 and the new 7-seat DA62.
Genesis Flight College | Collingwood
Genesis Flight College is a registered
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Private Career College providing an emersive one-year commercial pilot diploma program. Located at Collingwood Regional Airport, students can enjoy the surrounding landscape and many activities available in the region. The most significant advantage of the Genesis is that 100 per cent of the flying is in advanced aircraft with glass cockpits.
Durham Flight Centre | Oshawa
Durham Flight Centre is based at the Oshawa Executive Airport, a municipal airport in the north end of the city. Durham offers training for all phases of recreational and professional licenses as a Transport Canada registered Flight Training Unit and a private career college. It has been offering aspiring pilot training since 1997.
Great Lakes Helicopter | Waterloo
Great Lakes Helicopter is a Transport Canada-approved, Ontario Private Career College, while also offering charters. Based at the Region of Waterloo International Airport, the operation offers training year-round and focuses on both commercial and private licensing. Great Lakes is partnered with Conestoga College for a program that provides both a Commercial Helicopter Pilot’s Licence and a diploma.
Helicopters Canada | North Bay Helicopters Canada for approximately 20 years has provided commercial and private flight training to both domestic and international students. Its training area is situated at the Jack Garland Airport, which provides access to heavily forested areas with lakes and rivers for developing the skills needed for a large sector of the helicopter industry.
Journey Air Pilot Training | Windsor
Journey Air Pilot Training flight school is a registered Private Career College and focuses on providing hands-on theory and practical education. It holds a fleet of modern composite Diamond aircraft which hold advanced avionics for pilot training. Journey also provides flight training devices, including the Redbird FMX 1000 or and an ALSIM AL42, manufactured specifically to replicate the Diamond DA42. Located at Windsor International Airport, Journey Air is able to provide you with opportunities for your Private Pilot Licensing (PPL), Commercial Pilots License (CPL), Single-Engine Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, Instrument Flight Rating, and Night Rating. .
St. Thomas Flight Centre | St. Thomas
Established in 1996, the St. Thomas Flight Centre offers flight training from
Recreational Pilot Permit through to Commercial Pilot Licence and MultiEngine Instrument Ratings. The centre holds Private Career College status and operates out of St. Thomas Airport in an uncongested flight training environment. School offices are located in the main terminal building and ground school classes are held on site.
Spectrum Airways | Burlington Spectrum Airways has been training pilots for more than 40 years. The training facility is situated at the heart of Burlington Executive Airport, one of the busiest airparks in Ontario. The airport averages 30 flights on weekdays. Registered as a Private Career College, Spectrum’s training programs include Private Pilot License, Commercial Pilot License, Night Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, Instrument Rating/Multi Instrument Rating and Instructor Rating.
Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre | Breslau
Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC) is located at the Region of Waterloo International Airport, offering a range of aviation training programs for fixed-wing aircraft, as well as its Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems. Specific fixedwing programs, licences and ratings available at WWFC include: Recreational Pilot Permit, Private Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot Licence, and Integrated ATPL, as well as Multi-Engine Rating, Instrument Rating, Night Rating, and Flight Instructor Rating. WWFC has partner programs with aviation programs of the University of Waterloo and Conestoga College. WWFC also offers four annual LIFT Scholarships to support WWFC students with up to $4,000 per scholarship. WWFC’s RPAS program was established in 2014 and provides certification for Instruction for Basic and Advanced RPAS piloting.
Windsor Flying Club | Windsor
The Windsor Flying Club (WFC) was incorporated in 1944 and has been in continuous operation since – now entering its 77th year of high-level training for pilots as one of the longest serving original flying clubs in Canada. The club holds approximately 280 members and is also home to the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association.
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Air Richelieu | Montreal
Air Richelieu is an accredited flight training centre with facilities that include multimedia classrooms and flight preparation
rooms. The school is located at St-Hubert Airport, approximately 20 minutes from Montreal, and controlled by the Montreal Flying Club.
CQFA Aviation Industry Training | Montreal
Established in the late-1980s, the CQFA offers more than 50 different on-demand aviation courses, providing assistance for a range of training like Accredited Check Pilot, Crew Resource Management, Flight Crew Training, GPS, CFIT Avoidance Training, and Proficiency Checks.
Laurentide Aviation | Montreal
Laurentide Aviation has been providing professional flight training since 1946. Based at Les Cedres Aerodrome, an uncontrolled airport, approximately 25 kilometres west of Montreal, Laurentide offers bilingual inflight and ground school instruction, as well as recreational, private and commerical pilot lisence courses.
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Debert Flight Centre | Truro
Debert Flight Centre is part of the Truro Flying Club and operates out of Debert Airport, which has been home to the club since 1972. Debert Airport is an uncontrolled air space located less than five minutes flight time from training areas.
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MFC Training | Dieppe
MFC Training was founded in 1929 and is now one of the largest and most experienced flight schools in Canada. Its Aviation Career Pilot Programs provide all required flight hours and examinations to graduate with a Commercial Pilot License, Multi-Engine and Instrument ratings. Its program structure is designed to achieve maximum learning efficiency by ensuring that both flight training and in-class content is integrated through all phases. These programs allow future pilots to move through the modules in a condensed time frame and provide a quicker transition to becoming airline Captains.
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GFT Aerospace College | Gander
GFT has provided flight training since 1992, evolving from its roots as EVAS Air. Its facility is located at Gander International Airport. The aerospace college provides a fleet of 17 aircraft, including a helicopter, a flight simulator, and a large technical library for students. | W
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FLIGHT TRAINING COLLEGES
CANADIAN COLLEGES WITH FLIGHT TRAINING PROGRAMS BY PROVINCE
YUKON
Yukon University | Whitehorse
The Aviation Management diploma program at Yukon University comprises a block transfer of pilot training credentials earned at Alkan Air (or other recognized flight schools) that equals one year or 30 credits and an additional 30 credits earned at Yukon. Students are expected to earn a Commercial Pilot License while concurrently earning academic credits. However, students may enter the program with some pilot training (a Private Pilot License, for example) or a completed commercial license. Students may complete the ground school and flight training component of the Aviation Management diploma in a flexible manner.
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British Columbia Institute of Technology | Burnaby
The British Columbia Institute of Technology is partnered with Pacific Flying Club to provide students with the skill set to become airline pilots. The program is fully integrated, combining flight training with industry focused academic training. Flight training for fixed-wing aircraft is conducted at Pacific Sky Aviation’s flight school at Boundary Bay Airport, just outside of Vancouver. Students receive training required to qualify for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Multi Engine Rating, Instrument Flight Rating, and a Diploma. Rotarywing flight training, for those interested in becoming helicopter pilots, is provided by Chinook Helicopters in Abbotsford.
British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Airport Operations diploma program is designed for the demands of airport operation environments. The 16-month Airport Operations program provides students with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program of study. The British Columbia Institute of
Technology also offers an online Airport Operations Part-time studies Associate Certificate.
College of New Caledonia | New Caledonia
The College of New Caledonia provides an Aviation Business diploma program, which accepts applications for continuous intake. The program is designed to provide trained single engine VFR pilots for entry-level pilot in command positions with Canada’s northern air carriers and with similar air taxi companies operating in difficult conditions around the world. The program centers around a PilotPlus approach to providing a supply of pilots to Canada’s northern air carrier industry. If taken in the minimum possible time, the ABD is a five semester program running over 24 months, with a four month break between semesters two and three.
