Aircraft Structures Technician

Traits, skills and aptitudes

Aircraft maintenance engineers tend to be objective, innovative and methodical.  

You need: 

• good writing and speaking skills 
• confidence 
• mechanical aptitude 
• good eyesight and hearing 
• hand-eye and muscle coordination 
• fitness and agility for reaching and climbing 
• comfort with heights 
• organization and time-management skills 
• attention to detail 
• teamwork skills 
• decision-making skills, often under pressure 
• spatial and form awareness. 

Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities

You’ll have the opportunity to participate in an industry job shadowing experience, allowing you to experience the aviation industry and work with experienced technicians to gain a better understanding of what your career post-graduation will look like.

During this experience, you will need to meet the safety requirements of the company you will be job shadowing and may need to purchase additional personal protective equipment (PPE) to participate.

Accreditations, designations or certifications

This program is accredited by Transport Canada, subject to periodic audits. 

To receive ten months of credit towards the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer “S” license, you must attend at least 95% of your classes and labs and achieve minimum overall marks of 70%.

Credential

Upon successfully completing this program, you’ll recieve a SAIT Aircraft Structures Technician certificate.

Program length

2 years

Accepts international applicants - PGWP-eligible

This program accepts international applicants and meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as long as the student is registered in on-campus classes or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for blended options). 

International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies. 

Not eligible for CAJG

This program is not eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant. 

Related careers

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Potential careers (NOC):

• Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors (22313)
• Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (72404)
• Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors (93200)

Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

• at least 50% in Math 20-1 or 20-2, and
• at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

Admission requirements - Applicants educated outside of Canada

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options. 

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Program outline

The Aircraft Structures Technician certificate requires 34.5 credits (11 courses) to complete.

The program spans one year, with two semesters per year.

Required courses

• AERO 213 - Aviation Regulatory Management 1.5 Credits
• AERO 214 - Introduction to Aircraft Structures 3 Credits
• AERO 215 - Introduction to Basic Aircraft Systems 3 Credits
• AERO 206 - Aircraft Windows and Lenses 1.5 Credits
• AERO 211 - Aircraft Wood and Fabric Repair 3 Credits
• AREG 250 - Introduction to Canadian Aviation Regulatory Requirements 1.5 Credits
• EMTL 207 - Introduction to Aircraft Metal Structures 6 Credits
• EMTL 308 - Advanced Aircraft Metal Structures 6 Credits
• EMTL 330 - Aircraft Composite Structures 6 Credits
• STDP 200 - Standard Practices Theory 1.5 Credits
• STDP 201 - Standard Practices Lab 1.5 Credits

Suggested schedule of study

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure > 

Books and supplies

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.

Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn’t receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you’re in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Required equipment/tools

A tool list and timeline for purchasing the items will be provided at orientation.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

Students will require coveralls, safety glasses and a respirator.

The industry-approved PPE you’ll need will be discussed during orientation, where you can purchase these items using debit or credit.

Transportation program advising

For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Transportation.

Phone: 403.284.8471
Email: transportation.info@sait.ca