Overview
An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Category M (AME-M) is responsible for the certification of an aircraft after maintenance, inspection, repair or modification. This is a responsible occupation requiring a high degree of responsibility and skill, which includes:
- certifying the airworthiness of airframe, piston and turbine engines, electrical/electronic systems, propellers, and rotary systems;
- troubleshooting aircraft structural, mechanical, or electrical systems to identify problems;
- adjusting and repairing systems according to specifications, technical drawings, manuals, and established procedures;
- repairing and overhauling aircraft structural, mechanical, or electrical systems;
- installing or modifying aircraft engines, mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, flight control, fuel and pneumatic systems;
- dismantling airframes, aircraft engines, or other aircraft systems for repair, overhaul, inspection, and reassembly; and
- supervising, performing, and documenting routine maintenance.
The program
The program will offer three start times per year with the ten classes starting each year. We offer four classes starting in January and late August and two classes starting in May.
Some classes will be expected to proceed through the program with a few breaks, completing their studies in about 18 months. Some of our classes will have a 17-week break to allow students to work, return home, or repeat failed courses. This option will have students complete their studies in about 21 months.
Approximately 50 per cent of the day is spent on theory discussions in a classroom setting, followed by hands-on practical training in the shops and hangar located at BCIT’s state-of-the-art Aerospace Technology Campus. The program is designed to follow a national/ international set of standards and is approved by Transport Canada (TC). Successful completion of the diploma program will result in an experience credit of 18 months (of the 48 months) required by TC to obtain an AME-M license. Successful graduation from this program may qualify you for a national certification from TC.
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
- BCIT Mechanical Reasoning Trades Entry Assessment
Recommended for success
- General Mechanics 11, Automotive Mechanics 11, Technical Education 11, or Physics 11
- An interest in mechanics
- Courses in Aircraft Maintenance offered by the Air Cadets are helpful in preparing students for the program.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid 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.
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
January, May, and August or 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
Costs are estimates only and is subject to change:
Term 1: Approximately $250 for required textbooks/ kits; $175 for required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); $85 for coveralls.
Term 2: $30 for required textbooks/kits.
Term 3: $80 for required textbooks/kits.
Term 4: $20 for optional textbooks/kits.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Ear protection, CSA approved safety glasses, and safety footwear are required.
Coveralls:
Students are required to supply their own coveralls. A supply of coveralls is available on the BCIT Bookstore. Please check the uniform authorization voucher [PDF] to determine the type of coveralls required for your program.
Laptop/ Computer:
A laptop or computer is required. Students will need to access their assignments online.
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 (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| AVCC 1100 | Introduction to Aviation | 2.0 | |
| 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 | |
| AVCC 1120 | Electrical Fundamentals | 10.0 | |
| AVCC 1125 | Electrical Standard Practices | 4.0 | |
| Term 2 (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
| AVAM 2215 | Aviation Electronics | 4.0 | |
| AVAM 2220 | Aircraft Hydraulics | 4.0 | |
| AVAM 2230 | Landing Gear Wheels and Brakes | 4.0 | |
| AVCC 2200 | Power Generation and Distribution Systems | 8.0 | |
| AVCC 2205 | Aircraft Systems | 6.0 | |
| AVCC 2210 | Aircraft Instrumentation Systems and Regulations | 6.0 | |
| Term 3 (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
| AVAM 3305 | Power Plant Introduction | 4.0 | |
| AVAM 3310 | Aircraft Reciprocating Engines | 8.0 | |
| AVAM 3315 | Reciprocating Engine Systems | 6.0 | |
| AVAM 3320 | Aircraft Propellers | 4.0 | |
| AVAM 3325 | Turbine Engines and Systems | 10.0 | |
| Term 4 (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
| AVAM 3410 | Rotary Wing Aircraft | 10.0 | |
| AVAM 3415 | Composites | 2.0 | |
| AVAM 3420 | Aircraft Rigging | 6.0 | |
| AVAM 4450 | Aircraft Maintenance Organization (AMO) Operations | 14.0 | |
| AVCC 1130 | Technical Communications | 2.0 | |
| ZATT 0000 | Attendance | ||
| Total Credits: | 130.0 | ||
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 16 months (64 weeks) in school.
The total length of time from the program start date to the end date differs depending on your program start date and whether you are in a regular or accelerated program.
January intake term schedule
| January Intake | |
|---|---|
| Regular Stream | Accelerated Stream |
| Term 1 – Jan to May (16 weeks) | Term 1 – January to May (16 weeks) |
| March Break (2 weeks) | March Break (2 weeks) |
| Term 2 – May to August (16 weeks) | Term 2 – May to October (16 weeks) |
| Fall Break – August to January (16 weeks) | Summer Break – August to September (8 weeks) |
| Term 3 – January to May (16 weeks) | Term 3 – October to February (16 weeks) |
| March Break (2 weeks) | Winter Break (2 weeks) |
| Term 4 – May to August (16 weeks) | Term 4 – February to June (16 weeks) |
| Total program length: 86 weeks | Total program length: 78 weeks |
May intake term schedule
| May Intake |
|---|
| Accelerated Stream |
| Term 1 – May to August (16 weeks) |
| Term 2 – August to December (16 weeks) |
| Winter Break – December to March (12 weeks) |
| Term 3 – March to June (16 weeks) |
| Term 4 – July to November (16 weeks) |
| Total program length: 80 weeks |
August/September intake term schedule
| August/September Intake | |
|---|---|
| Regular Stream | Accelerated Stream |
| Term 1 – August/September to December (16 weeks) | Term 1 – August/September to December (16 weeks) |
| Winter Break (2 weeks) | Winter Break (2 weeks) |
| Term 2 – January to May (16 weeks) | Term 2 – January to May (16 weeks) |
| March Break (2 weeks) | March Break (2 weeks) |
| Summer Break – May to August (16 weeks) | May Break (1 week) |
| Term 3 – August/September to December (16 weeks) | Term 3 – May to October (16 weeks) |
| Winter Break (2 weeks) | Summer Break – July to August (7 weeks) |
| Term 4 – January to April (16 weeks) | Term 4 : October to February (16 weeks) |
| Total program length: 86 weeks | Total program length: 78 weeks |
Grading
The minimum course passing grade is 70%. Each course has a theory component and a practical component, and 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 unsuccessful, you will be prohibited from continuing the term and must seek approval from the Associate Dean in order to be readmitted into 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 (TC).
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 Letter of Accreditation (LOA) credential, you will be required to recuperate the lost time through documented supplementary studies.
Canadian Aviation Regulation Standard 566 states:
Students missing more than five per cent 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 five per cent 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
For the last 50 years, graduates from the AME-M program have found employment in both the national and international aviation industry. Some graduates have gone on to become managers and owners of domestic and international aircraft maintenance establishments.
Overall, aircraft mechanics, particularly those with work experience, are expected to have excellent job opportunities and the number of job openings is expected to exceed the supply of qualified applicants as indicated in the 2009 IATA (International Air Transport Association) Training and Qualification Initiative report.
The Armed Forces are also competing to recruit skilled workers in this area, including graduates from approved training organizations such as BCIT. Air transportation is projected to grow and the demand for aircraft mechanics and inspectors to carry out repair and maintenance work is expected to remain high.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
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