Douglas College | New Westminster Douglas College’s Associate of Arts Degree for Future Professional Pilots is a program for students who wish to continue to a career in the aviation industry. This program is jointly offered with Professional Flight Centre, located at Boundary Bay Airport in Delta. Douglas provides the academic instruction leading to the Associate of Arts Degree and Professional Flight Centre provides the ground and flying instruction with enough flight experience to obtain a Commercial Pilot License and Multi-engine Instrument Rating.
Okanagan College | Kelowna
The Commercial Aviation diploma program at Okanagan College consists of two distinct and separate areas of study: flight training and business studies. The business portion is completed at Okanagan College and normally consists of two business courses per semester for a total of eight courses over two years. The flight-training portion taken with Southern Interior Flight Centre, out of
Kelowna Airport, and consists of flight training, theory and exams.
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Red Deer College | Red Deer
Red Deer College’s (RDC) partnership with Sky Wings Aviation Academy combines a foundation in business with flight training. The 1-year Certificate program holds its business management courses at the Donald School of Business. Ten Business Administration courses are required to complete the Business Certificate. Sky Wings Aviation Academy is located in Penhold, Alberta, near Red Deer and halfway between Calgary and Edmonton. Sky Wings states its students can expect a wide variety of flying conditions during their training. Flight training is provided approximately ten minutes from the RDC campus at Red Deer Regional Airport. Sky Wings Aviation Academy has providing flight training since 1982. Highlights of the Aviation Diploma Program include a transcontinental flight crossing the Canadian/ U.S. border, familiarization training for a regional or national airline and crew resource management. Most RDC courses are university transferable.
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Saskatchewan Polytechnic | Saskatoon
The Saskatchewan Polytechnic is a member of Polytechnics Canada, an alliance of 11 research-intensive, industry-responsive post-secondary institutions. The Polytechnic’s Commercial Pilot program is offered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Aviation Council, a membership-based association. The Commercial Pilot diploma program provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of aviation. Students study aviation-related topics such as the theory of
To Take Flight
THE FUTURE OF AEROSPACE AND AVIATION.
The Bombardier Centre for Aerospace and Aviation at Downsview Campus is a dedicated training ground for aerospace and aviation mechanics. With focused courses, cutting-edge equipment and industry professionals guiding our programs, your aircraft are always in good hands with a Centennial College graduate. centennialcollege.ca
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flight, advanced aircraft systems and flight. Flight training takes place at a student’s home flying school.
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Algonquin College | Ottawa
Algonquin College’s Aviation Management is a two-year diploma program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to become a commercial pilot. Through a series of classroom courses and practical labs, students have the opportunity to complete the Transport Canada Commercial Pilot Licence written examination (CPAER) and practical flight test. Algonquin has contracted the Ottawa Flying Club and Ottawa Aviation Services to provide up to 250 hours of flight time experience. During the final term, students can select one of the following areas of specialization: flight instructor, Initial Airplane Type Rating (IATRA) or seaplane rating. Flight Training is a non-funded activity and is an additional cost to complete this program of study.
Canadore College | North Bay
The partnership between Canadore and Helicopters Canada offers a unique blend of academic, operational and hands-on rotary wing training. The college-structured classes combined with extensive practical training, both on the ground and in the air, will provide you with the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to operate helicopters safely and efficiently under various flight conditions and remote geographical locations. Graduates will receive a Transport Canada Commercial Helicopter Pilot Licence, Canadore College Pilot Preparedness Certificate and numerous industryrecognized courses.
Conestoga College | Kitchener
Conestoga provides the opportunity to earn an Ontario College Diploma in its twoyear Aviation, General Arts and Science, program. The pilot training portion of the program provides students with a choice between flying airplanes at Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre or flying helicopters at Great Lakes Helicopter. Training takes place at the Region of Waterloo International Airport. In addition to the regular Conestoga College tuition costs, fees for the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre and Great Lakes Helicopter training are additional. The pilot training of Conestoga program is designed to allow students to undertake the Transport Canada commercial pilot license testing.
Confederation College | Thunder Bay
The Aviation Flight Management program at Confederation College combines business,
management and flight training into one program. The 2 1/2-year program has been running at Confederation since 1973. The business and management training provide students with background knowledge to complete a detailed and comprehensive understanding of today’s aviation industry, while the college operates its owns aircraft (13) and three advanced flight simulators at its Aviation Centre of Excellence hanger at Thunder Bay International Airport.
A student’s private pilot flight training begins in the first week of the first semester right from our hangar at the Thunder Bay International Airport. This training provides the opportunity become a commercial pilot. Confederation College explains its graduates have found aviation employment in northwestern Ontario, as well as with major (international) airlines, medevac and charter operations, scheduled services, flight instruction and the Canadian Armed Forces.
Fanshawe College | London
Fanshawe College’s Norton Wolf School of Aviation and Aerospace Technology provides a range of programs, including: Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Structural Repair Applied Aerospace Manufacturing; Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Maintenance; Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Avionics; Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Maintenance & Avionics; Commercial Flight and Aviation Leadership; Composites and Advanced Materials Aerospace Manufacturing; Flight Services (including Flight Attendant/Cabin Crew training); and Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems Commercial Operations. The school recently added its Aerospace Operations Management program. The school’s Commercial Flight and Aviation Program provides a three-year diploma, focusing on safety management systems, Canadian air regulations, flight operations and logistics and airline operations. This program allows students to complete a fixed-wing Canadian Private and Commercial Pilot license with Multi Engine and Instrument Ratings.
Georgian College | Barrie
Georgian’s three-year Aviation Management advanced diploma program consists of 38 courses, and students graduate with both a management and aviation skillset. Management courses are designed to give students an understanding of marketing, human resource management, communications and project management. A variety of aviation courses provide a solid understanding of the aviation industry in Canada and around the world. Students will also complete the examination to receive their Restricted Aeronautical Radio Operation License. The program, which has a fall 2022 intake, includes three hands-on co-op opportunities within the aviation industry.
The program has a very active advisory committee that helps maintain program relevancy by keeping the course content current – reflecting industry trends – and ensuring graduates are job ready with the required skillset. There are several educational pathways for graduates. Georgian’s Aviation Management program is the only three-year program in Canada that allows students direct entry into Griffith University’s Master of Aviation Management, which can be completed with only an additional one-and-a half years of study. Students can also choose to complete one of four Bachelor of Science degrees with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, with only one additional year of study.
Sault College | Sault Ste. Marie
Sault College`s Aviation Technology – Flight program is designed to prepare students for a career as a professional pilot. Graduates of the program who meet qualification criteria established by Transport Canada, will have successfully completed the requirements for the Integrated Commercial Pilot License Aeroplane, including the multi-engine instrument rating (CPL(A)IR). This licence meets all the requirements for a student to be a commercial pilot. Individuals with previous flight training start with a modified flight training program in the beginning; however, all students will be at the same level by second year. Students gain handson training with the college’s own fleet of aircraft, including 10 Zlin and two Seminole Piper planes. These aircraft are supported by advanced flight simulators. Each aircraft includes advanced radio navigation systems and real-time aircraft tracking systems.
Seneca College |
Peterborough and Toronto
Seneca College, through its School of Aviation, is now educating students at the degree level with its 4-year Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology program, which provides a technology-based curriculum and application of this theory to aviation. Flight training and classroom instruction for students in year’s two to four of the program takes place at Seneca’s Peterborough Campus. As a graduate, students may pursue future career options like professional pilot, flying instructor, air traffic controller, and civil aviation inspector. Seneca’s Airline Pilot Operations program focuses on the study of airline operations and administration.
