Aviation Programs

Our history in aviation

After being previously put on hold by the events of WWII, public training and classes resumed at the campus on North Hill, and the aviation program became a three-year Aeronautical Engineering program.

As the modern era of aviation took hold, and the industry began to grow in Canada, SAIT introduced two new programs, the Aircraft Maintenance Technology program (present-day Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology) in 1957 and Avionics Technology in 1975, to help meet industry demand. 

In 1996, in response to a need defined by the Department of National Defense, another aviation program was added: Aircraft Structures Technician. The addition of this program completed the evolution to the programs offered by the School of Transportation.

With successful programs and recognition of a future labour shortage, SAIT took the lead in responding to industry demand for more aviation maintenance graduates and sought assistance in developing a new aviation campus at the Calgary International Airport.

After years of planning and with the collaborative support of the Alberta Provincial Government, the Government of Canada, the City of Calgary, the Calgary International Airport Authority, and industry partners, a new facility, the Art Smith Aero Centre for Training and Technology, was built on land connected to Taxiway "N," a celebrated jewel in SAIT's crown.

Our facilities

Art Smith Aero Centre

Globally recognized for aviation training, students from all over the world come to learn at SAIT’s Art Smith Aero Centre. Occupying 13 acres of land at the Calgary International Airport and connected to Taxiway N, the centre is accessible by private vehicle, public transportation or air.

The centre includes:

• seven state-of-the-art classrooms
• study areas
• a full cafeteria
• a 21,000 square foot hangar
• 13 labs, including sheet metal, composite material, gas turbine, avionics, helicopter, reciprocating engine, and computer labs.

Along with impressive labs where you can learn about the mechanical, electrical and structural components of aircrafts, the space also has corporate facilities and shared classroom space, creating opportunities for industry to conduct its own training or participate in joint training.

The centre is designed and operated to meet industry and SAIT standards, emphasizing exceptional classroom and hands-on training that mimics what you will experience as a graduate.

Our programs

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology

  Diploma     International applicants accepted     2 years

Train to service and repair all types of airplanes and helicopters with the opportunity to obtain your Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) license.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology

Aircraft Structures Technician

  Certificate     International applicants accepted     1 year

Study for a career as an aircraft repair or structures technician, leading up to your Aircraft Maintenance Engineer license, through this program that teaches the modification and repair of aircraft, helicopters and their structural components.

Aircraft Structures Technician

Avionics Technology

  Diploma     International applicants accepted     2 years

Earn your Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) license by learning to repair and maintain the electrical and electronic systems in all types of airplanes and helicopters.

Avionics Technology

Professional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems ^{New program!}

  Certificate     Not open to international applicants     15 weeks

Gain specialized professional skills to become a drone pilot in this emerging field with application to various industries.

Professional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems