Overview
Aircraft maintenance engineers specializing in structures are responsible for maintaining and repairing the physical structure of an aircraft, including fuselage, wings, tail, and landing gear, ensuring its structural integrity and safety.
About the program
The program is offered once a year in September. It is 40 academic weeks long. There will be a break for a few weeks in December and a one-week break in March. The program completion is mid-July.
Approximately 40 per cent of the day is spent on theory discussions in a classroom setting, followed by hands-on practical training in the shops located at BCIT’s state-of-the-art Aerospace Technology Campus in Richmond. The program is designed to follow a national set of standards and is approved by Transport Canada (TC). If a graduate meets the Transport Canada accreditation requirements, they will receive 12 months of experience credit towards the required 36 months, as well as exemption from the technical examinations, to obtain an AME-S license.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to do the following:
- Use tools and equipment in the shop according to industry safety regulations.
- Interpret Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Structural Repair Manuals, aircraft drawings, and schematic diagrams, as well as drafting standards.
- Explain basic aircraft systems, including fixed/rotary wing systems, flight control systems, propulsion systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, landing gear systems, environmental systems, ice protection systems, fire protection systems, and emergency systems.
- Perform major and minor structural repairs to aircraft according to OEM specifications.
- Perform corrosion prevention and control procedures, as well as surface finishing.
- Use appropriate fasteners and locking devices in the maintenance and repair of aircraft structures.
- Perform composite and plastic repairs according to aircraft repair manuals.
- Perform metallurgy treatments for the repair of aircraft structures.
- Communicate in a professional manner through written documentation and personal presentation.
Who it’s for
Potential students for the program include individuals who have an aptitude for hand skills and who are looking for a rewarding career in aviation.
What grads can do
Graduates can seek employment at aircraft maintenance organizations, component repair shops, airlines, and helicopter operators.
For more information
Discover the answers to your burning questions by watching the video below, where a recent information session has been recorded:
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first-qualified basis as long as space remains. When available intakes are full, qualified applicants are wait-listed.
If you are uncertain or don’t meet the requirements, we strongly recommend you complete any applicable Trades Entry Assessments before applying.
- English language proficiency: one of the following:
- Category 3 – English Studies 12 (50%) or equivalent or
- BCIT English Trades Entry Assessment
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (60%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (60%) or
- Workplace Math 11 (60%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BCIT Math Trades Entry Assessment
Recommended for success
- General Mechanics 11, Automotive Mechanics 11, Technical Education 11
- An interest in mechanics, sheet metal, and/or composites
- Minimum of 95% attendance required to obtain credential
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants.
Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.
International applicants must complete the following steps:
- Meet the above entrance requirements and submit your application.
- Receive notice of conditional acceptance to the program.
- Complete ACES – 0100 Applied Technical Literacy (70%) prior to program start. BCIT Admissions will enrol you in this course and communicate the details in your conditional acceptance letter.
Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility: This program currently meets the eligible field of study requirement (CIP) and is eligible for students to apply for a PGWP.
Students are responsible for meeting all Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) PGWP eligibility requirements. Final PGWP approval is at the discretion of IRCC.
(CIPC: 47.0607)
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
Approximately $250 for required textbooks, $175 for required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and $85 for coveralls. Costs are estimates only and are subject to change.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Ear protection, CSA-approved safety glasses, and safety footwear are required.
Coveralls:
Students are required to supply their own coveralls. Please check the uniform authorization voucher [PDF] to determine the type of coveralls required for your program.
Laptop/Computer:
Access to a laptop or computer is required. Students will need to access their assignments online. Campus library has desktop computers available.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Class hours
0800–1530, Monday through Friday.
Program matrix
| Term 1 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| AVCC 1105 | Aviation Hand Tools Hardware and Structure | 8.0 | |
| AVCC 1110 | Physics and Drawings | 4.0 | |
| AVCC 1115 | Sheet Metal and Fasteners | 4.0 | |
| AVST 1200 | Communications and Academic Skills for Aircraft Maintenance | 4.0 | |
| AVST 1220 | Introduction to Metal Aircraft Construction | 5.0 | |
| AVST 1225 | Metal Aircraft Construction Applications | 5.0 | |
| Term 2 (14 weeks) | Credits | ||
| AVST 2210 | Airframe Systems | 3.0 | |
| AVST 2215 | Airframe Applications | 3.0 | |
| AVST 2220 | Introduction to Composite Structures | 4.0 | |
| AVST 2225 | Composite Fabrication and Repair Techniques | 4.0 | |
| AVST 2230 | Classic Structures | 3.0 | |
| AVST 2235 | Classic Structure Applications | 3.0 | |
| AVST 2240 | |||
| AVST 2245 | Corrosion Control Techniques | 3.0 | |
| Term 3 (12 weeks) | Credits | ||
| AVST 3200 | Regulations, Documentation, and Communications | 4.0 | |
| AVST 3230 | Advanced Metal Repair | 5.0 | |
| AVST 3235 | Advanced Metal Repair Applications | 5.0 | |
| AVST 3240 | Advanced Composite Structures | 3.0 | |
| AVST 3245 | Advanced Composite Fabrication and Repair Techniques | 3.0 | |
| AVST 4205 | Capstone Projects | 4.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 80.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program length
Students will spend a total of 10 months (40 weeks) in school.
Grading
The minimum course passing grade is 70%. If courses have a theory component and a practical component, both components must be passed with 70%. The official transcript will show an average of both marks, with a U or F (unsatisfactory or failed) if either component is not passed.
Course failure and program continuation
If you fail a course during a term, you may re-register to repeat the course. However, if your second attempt is also unsuccessful, you will be prohibited from being readmitted to the course until you seek approval from the Associate Dean of the program.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
The program delivers instructional content and learning activities fully in person, supplemented by online components that provide additional resources to help students learn.
Program location
Aerospace Technology Campus
3800 Cessna Drive
Richmond, BC
Aviation attendance policy
Attendance policy for all Aviation programs differs from other BCIT programs and is regulated by Transport Canada.
Your attendance will be recorded for each course. Transport Canada allows 5% absenteeism for specific circumstances. If you successfully complete the program and your total program attendance is less than 95%, you may receive the BCIT diploma. To receive the Transport Canada accreditation, you will be required to recuperate the lost time through documented supplementary studies.
Canadian Aviation Regulation Standard 566 states:
Students missing more than 5% of the course curriculum through absence will not qualify for any credit under Transport Canada course approval, unless the lost time is made up through documented supplementary studies, which shall include theory, workshop and laboratory time, equivalent to that missed from the original program. The 5% absence policy is intended for illness, bereavement, or other circumstances beyond the individual's control.
Graduating & Jobs
Continue your education
Graduates of this program may continue their studies to complete the BCIT Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Technology Management. The BTech program provides you with the flexibility to start your new career and complete your degree part-time within 3 to 5 years.
Job opportunities
British Columbia is home to over 200 aerospace companies, employing thousands of highly skilled workers. There is an increasing demand for aircraft structures technicians, particularly as the current workforce ages and global air travel continues to rise.
Nationally, the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) reports that the sector contributes over $25 billion to the national GDP and supports more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs
According to Job Bank Canada, the employment outlook for AME – Structures technicians, is rated as “Good” in BC for the 2024–2026 period. This positive outlook is attributed to employment growth leading to new positions and numerous retirements creating additional vacancies.
Contact Us
Chris Shannon
Department Head, Technical Programs
Tel: 604-419-3726
Keith Miller
Department Head, Technical Programs
Tel: 604-419-3702
Questions or comments?
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