Offered at its Toronto campus, Seneca’s Flight Services program encourages students to develop career-related skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for passenger service. Seneca has a range of partnerships with industry partners like Toronto Airways, CAE, Sunwing Airlines and Jazz Aviation, including direct entry into airlines. | W
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AVIATION AND AEROSPACE DEGREE PROGRAMS BY PROVINCE
BRITISH COLUMBIA
University of the Fraser Valley | Fraser Valley
The University of Fraser Valley offers a two-year Business Administration - Aviation diploma that provides a strong foundation in business and allows students to earn credit for advanced flight training. Business courses as part of this diploma cover core areas such as accounting, marketing, and economics. The program allows student to pursue pilot training at a flight school of your choice and earn Transport Canada certifications and licenses. You can complete the aviation certifications and licenses prior to, during, or after completing academic course requirements, and you have the option to switch flight schools. Once complete, UFV will award you credit towards your diploma. You can also pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in Aviation.
University of British Columbia | Vancouver
University of British Columbia does not offer a specific aerospace engineer program, while offer a range of programs within its engineering department, including Mechanical. However, the school supports a range of aerospace-oriented, student-led teams.
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MacEwan University | Edmonton
MacEwan’s partnership with Transport Canda allows allows students to earn a Business Management diploma with a specialization in aviation management. To complete the Aviation major, students must apply to the Business Management program. Upon graduation students declare the Aviation major. Students can block transfer credits to the third year of MacEwan’s Bachelor of Commerce.
Mount Royal University | Calgary
Mount Royal University’s two-year Aviation Diploma program combines an
academic diploma with the flight training needed to become a commercial pilot. The diploma is recognized as one of Canada’s elite Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) accredited programs, integrating academic preparation with flight simulator training for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with multi-engine and instrument ratings. The program allows you to learn aviation and business theory, while building connections with MRU’s airline partners, including Jazz, WestJet, Porter, AirSprint, and Sunwing. The program also focuses on giving students an understanding for how to fly in single- and two-pilot operations using crew resource management skills. Students graduate as a highly trained pilot, with a minimum of 200 hours of flying time, ready for a career in your field. A Canadian Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is required for entry into this program and must be completed by August for the upcoming regular school calendar.
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Carleton University | Ottawa
Carleton’s Aerospace Engineering program emphasizes the development of analytical, computational, and hands-on engineering and design skills related to the aerospace field. The broad range of topics and applications included in this discipline are covered in four main streams: Aerodynamics (aerospace propulsion and atmospheric flight); Aerospace Structures (lightweight vehicles for flight and space travel); Aerospace Electronics and Systems (aircraft control, communication and navigation systems); and Space Systems Design (astronautics and space/ satellite technology). All four streams emphasize the development of practical and problem-solving skills based on hands-on laboratory and design work.
Queen’s University | Kingston Engineering and Applied Science provides opportunities geared at aviation and aerospace design. Mechanical engineers
are needed wherever there is machinery. They drive every stage of design, manufacturing, construction and research. In this program you will combine the study of basic engineering with practical courses in machine design, robotics and manufacturing methods. Hands-on design is integral to this program, so you may find yourself involved in designing artificial joints, or even a spacecraft, depending on your specialization. If you choose the Materials option, you’ll study the exciting developments in materials and nanotechnology. Areas of specialization include aerospace, mechatronics, biomechanical, manufacturing, materials, and thermofluids.
Toronto
Metropolitan University | Toronto
Toronto Metropolitan University’s Aerospace Engineering bachelor’s program provides students with the opportunity to study aerodynamics, stress analysis and structural design, flight mechanics, stability and control, aircraft performance, propulsion, avionics and systems. Students also learn to design, test, manufacture and maintain aircraft or spacecraft, as well as vehicles for transport on land and water. The program provides knowledge to work in fields involving commercial and military aircraft or spacecraft engineering; space exploration, teaching, research, military service; air transportation and space-based telecommunications. Pursue a graduate degree (MEng, MASc, PhD) in aerospace engineering.
University
of Toronto | Toronto
Students who wish to study Aerospace Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto enroll in the four-year undergraduate Engineering Science program. In the first two years, this program emphasizes mathematics, chemistry, physics and computing. Towards the end of the second year of Engineering Science, students must select a speciality option for their third and fourth years of study. This includes an Aerospace
Engineering option, taught primarily by UTIAS professors. UTIAS is the university’s graduate program focused on scientific exploration and aerospace research. UTIAS faculty members are international leaders in computational aerodynamics, micro and nanosatellites, combustion and propulsion, robotics for space and terrestrial applications.
University of Waterloo | Waterloo
Established in 2007, Waterloo’s Aviation program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science degree and, working with the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre, a Commercial Pilot Licence. Welcoming approximately 45 new people each year, Students in the Aviation program have a choice of pursuing either the Geography and Aviation (BES) and Science and Aviation (BSc). In the BSc program students have a choice of specializing in either Earth Sciences or Physics or remaining in the broadly based unspecialized program. Students in the BES program will automatically receive a Geomatics option.
University of Windsor | Windsor Windsor’s Aeronautics Leadership program combines a liberal arts and leadership-focused education with commercial flight training. Students enroll in a Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Arts and Professional Studies. This includes courses in arts, humanities, social sciences, business, science, and engineering. This is coupled with flight training run by industry partner Journey Air.
Western University | London
Western’s Commercial Aviation Management program allows students to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Organizational Studies, with specialized courses in aviation management. Within the program, students have the option to combine a degree with professional pilot flight training, ultimately receiving a Transport Canada approved Integrated Commercial Pilot License with MultiEngine and Instrument Ratings.
York University | Toronto
The Space Engineering program at York’s Lassonde School of Engineering provides an Beng degree. It focuses on areas of study from orbit control and space-based optics to ground station communications and robotics. Students learn about the management of complex multidisciplinary projects,
including missions within the solar system. The co-op program allows students to gain professional experience.
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Concordia University | Montreal
Concordia’s Aerospace Engineering (BEng) program is offered by the Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Aerospace Engineering, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science. The program allows students to specialize in Aerospace and Propulsion, Aerospace Structures and Materials, or Avionics and Aerospace Systems. It provides access to areas like mechanical, electrical, computer, and industrial engineering to the conception, design, implementation and operation of aerospace systems.
École Polytechnique de Montréal | Montreal Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal provides undergraduate and graduate Aerospace engineering programs. Students in the graduate program follow at least two specialization courses (with the exclusion of case studies) given by the other participating institutions.
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Mount Allison University | Dieppe and Sackville
Mount Allison University provides two distinct degree routes tied to earning an Integrated ATP. This includes a Bachelor of Commerce – Aviation route and a Bachelor of Science with Major in Aviation route. Aviation is an interdisciplinary degree program combining professional flight training with studies in subjects relevant to the field of aviation in either science or business. As a Commerce student, you will study a variety of business areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, and management, providing you with a strong foundation in the key disciplines of management education. As a Science student, you will be able to combine your flight training with in-depth studies in subjects related to the field of aviation in the Faculty of Science, such as geography, environmental science, mathematics, physics, and computer science. MFC Training at the Moncton Airport provides the Flight Training. There are two scholarships available: Rob Robichaud, Vantage Airport Group Aviation Scholarship and the Ross A. Stanway Entrance Scholarship (Aviation). | W
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LOOK UP
For some the sky is the limit, to NAV Canadians it is just the beginning
By David Carr
Think air navigation and you immediately think airport control towers and people with binoculars and radios skillfully guiding airplanes onto and off runways from their glass-enclosed perch high above the airfield. But, like the proverbial iceberg, there is more action below the surface.
