Industry Support
Employment awards, aircraft and facility tours and training programs all hosted by our industry supporters.
COMMERCIAL AVIATION DIPLOMA PROGRAM
The Commercial Aviation diploma program is for men and women who are interested in pursuing a career in aviation.
The program provides students with business experience along with the aviation training required by Transport Canada. Successful graduates receive an Okanagan College Aviation Diploma, which is backed by essential business knowledge, as well as a Commercial Pilot Licence, Multi-Engine Instrument Rating, completed IATRA exam and well-prepared for the ATPL Exams. You can carry on into a BBA and/or also get a Flight Instructor Rating to potentially work for us!
OPTION 1 - APPLICANTS WITH A CANADIAN PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE
If you already have your Canadian Private Pilot Licence, please contact us regarding entering the four-semester Commercial Aviation Diploma program in September.
OPTION 2 - APPLICANTS WITHOUT A CANADIAN PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE
If you do not have your Canadian Private Pilot Licence (PPL), you will start the Commercial Aviation Diploma program in January, in order to acquire the PPL during the months of January through August.
OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
Jazz Aviation LP ("Jazz") is pleased to announce a further commitment to Canada's future professional pilots with a new agreement between the airline's Jazz Aviation Pathway Program ("Jazz APP") and Okanagan College's ("the College") Commercial Aviation program. Students have the opportunity to qualify for financial awards and employment interviews at Jazz.
Porter Airlines provides interview and mentorship awards, to help successful candidates reach their goals of working for Porter Airlines, or reaching other employment destinations they may have.
Westjet and Encore provide employment interview and financial awards, as well as student ambassador opportunities to successful candidates in the program.
Carson AIr Ltd. provides instructor training opportunities, as well as employment opportunities on freight, charter and air ambulance aircraft based in Alberta and British Columbia.
WHY THE DIPLOMA?
Most major airlines in Canada and around the globe require a diploma or a degree for consideration of employment opportunities. Pilots are the face of the airline and are ultimately in charge of their own sub-business each time they board their aircraft. In partnership with Okanagan College, SIFC has created a business-backed aviation diploma which provides the required aviation training, as well as business knowledge essential in today's aviation industry.
Our industry partners and Program Advisory Committee members are active in the selection of course material and the development of the entire program.
IT'S EVERYTHING ROLLED INTO ONE PROGRAM
The Commercial Aviation Diploma Program includes the Commercial Pilot Licence, VFR Over-The-Top, Night Rating, Multi Engine Rating, Instrument Rating, IATRA and preparation for the Airline Transport Rating Exams. You graduate ready to tackle the aviation industry head-on!
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS, FEES and CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The Okanagan College web site discusses all of these topics on their Commercial Aviation Diploma program pages, click HERE.
ENHANCED TRAINING POLICIES
Students will also have to follow our Enhanced Training Policies (UPDATED March 2019) which set our graduates apart from the rest of the pack.
COMMERCIAL DIPLOMA PROGRAM ONLINE CALENDAR
Check out the Online Calendar for the various course descriptions for students enrolled in this exciting program. Click HERE.
PROGRAM DURATION
While the academic portion of the program is typically completed by April 30 of each year, students should plan on continuing well into the summer months each year to complete the flight training and Transport Canada flight test/written exam portion. This allows us to ensure professional standards and safety are maintained when training times are influenced by weather, maintenance, and examiner or individual student availability issues throughout the program.
To best emulate the aviation industry, training occurs seven days per week. While we make an effort to accommodate students who have part-time employment, occasions arise requiring the scheduling of weekend and other courses with little advance notice; these weekend courses require mandatory attendance and will form part of the final grade.
WANT TO KNOW THE STEPS TO APPLY?
AFTER REVIEWING THE STEPS ABOVE, APPLY FOR THE COURSE
Check out our Testimonials page to see how well the program works.
We've been in the business of training Commercial Aviation Diploma Students since 1991! Check out some of our testimonials.
* PTIB Approval not required.