Overview
Embark on an amazing journey to a career in the airline industry with the Aviation Commercial Operations diploma program.
This two-year diploma program offers comprehensive academic training that includes aviation ground school courses and the option to purchase flight hours. Whether you choose to complete the academic portion alone or combine it with flight training, this program prepares you for in-demand careers in aviation.
If you complete flight training alongside the academic program, you will graduate with both a diploma and a Commercial Pilot License (CPL(A)). Flight training is conducted by Sault College at CYAM, a controlled airport with an advanced fleet of aircraft and access to both Canadian and U.S. airspace, ensuring efficient and high-quality training. Flight training costs are separate, and flight hours are completed alongside the academic program.
Through courses in mathematics, physical systems, electronics, and general arts, you will build a strong foundation for success in aviation careers. Graduates can pursue roles as commercial pilots, flight dispatchers, or other aviation-related positions. Advanced opportunities, such as multi-engine and instrument rating micro-credential courses, are available if you wish to continue your training after graduation.
With our proximity to the U.S. border and our sister city, Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, this program offers unique flexibility if you prefer to commute from the United States while completing your studies at Sault College. Offering FAA license conversion support, the Aviation Commercial Operations diploma program is the perfect start to launching your aviation career. It’s time to take flight.
This program is open to international students only.
Not an international student? Click here to explore the Aviation Technology - Flight Program.
Courses
Requirements & Program Information
Ontario Secondary School (OSSD) or equivalent, mature student status. Plus:
- Grade 12 English, College Preparation (ENG4C) or substitute Grade 12 English, University Preparation (ENG4U)
- Grade 12 Mathematics for College Technology (MCT4C) or substitute Advanced Functions, University Preparation (MHF4U) or Calculus and Vectors, University Preparation (MCV4U)
- Grade 12 Physics, College Preparation (SPH4C) or substitute Grade 12 Physics, University Preparation (SPH4U), or Grade 11 Physics, University Preparation (SPH3U)
- Applicants must provide a Transport Canada Category 1 Medical Certificate to the Sault College Registrar`s Office by August 1st of their entry year.
- Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. Sault College accepts the TOEFL iBT, or IELTS, or equivalent test to satisfy our English admission requirements.
- Minimum test scores required for: TOEFL iBT is 94
- Minimum test scores required for: IELTS is overall band of 7, no band lower than 6.5
Dress code
Professional Pilots are well groomed and properly dressed. Since students at Sault College are working towards becoming Professional Pilots, they should also be well groomed and properly dressed. Dress code will be observed at the college up to 1700 hrs during week days and at all times at the Hangar. Activities, such as tests after 1700 hrs or weekend non-flying activities, will be at the discretion of the professor. The following dress code guidelines will be observed:
Hair
- Facial hair other than for religious reasons shall be neatly trimmed and maintained (to reflect professionalism).
- Hair is to be clean and groomed at all times.
- While flying, hair shall be neatly pulled back so as not to obstruct vision including peripheral vision.
- Hairstyle must be such that it does not draw undue attention. Radical hairstyles or colouring are not allowed.
Dress Attire Mandatory
- The Colleges aviation uniform (available via the colleges bookstore) shall be worn. It consists of a white pilot shirt embroidered with the Sault College Aviation logo, dark blue dress pants and a matching blue tie. During winter operations, a matching dark blue sweater also embroidered with the college logo can be worn overtop the pilot shirt and tie. The shirt must be tucked in at all times. For summer flight operations see section 6.1.3 Summer Operations. Casual or dress socks shall be worn. No athletic socks. No running shoes are allowed. Leather shoes are preferable for classroom work and hiking boots are a good choice when flying. During the winter months, proper boots either need to be worn or be on board the aircraft. High heels are a hazard to the operation of the rudder pedals and not allowed in the aircraft. Wrist jewellery that can catch on switches or controls not allowed. Ball caps are only to be worn in the aircraft for the purpose of shading eyes from the sun. They shall be worn straight and are not to be worn indoors at the College or at the Hangar.
Other
- Personal hygiene shall be a priority. Students will spend a large amount of time in close proximity to other students and their instructors. Excessive use of cologne, perfume, body spray, and aftershaves is as offensive or distracting as poor hygiene. Make up is to be conservative. Fingernails shall not be unreasonably long. Earrings shall be limited to one per ear and must be small enough to not interfere with an aviation headset. (Studs vs. hoops would be preferable.)
Winter Operations
Pilots must dress for survival for every flight, even local flights, winter and summer. If an aircraft was to make a forced landing in winter, the pilot and passengers must be prepared to, at the very minimum, spend the night in the woods. The chances of survival, even in the fall and spring, will be greatly diminished if proper clothing is not worn. For winter flying, the following is a minimum list:
- A winter parka, or at the very minimum a good quality ski jacket with at least one additional layer of a wool or fleece sweater. The heavy coat is not usually worn while flying, but must be present in the aircraft. Winter underwear or in its absence, ski pants on board the aircraft. Proper winter boots either worn or on board the aircraft. A proper winter hat such as a wool cap, and good quality gloves or mittens.
Summer Operations
- At the discretion of the duty pilot, ties may be removed during very hot days. College issued aviation polo shirts may be worn in lieu of shirt and tie during the summer semester. (May 1st until September 1st).
This Dress and appearance code complies with the Human Rights Standards of Canada.
Contact
Program College Contact: Paul Bursche, paul.bursche@saultcollege.ca