NAV CANADA plays a unique and critical role managing 18 million square kilometres of Canadian civil airspace and the North Atlantic oceanic airspace, one of the largest regions of airspace in the world. About 22 per cent of airplanes that appear on NAV CANADA’s radar will not land or take off from a Canadian airport.
The task of keeping such a large amount of airspace safe comes down to a highly integrated network of 42 air traffic control towers, seven area control centres (ACC), 54 airport advisory flight service stations, and five flight information centres, staffed by personnel with the right abilities, training and ongoing development. For anyone who wants to keep their feet on the ground while exploring a fast-paced career in aviation, NAV CANADA is an attractive and lucrative career destination.
“It’s an awesome job because it is different every single day, especially the weather,” says Kaitlyn Haynes, a recent graduate of the NAV CANADA Flight Service Specialist training program and now an active Flight Service Specialist based at Iqaluit, Nunavut. Haynes is responsible for aircraft flying in and out of the airport, briefing operators about traffic, providing hourly weather reports (including special bulletins during severe weather) and relaying clearances provided by ACCs. “If you’re interested in aviation, you also see a lot of cool airplanes.”
What distinguishes NAV CANADA from other companies in the aviation and aerospace sector is the requirement to get in the front door. No post-secondary education is necessary. Applicants need to be at least 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with a high school degree or equivalency. “You
don’t need an aviation background to be an air traffic services professional,” says Kaitlyn Turner, a Talent Acquisition Specialist at NAV CANADA. “Previous work experience isn’t a requirement because we provide the training. We’re all about competencies.”
This unique approach to recruitment gives the air navigation service provider access to a much larger talent pool, including individuals looking to course correct their careers after a few years in the job market. “There are high school graduates, people with a Master’s degree, former teachers and nurses. You get the full gambit,” Turner adds.
To ensure candidates possess competencies needed to take on responsibility for the safety of thousands of passengers and react calmly and professionally during an emergency, NAV CANADA puts applicants through an engaging screening process, including an introductory online assessment, computer-based evaluation at one of its centres and an interview with a manager and human resources professional. Successful applicants are assessed for careers in air traffic control, flight services or both, based on test results.
The company’s air traffic controllers direct airplanes either from the ‘cab’ of an ATC tower or on a radar screen at an ACC. Working with pilots operating all types of aircraft, from a helicopter or single-engine Cessna to the largest and most sophisticated passenger jets, an air traffic controller instructs pilots to climb, turn, descend and move safely, whether they are on the ground at an airport or thousands of feet in the sky. Air traffic controllers ensure aircraft maintain vertical, lateral or time separation, while following strictly defined rules, procedures, and regulations. Base annual salaries for qualified air traffic controllers range from $84,347 to $170,241.
Flight service specialists work out of flight information centres and flight service stations in some of Canada’s busiest cities and most remote sites. They play a critical role in assisting pilots before departure, during flight and at arrival, providing
NAV CANADA is recruiting for careers in Air Traffic Services. Candidates need only a high school diploma or equivalency to apply, and accepted students are paid to train.
airport advisory services, delivering essential weather reports and hazardous meteorological conditions, and processing flight plans and itineraries. Additionally, they serve as a communications link between pilots, airlines, medevac operators, other NAV CANADA teams, and much more. Base annual salaries for certified flight service specialists range from $68,464 to $104,811.
NAV CANADA does not contract training to a third-party. All instruction is carried out in house using an industry-leading training model that involves working on NAV CANADA equipment with lessons delivered by learning specialists experienced in adult education. Unlike third-party training, the NAV CANADA model makes for a more seamless transition from classroom to workplace.
Students can expect to be placed in a class of anywhere from four to 12 people. There is both classroom-based learning and simulator training. Self-study, using resources and supports provided by NAV CANADA, is also a critical part of the training program. “It takes resilience and dedication, and many students make connections that last a lifetime,” Turner says.
Kaitlyn Haynes agrees: “The training is tough. You have to go from zero to 100 very quickly. It takes a lot of work and effort.” Haynes, who holds a university degree, chose a career with NAV CANADA to pursue her passion for meteorology (clouds especially) and likens the training to a one-year university course compressed into six months. “It’s very intense and very rewarding to get through. It is a career of a lifetime.”
Intense, yes, but NAV CANADA has built in safety rails to set students up for success. They are paired with a confidential ‘Thrive Peer’ to discuss their experiences while in training, express concerns or just ‘let off steam’, as well as access to a network of health and wellness specialists. “We have built in a tonne of supports in hopes that students achieve the highest levels of success possible,” Turner says.
Another advantage that separates NAV
CANADA from other organizations is that students are paid to train and are entitled to company benefits and pension after successfully completing the first phase of the training program. “It’s a different approach,” Turner reflects. “It’s not like a regular training school where you pay to learn. We pay you to train with us.”
The global aviation industry is made up of millions of individual pieces moving at the same time. Air navigation service professionals are at the heart of this very complex system. For those with pre-set ideas of what air navigation is about (usually based on the movies) understanding the reality of how Canada’s air navigation service provider operates is a step out of the ordinary.
NAV CANADA was the first global air navigation service provider to be privatized. It is an independent, non-profit corporation that invests in the latest air-to-ground digital communications, radar and needed technologies to support its more than 40,000 customers worldwide, including mom-and-pop single airplane operators up to the world’s largest airlines.
Employees earn excellent salaries and benefits in a unique and rewarding work environment. In addition to air traffic control and flight services, NAV CANADA offers a host of career paths, including the installation and maintenance of critical technologies and infrastructure, corporate services such as supply chain and program administration, finance and audit, strategic planning and much more. As aviation aggressively bounces back from COVID-19, NAV CANADA offers Canadians a clear path to join one of the world’s most rewarding and innovative industries.
For students considering a career in aviation, there is no greater and more exciting window on the industry. If you’re ready to take your career to new heights, visit navcanada.ca/lookup.
The unique Flight Service Station in Iqaluit, Nunavut, is a key piece of NAV CANADA’s infrastructure to manage 18 million square kilometres of civil airspace.
Kaitlyn Haynes is a recent graduate of the NAV CANADA Flight Service Specialist training program and now an active Flight Service Specialist based at Iqaluit, Nunavut.
AVIATION TECHNICIAN COLLEGES
MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND OVERHAUL COLLEGE PROGRAMS BY PROVINCE
BRITISH COLUMBIA
British Columbia Institute of Technology | Vancouver
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) School of Transportation prepares students for careers as Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Aviation Maintenance Technicians (Avionics) and Gas Turbine/Jet Engine Technicians. Its Aerospace Technology Campus is located at Vancouver International Airport with a 40,000-square-foot hangar that holds BCIT’s fleet of light piston, turboprop, corporate and jet transport aircraft, as well as light and medium helicopters. BCIT’s Airport Operations diploma program is designed for the demands of airport operation environments. The 16-month Airport Operations program provides students with an interdisciplinary program of study. In addition to category M and E technician programs, the school also provides courses for fixed- and rotary-wing pilots, and RPAS.
Northern Lights College | Dawson Creek
Northern Lights College (NLC) opened the Aerospace Centre of Excellence in 1981 at its Dawson Creek Campus. Students and current aircraft maintenance engineers receive hands-on training in a 26,000-square-foot hangar. Its fleet includes helicopters such as a Robinson R44, MD500D, AS350D, Hughes 300C, Bell 205 and 206; and fixedwing airplanes like a Cessna 180, Cessna 310, Piper Aztec 250, King Air B90, and British Aerospace JetStream 31.
ALBERTA
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology | Calgary
The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology provides two primary programs,
Aircraft Structures Technician and Avionics Technology. 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 Aircraft Structures Technician program offers the student the knowledge and skills required to enter a career to become an aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) S. The Aircraft Structures Technician program covers all the aspects of aircraft structure repair to general aviation, corporate, charter, transport category aircraft, and helicopters.
MANITOBA
Red River College | Winnipeg
Red River College (RRC) Aircraft Maintenance Engineer program is designed to develop the knowledge and skills in maintenance of both large and small airplanes and helicopters. It is designed to develop skills in maintenance of both airplanes and helicopters. Time in the program is split between the study of aircraft maintenance theory and practical projects. Upon graduation, if the student attained Transport Canada approved training status, they will be granted 19 months of the 48 months aviation maintenance experience.
ONTARIO
Algonquin College | Ottawa
The School of Advanced Technology at Algonquin College features With 23
laboratories, including precision machining, automotive, electronics, optical fiber, high-powered laser labs, mechanical modeling and element analysis, industrial controls, aviation maintenance and robotics labs. The includes two diploma programs in the school’s Transportation Technology segment called Aircraft Maintenance Technician and Aviation Management, General Arts and Science – both running for two years.
Canadore College | North Bay
Canadore Canadore College’s programs includes: Aircraft Structural Repair Technician; Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance; Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance; Aviation Technology – Aircraft Maintenance and Avionics; Aviation Technology – Aircraft Maintenance and Structures; First Peoples’ Aviation Technology – Flight; Aviation Fundamentals; and Helicopter Flight Training. The Aircraft Structural Repair Technician program allows students to specialize in repair, upgrading and the modification of an aircraft. Graduates receive 10 months accreditation towards a Transport Canada-Issued Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s Licence, Category S. The Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance program trains students how to troubleshoot vital aircraft components and systems, including piston and turbine engines, electrical systems, hydraulics, and navigation and communication systems. .
Centennial College | Toronto
Centennial College’s aviation technician programs offered within the School of Transportation include: Aviation Technician (Aircraft Maintenance), Aviation Technician (Avionics Maintenance), Aviation Technology (Aircraft Maintenance & Management), and Aviation Technology (Avionics Maintenance & Management). The Aircraft Maintenance program provides mechanical, electrical, electronic
CIA2023
and other science skills related to aircraft maintenance. It emphasizes the repair of electrical and mechanical systems within the aircraft. Students will study hydraulics, fuels, environmental systems, engines, flight controls, landing gear system and airframes and structure. The Avionics Maintenance program covers aircraft communications, navigation and data systems, and inspection and troubleshooting of basic electronics circuits.
Confederation College | Thunder Bay Confederation College’s Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance Co-op program has been running strong for more than 50 years. The program is delivered at the Aviation Centre of Excellence located at the Thunder Bay International Airport. Relatively new to the program is a mandatory paid co-op work placement between years one and two which provides our graduates with direct industry experience. Students train on helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, piston and turbine engines, all while learning about safety, standard practices, electrical, and structural repair. Approximately half of the program is delivered hands-on in various shop classes. Depending on the length and type of the co-op work term completed, graduating students of the two-year program receive 21 months of accreditation towards
their Aircraft Maintenance Engineer M1/M2 license.
Fanshawe College | London
Fanshawe’s Norton Wolf School of Aviation and Aerospace Technology provides a range of programs, including: Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Structural Repair Applied Aerospace Manufacturing; Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Maintenance; Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Avionics; Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Maintenance & Avionics; Commercial Flight and Aviation Leadership; Composites and Advanced Materials Aerospace Manufacturing; Flight Services (including Flight Attendant/Cabin Crew training); and Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems Commercial Operations. The Norton Wolf School of Aviation recently added a Aerospace Operations Management program. Its Aircraft Structural Repair program prepares students to repair, overhaul, and modify commercial aircraft in accordance with high standards of safety.
QUEBEC
École nationale d’aérotechnique | Montreal ÉNA provides programs in Avionics, Aircraft
Maintenance, and Aerospace Engineering Technology, all of which combine practice and theory. In addition to these three-year programs in French, Aircraft Maintenance is also offered in English. Graduates from two programs, Avionics (in French), and Aircraft maintenance (in English) earn Transport Canada recognition when they apply for the Aircraft Maintenance technician license to certify aircraft airworthiness.
NOVA SCOTIA
Nova Scotia Community College | Dartmouth
The Nova Scotia Community College’s (NSCC) Aviation Institute is located in a 43,000-square-foot training facility. The school provides a two-year Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Mechanical, diploma program. Courses focus on aircraft servicing and ground handling functions, Canadian Aviation Regulations, using specialized equipment to repair and maintain aircraft systems, interpret wiring diagrams and aircraft drawings, and assess sheet metal damage and appropriate repair procedures.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Holland College | Summerside Holland College provides a one-year Aircraft Turbine Technican certificate program at its Summerside Waterfront Campus in PEI. Aircraft turbine technicians inspect aircraft engines, troubleshoot issues with mechanical systems, and modify, repair, and test turbine engines. Students learn techniques, procedures, and documentation requirements with an emphasis on practical training.
NEWFOUNDLAND
College of the North Atlantic | Gander
The College of the North Atlantic is part of the Lufthansa Technical Training network. The two-year Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Technician program is located at the school’s Gander campus. Graduates earn North American and European certification and can attend the Institute of Technology in Carlow, Ireland, to earn an undergraduate degree in Aircraft Systems Maintenance with only one additional year of school. The Aircraft Structural Repair Technician program also takes place at the Gander campus.| W
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Canada will pay approximately US$85 million for each fifth-generation F-35, developed
DEFINING THE AEROSPACE ENVELOPE
THE LONG ROAD TOWARD CANADA’S F-35 FIGHTER JET COMMITMENT
BY JON ROBINSON
The deal for Canada to buy new fighter jets under its Future Fighter program is finally done after more than 12 years of a procurement saga straddling two Prime Ministers from both sides of the aisle. Liberal Defence Minister Anita Anand on January 9, 2023, confirmed what will easily become the largest investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 30 years, amounting to at least $19 billion for the fleet of F-35A Lighting II aircraft.
Canada’s initial deal was crafted after months of exclusive negotiation – since Canada announced it had picked the F-35 back on March 28, 2022 – with the United States government and Lockheed Martin in concert with engine maker Pratt and Whitney. Officials at the press conference indicated
the full cost of purchasing and operating the aircraft over a span of 40 years, as well as building new hangars and other facilities for the planes, would reach about $70 billion. Primary start-up costs for the F-35 program will include storage, maintenance, spare parts, and weapons.
The F-35 acquisition is being made with funding set out in Canada’s 2017 defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, with the $19 billion including not just aircraft, but also sustainment set-up and services for the aircraft, associated aircraft equipment, and the construction of new fighter squadron facilities in Bagotville, Quebec, and Cold Lake, Alberta.
These facilities will be home to both operational and training squadrons, and will include space for daily operations,
maintenance, administration, mission planning, and simulator training in support of the entire fleet. More investments surrounding the integration of the F-35 fighter and its maintenance needs will be made around Canada’s NORAD Modernization Plan, including a range of infrastructure upgrades across the country.
The generational Future Fighter buy will serve as a primary lead for the development of Canada’s aviation and aerospace landscape for decades, providing direct aeronautical development and MRO support work for more than 100 companies across the country – counting only those who are already involved in the F-35 program – and pure inspiration for a new generation of aviators.
The F-35 purchase, of course, will also
under the Joint Strike Fighter Program led by Lockheed Martin.
allow Canada – on its own – to defend the second largest airspace in the world.
Political timing and aircraft delivery
The decision to commit to the F-35 traces backed more than a decade, perhaps highlighted by the Liberal government’s decision in 2017 to officially launch an open Future Fighter competition for the permanent replacement of Canada’s ageing fighter fleet of Boeing CF-18 Hornets. Earlier, the Conservatives in 2010, then holding power in Ottawa with leader Stephen Harper, had announced plans to buy a fleet of 65 F-35 fighter jets without a contract competition, which became a point of contention when initial pricing details for the aircraft were later released to the public. The Conservatives backed out of their F-35 plan by 2012 and the airplane would become a centrepiece of the 2015 federal election, which was won by Justin Trudeau’s Liberals.
Once in power, the Liberal government signaled a preference for the Boeing Super Hornet with a plan to buy 18 new FA-18s as a stop-gap measure. That move was eventually scrapped in 2019, with many pointing at the time to Boeing’s legal actions brought against Bombardier subsidies as the Montreal plane maker was developing the single-aisle CSeries (now owned by Airbus
as the A220 platform). Boeing had recently introduced its 737 Max with new larger engines in mid-2017 as a frontline competitor to the CSeries, creating more political obstacles and more fighter procurement delays.
Anand addressed some of the problems created from the fighter jet procurement lag as Canada has committed heavy resources to a CF-18 stopgap, which included buying used Australian FA-18s to supplement the CF-18 fleet, which are also being upgraded under a newly expanded Hornet Extension Project.
As reported by Lee Berthiaume of The Canadian Press, Canada will spend more than a billion additional dollars on the CF-18 fleet to keep it flying until the F-35s have been delivered. By 2032, the CF-18s will have been around for 50 years. Perhaps more important, and less obvious, the delay has created an urgent need for the Canadian Armed Forces to turn on a dime and rebuild its infrastructure and personnel around the F-35.
On the other side of the coin, however, Canada is buying a much more mature fighter jet that has overcome a series of challenges that received much public scorn and served as opposition fodder around the globe. Canada’s new fleet of 88 jets is being acquired in tranches, starting with an
initial tranche of 16 that includes the first four aircraft to be delivered in 2026, the next six in 2027, and the next six in 2028. The first jets are likely to be kept in the U.S. as Canada finishing completing the needed infrastructure.
Pilots and technicians will also train at bases in the U.S., most likely Luke Air Force base in Arizona where pilots from around the world come together to learn F-35 capabilities for their country. It is expected that the first F-35 to be based in Canada will happen by 2029.
The final F-35s are expected to arrive in 2032 when the CF-18 program is scheduled to be completely phased out. This is an accelerated timeline afforded to members of the Joint Strike Fighter Program formed back in 1997 by eight partner countries that worked with the U.S. to provide input on which fighter they should develop, ultimately steering the military powerhouse toward the F-35 and its three variants A, B and C.
Strike Fighter and the global fleet As politics played out over the past decade plus, Canada continued to make annual million-dollar payments toward the development of the F-35 stealth fighter despite uncertainty over whether it would buy the aircraft. This included a US$71.7 million
payment in mid-2021 to remain a Joint Strike Fighter partner country. Each partner is required to cover a portion of the plane’s multibillion-dollar development costs to stay in the program. Partner countries not only get earn priority on the production line, but also a discount when purchasing the jets and the ability to compete for billions of dollars in contracts associated with building and maintaining the F-35.
Canada is buying the F-35 at US$85 million per airplane – the same price extended to the U.S. military. It joins what is now a large global fleet of more than 890 F-35 fighter jets positioned around the world with nine countries.
“The fact that the F-35 is yet to lose a competition is due both to the size of the program and U.S. influence,” wrote Srdjan Vucetic, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa, in April 2022 for The Conversation, after Canada announced its intention to negotiate for the F-35. “The more air forces that buy it — Canada’s decision brings that number to 18 — the lower its operational and other costs. That’s because network effects, as economists call them, generate not only profits for contractors but also international power and influence.”
Lockheed Martin points to its existing strong partnership with Canadian industry, providing supply chain contracts to more than 1,400 Canadian companies and billions of dollars in awarded contracts across all lines of business.
In her comments about the F-35 buy, Anand points to the heightened significance of the fighter jet upgrade with Russia’s “illegal and unjustifiable attack” on Ukraine and China’s “increasingly assertive behavior” in the Indo-Pacific. She speaks of the importance of interoperability with our allies, which was a key pillar of the fight jet RFP, which ultimately relates to Canada meeting its military obligations at home and delivering on commitments under NORAD and NATO.
Growing threats and allies
With the need for advanced interoperability with allies laid out on the Future Fighter bid competition, Canada’s need to increase its NATO and NORAD commitments amid growing threats, and the country’s now 16-year participation in the Joint Strike Fighter program, the defining moment of contractually committing to the F-35 seemed inevitable.
Before the final F-35 procurement was made, many prominent Canadians spoke out against the need to buy a new fleet of fighter jets, through the No Fighter Jets campaign. Despite the country’s unique,
strong and mutually beneficial relationship with the United States, however, Canada must patrol and control its own airspace.
Lockheed Martin notes the F-35 has the capability required to protect Canada with a mission radius greater than 700 nautical miles in low observable combat configurations and internal fuel capacity of more than 18,500 pounds.
When the mission does not require low observability, Lockheed Martin explains the F-35 can carry more than 18,000 pounds of ordnance in internal weapon bays and on external hard points.
With sophisticated sensors built in, continues Lockheed Martin, the true fifthgeneration F-35 maintains a decisive operational advantage without sacrificing low observability with external pods. Embedded network-enabled capability allows information gathered by the sensors to be shared with commanders at sea, in the air or on the ground.
“The F-35 is a modern, reliable, and agile fighter aircraft used by our closest allies in missions across the globe,” said Anand. “It is the most advanced fighter on the market, and it is the right aircraft for Canada.” | W
PORTABLE POWER
THE SAFETY NET OF LIGHTWEIGHT GPU OPTIONS
BY PHIL LIGHTSTONE
Ground Power Units are key operational components for business aviation, commercial operators, the airlines and even within general aviation. Access to diesel powered Ground Power Units (GPU) is usually not an issue for aircraft operating out of larger airports. The FBO operator tugs a GPU out to the aircraft to provide mission critical electricity to facilitate ground starts, air conditioning, FMS updates, and so on. But what about operators travelling to aerodromes lacking GPU infrastructure or there are no FBOs onsite.
“One of our operational challenges is updating our Citation’s FMS system prior to
flight, which can take upwards of 30 minutes,” says David Nissan, co-founder of FLYGTA. “In remote locations without access to a GPU, this can be taxing on our aircraft’s battery. As one of FLYGTA’s captains, I wonder if I’ll get an engine start with a depleted battery. A portable GPU certainly will make this concern evaporate.”
There are two types of GPUs: Small portables designed to power the aircraft’s avionics; and higher output GPUs designed to start an aircraft’s engine. Historically, GPUs designed to start engines were in fact a diesel engine running a generator, creating DC voltage. You typically see these GPUs attached to turbine or jet aircraft, either used
for a ground start or to run the aircraft’s air conditioning.
With the advent of Lithium batteries, engine start GPUs have shrunk, some weighting as little as 10 pounds, becoming highly portable. An affordable safety net when you are operating from remote aerodromes or gravel runways and your aircraft’s battery cannot provide an engine start. Recharge time for this new breed of GPUs can be a few hours, utilizing a 120 VAC power outlet. Most modern jet and turbine aircraft are equipped with 120 VAC power, allowing the GPU to be recharged when airborne.
Rotorcraft Enterprises (Start Pac)
Rotorcraft Enterprises has been manufacturing GPUs since 1997 and has 72 different products. The organization is best known as Start Pac, which is the name of its product, www.startpac.com. The company was founded by Jim and Judith Wurth. Jim was a retired Eastern Airlines pilot, who had transitioned to flying helicopters. Owning a MD500 helicopter, Jim faced a situation when his helicopter (and battery) had become cold soaked overnight and he was not able to start the engine, until the battery warmed up in the afternoon. As an engineer, he designed Version 0 of Start Pac for personal use. Judith, recognized the business opportunity and one year later they had built 11 Start Pacs, selling them to their friends. Fast forward to 2022, Start Pac has sold more than 50,000 GPUs, has 22,000 customers, operating in more than 100 countries, with more than 10,000 Lithiumbased products in the field. The company has 10 full-time employees with a few part timers operating from its facility in Las Vegas, as well as one full time engineer in France (providing more customer support coverage). In 2007, Eve Storm (Judith and Jim’s daughter) joined the company and is now its President and CEO.
You will recognize Start Pac products from its signature yellow-coloured GPUs. Its newer Lithium Ion battery powered portable starting units are blue, while its lead acid powered portable units are also yellow. GPU battery life is cycle dependent on many factors. The size and temperature of the engine are also factors, which must always be considered, but with normal usage, lead acid users tend to get from three to six years before the GPU requires its batteries to be replaced. Start Pac can refurbish pretty much all of its GPUs and it has a quick-change design for one-minute battery changes in the field without tools or training.
The Start Pac One and Pro are Lithium powered portable GPUs designed to be carried in the aircraft. Start Pac One weighs 12 lbs, 1800 A, 26 DCV and is designed to be used with voltage sensitive aircraft, recharge to full in three hours or less. Start Pac makes all its GPUs inhouse including the cables.
Battery Aviation Systems manufactures the 28 volt StartStick portable GPU product line.
The Start Pac battery powered GPUs come with a charger and aircraft adapter cable kit. Start Pac recommends that its Start Pac Micro (lead acid) and Start Pac One (Lithium) not be used for avionics or compressor washes to prevent deep discharge damage to the GPU. The company also recommends that an engine start with its portable GPUs be conducted at least once per month to exercise the battery chemistry. The Start Pac Pro (28 volt) weights 14 lbs, delivers 1,800 peak amps and costs US$2,644. Certain aircraft will also allow the aircraft’s generator to back charge a GPU. In this manner, the Start Pac can be recharged in the field without an AC source.
Start Pac products have a one year warranty. However, Start Pac sees batteries as consumable items which can be damaged from misuse and are not covered by their warranty. Historically, Start Pac included a cool coffee mug with each GPU sold, but switched to baseball hats as they found that the mugs were becoming broken in shipping. They also have a lifetime trade in program for any old Start Pac GPU towards a similar or greater valued unit. Start Pac is distributed by several distributors including Aircraft Spruce.
Battery Aviation Systems (StartStick)
Battery Aviation Systems LLC, www.startstick.com, founded in 2014, manufactures
the 28 volt StartStick portable GPU product line, with more than 2,000 units sold. StartStick is powered by NanoPhosphate Lithium Iron Phosphate cells manufactured by A123 Systems. StartStick has three models, essentially the same, but with different battery capacities and weights.
StartStick is designed to plug directly into an aircraft’s GPU NATO port (oval), with no cables required. There are currently no plans to introduce a 12/14 volt model or a Piper (round) compatible connector. StartStick is used on aircraft and helicopters from small GA aircraft to turbine aircraft.
StartStick’s three models include: StartStick 10 at 10.6 lbs, 9.7 Ah capacity, and 2.8 hours to fully charge; StartStick 15 at 14.9 lbs, 14.7 Ah capacity, 4.2 hours to full charge; and StartStick 20 at 20.2 lbs. 19.4 Ah capacity, 5.6 hours to full charge. The time before complete discharge is 29, 44, 58 minutes, respectively. All three models should delivery more than 1,000 charge cycles and between 3,000 and 4,000 engine starts before they require overhaul. From a GA or BA perspective, 10 lbs of extra weight in your baggage compartment, offsets the hassle of trying to start your aircraft in a remote airport with no services.
StartStick has a sunlight readable screen which displays several messages including information about the battery. The product
ships with an A/C adapter for charging and a protective ballistic nylon carrying bag, and laminated reference card. During winter operations, if StartStick is left in the cold, there is a simple field procedure to warm it to acceptable operating parameters. StartStick requires a warm-up procedure for temperatures between 0C and -20C, using the battery’s own energy to self-heat. For sustained low temperatures or for applications where an engine motoring is not practical, the battery should be warmed indoors.
When I tested StartStick, I was concerned about hanging a 10 lb mass from the Commander’s (114B) GPU port. The depth of the connector creates a mechanically balanced connection which appears on the surface not to put too much strain on the aircraft’s GPU port. The load on the aircraft’s GPU connector for StartStick 10, 15 and 20 are 7.7, 12.4, 14.9 ft/lbs respectively. StartStick has a suction cup lanyard designed to deal with the weight load placed on the aircraft’s GPU port.
Once attached to the Commander (that I fly), it automatically turned itself on and began to supply power. StartStick has a red on/off button, which when depressed for 10 seconds will turn the GPU off. Don’t forget to turn the StartStick off before detaching it from your aircraft. Charging the StartStick is simple. It has a water-resistant charging port, equipped with a screw on cap to resist water. The AC adapter’s connection will not allow the connector to be attached backwards. Charging takes a few hours.
StartStick has several accessories for its GPU: lanyard with suction cup and quick release (which attaches to the handle of the StartStick); NATO connector extender with an articulating hinge designed to extend the NATO connector for tight GPU connection points; and a variety of cables.
StartStick pricing for the 10, 15 and 20 is US$3,695, US$4,695 and US$5,695, with a two year limited warranty. StartStick is not field serviceable and has a four- to 10-year period before overhaul which typically costs US$1,500.
Shipping internationally is not a problem but will be dependent upon the requirements of your specific country. StartStick is available through its distributor and dealer network, including Mid-Continent Instrument Co and Boeing Aviall.
GPUs are worth their weight in gold, especially if you are stuck at a remote airport lacking services. They provide that operational security blanket helping to ensure your passengers depart on time and with minimal delay. | W
ENGINES
• GE T700/CT7
• Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T & PW200
• Rolls-Royce M250 & RR300
• Safran Arriel 1 & 2
AIRFRAMES
• Airbus H120/EC120, H125/AS350, AS355, EC135, H130/EC130, H215/AS332
• Bell B204/205, B206, B212/412, B214, B407, B427, B222/230/430, UH-1 series
• Sikorsky S-76, S-61
DYNAMIC COMPONENTS
• Airbus H125/AS350, H130/EC130
FUEL SYSTEMS
• Crash-Resistant Fuel Tank
AVIONICS
• StableLight 4-Axis AutoPilot
• ADS-B
• Glass cockpit
www.standardaero.com/heli
A GOVERNMENT BACKED FUNDING PROGRAM FOR PILOT TRAINING
The aviation industry is slowly recovering from the pandemic, parked aircraft are back online to meet the pent-up travel demand, furloughed personnel have returned, and passenger loads are approaching pre-pandemic levels. In addition, we are seeing the emergence of new low-cost carriers entering the market, and new routes being offered by the major airlines servicing hubs for airlines flying to regional markets, including northern and remote communities.
Operators are adding new aircraft to service these new routes. Unfortunately, resourcing of pilots and maintenance personnel is problematic and further challenged by new rules around federal regulations (flight and duty times) which now require 30% more crews per aircraft than previously needed.
When talking about pilot shortages, one needs to describe the trickledown effect of pilot demand on the flight training industry. Flight schools are the grass roots of aviation and depend on well trained competent teams of flight instructors to train and educate the next generation of student pilots. As the airline community searches for experienced pilots the primary target for potential qualified pilots has now focused on the most experienced flight instructors. The progression of instructors to the airline industry, common in Canadian aviation, had been delayed due to the slowdown of commercial aviation flights during the COVID pandemic. The practice of airlines hiring experienced instructors, however, has been amplified post COVID with some ATAC flight schools reporting 50% of their flight instruction staff will be moving on as new hires to the airlines in the next 6 months. Fortunately, Canada enjoys great success in producing competent flight instructors from commercial pilot graduates.
Labour market outlooks forecast major shortages for pilots and maintenance engineers over the next 10 years, as well as competition with other sectors that demand high-cost training, where there is and will continue to be high labour market demand.
The solution to alleviate this human resource situation is to ramp up the intake of new pilot candidates for ab initio training at flight schools Canada wide. The lag between initial flight training and employability can be several years before skills and ratings are achieved to fly large commercial aircraft.
The message that is repeatedly brought forward by potential Canadian students regarding barriers to entry for commercial pilot training is the challenge in obtaining funds in the form of loans and grants. Government support is necessary to offer our most bright and talented youth the opportunity to pursue this important career if we are to avoid a severe shortage of pilots in this country.
ATAC has rallied the support of the Transport Minister in our proposal to the Federal Finance Minister to provide a back stop guarantee for student loans which should open the door for risk averse lending institutions to offer loans for pilot and maintenance training.
Pilot and Aviation Maintenance Engineer training are professional programs with a high rate of employability and require an appropriate level of funding to allow candidates to pursue these high demand careers. Another significant consideration is that greater availability of funding would greatly enhance the ability for the aviation sector to attract a hugely untapped market of female and indigenous pilot candidates which would help overcome shortages. Currently, only 5-7% of commercial pilots are female in Canada.
These are high demand occupations and flight schools in Canada have the capacity to train the pilots needed by Canadian airlines to fill the gap for commercial pilots with the skills and competency to meet the demand for the travelling public.
ATAC’s proposal would control access to guaranteed loans to pre-qualified candidates and would establish gradual access to the funds as the student pilot reaches pre-determined milestones in his or her training.
Pre-selection of approved candidates, gradual access to guaranteed funds, and near full employment all but eliminates the exposure of the endorsing federal government. This is a near-zero-cost solution to government that industry and the Federal Government should implement as quickly as possible.
The financial barriers are real and must be addressed if we are to develop the next generation of Canadian pilots. If we cannot overcome the funding challenge affecting supply of pilots, airlines will have no choice but to cut back or remove service to communities and regional markets that depend on air travel as a lifeline.
John McKenna President and CEO
Air Transport Association of Canada
David Carr | columnist
Plugging into the future
Starting the New Year on a trajectory toward electric carriers
Air Canada is set to recharge its fleet. Literally. The airline has entered into a purchase agreement for 30 ES-30 electric-hybrid regional aircraft currently development by Sweden’s Heart Aerospace. The agreement is part of a 2022 buying spree that includes orders for 26 A321 XLR, extra long-range jets and 15 additional A220-300s, bringing its fleet of the former Bombardier airplane to 60.
The 30-passenger ES-30 is an updated version of the 19-passenger ES-19 that created a buzz in 2020 with an order for 200 of the type by Air Canada Star Alliance partner United, and its commuter partner Mesa Air Group. The ES-30 replaces the smaller aircraft while holding onto its existing order book, including the United order.
Air transport’s electric revolution is on the horizon. At least for short hops. Heart Aerospace will be up against larger and more established players, including Raytheon Enterprises, U.S. parent of Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), and Calgarybased de Havilland.
Raytheon successfully completed a ground test of its regional hybrid-electric engine in December at the P&WC facility in Quebec. The propulsion system integrates a 1 MW electric motor developed by Collins Aerospace (another Raytheon subsidiary) with a Pratt fuel-burning engine adapted for hybrid-electric operation. The new engine is expected to reduce fuel-burn and CO2 emissions by up to 30 per cent. The engine will be mounted on a modified de Havilland Dash 8 with demonstrator flights expected to begin in 2024, two years ahead of the ES-30. De Havilland has also signed a memorandum of understanding with ZeroAvia to jointly develop a hydrogen-electric powered Dash 8-400 (formerly the Q400) demonstrator. No timeline on development has been set, but the ZeroAvia engine will be available for new and in-service retrofits.
Brazil’s Embraer is planning a family of hydrogen-electric, hybrid-electric and fully electric aircraft under the Energia brand. The first of the family, the E9-HE (hydrogen electric) is expected to be certified 2030.
On order book alone, Heart Aerospace has a jump on the competition at the larger end of the market. Last year, American
The propulsion system integrates a 1 MW electric motor developed by Collins Aerospace with a Pratt fuel-burning engine adapted for hybrid-electric operation.
Airlines placed an order for up to 250 of UK-based Vertical’s VA-X4 eVTOL aircraft. It is more of an air taxi, carrying four passengers over a range of about 160 kilometres relative to longer regional routes goals. Vertical reports orders for 1,350 aircraft.
ES-30 entry into service with Air Canada is planned for 2028. The airline is committed to zero emissions by 2050 and is also investing US$5 million in Heart. “Air Canada has taken a leadership position in the industry to address climate change,” said airline Chief Executive Michael Rousseau. “We are now reinforcing our commitment by investing in revolutionary electric aircraft technology.”
The ES-30 will be driven by four electric motors powered by lithium-ion batteries with zero carbon emissions over the first 200 kilometres. Each aircraft will also be fitted with a reserve-hybrid system, consisting of two turboprop generators powered by sustainable aviation fuel. The generators can boost range to 400 kilometres, and up to 800 kilometres with only 25 passengers with a carbon footprint expected to be half that of a conventional turboprop. Heart believes, that as battery technology evolves, range of the ES-30 will increase to 300 kilometres electric by the mid-2030s and 400
kilometres by the late-2030s. With limited range, at least out of the gate, Air Canada will place its low-cost ES-30s into nooks and crannies of the country not previously served, or long taken off the route map. MSNBC reports that United will be looking into city pairs of less than 400 kilometres where it estimates that approximately 99 per cent of the potential market still takes the car. Heart believes that once in service, Air Canada will present a strong learning opportunity for the manufacturer.
“Air Canada is a strategically important partner,” Anders Forslund, founder and chief executive of Heart Aerospace said. “The company has one of the world’s largest networks operated by regional turboprops.”
Seating configuration for the ES-30 will be three across (2 x 1). Air Canada’s fleet will include a lavatory and galley. At its destination, the airline estimates the ES30 will take 25 to 30 minutes to recharge. The full value of the Air Canada order is unknown, although it is estimated that cost per aircraft will be approximately US$10 million, list.
In describing how far Heart Aerospace has come in such a short time, Forslund was reflecting on the ES-19. His sentiment also applies to the ES-30. “The ES-19 started small as a niche product for the Nordic market. But it turns out it has a much more global appeal. The response has been beyond our expectations. To reach a broader market we are now taking this big step forward.” | W
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