Commercial Helicopter Foundations

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Courses - January 2026

Level 1

Course details

Applied Aircraft Maintenance
AVIA1200

Description:

Develop a practical understanding of basic aircraft systems, approved procedures and operating principles. Through hands on learning experience with aircraft components and systems, students will engage in elementary maintenance training, aircraft handling, and basic servicing. Students will also learn about airworthiness documentation, dispatch procedures, weight and balance, and practice effective record keeping procedures, such as journey log entries.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Human Factors in Aviation
AVIA2011

Description: This course will enable students to gain an understanding and apply principles of human factors in the aviation industry with a particular focus on physiology and cognition and how these concepts impact aviation safety. This course is divided into three main sections: (1) Physiology with a focus on understanding key elements of the human body as it pertains to aviation flight physiology; (2) Human Cognition as it pertains to information perception, decision-making, and bias to develop a holistic understanding of situational awareness; (3) System Safety Models including Crew Resource Management, Threat and Error Management, Safety Management Systems, and Safety Culture. Success in these areas will allow the student to be a safety-focused commercial pilot that would act as a positive, confident leader in a flight deck or flight operations department.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Geography and International Law
AVIA2030

Description: Scientific knowledge of geography is crucial for pilots. Knowing how to read and interpret the map, understand coordinates and being able to do simple calculations on the fly — all covered by Geography — will ensure success of future aviators. This course will also explore the interrelationships between human populations, resources, and environmental changes/outcomes impacting society and various ecologies both today and into the future. Lastly, understanding the world of international law and policy regarding aviation and transportation will be relevant for emerging professionals to navigate complex global environments.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.

Hours: 1
Credits: 0
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Exponents And Trigonometry
MATH1390

Description: This course is a continuation of algebra, where the examination of functions is further developed through the study of logarithmic and exponential functions. The trigonometric functions are introduced and are expanded to include trigonometric identities, graphs, equations, and applications. In addition, polar coordinates and vectors are examined.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Introduction to the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB)
AVIA2050

Description:

Integrating an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) to efficiently prepare for commercial cross-country flights will be introduced. Students will learn to use technology to complete the planning for their cross-country routes and learn how to safely apply aviation applications on the EFB. Students will also advance their practical understanding of radio navigation aids and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS).

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Technical Communications
COMM1130

Description:

In this course, students will learn professional writing and presentation skills required for effective technical communication in the workplace. They will learn to write technical documents by applying standard technical writing style and analyzing their forms and uses for target audiences, purposes, and contexts. They will also learn to write formal technical proposals or reports using research and documentation skills.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: COMM1085
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Introduction to Aviation
AVIA1010

Description:

This course will introduce a range of sectors within both the domestic and global aviation industries. Students will explore the history of aviation, civil aviation, international air law, airports and security, general aviation, the environment, accidents and safety, and Remotely Piloted Aircraft. Students will gain an understanding of the industry through the lens of multiple professional disciplines, such as airport managers, pilots, maintenance engineers, air traffic controllers and flight dispatchers.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Impact of Aviation on Canadian National Development
AVIA2040

Description:

In this course students will review the history of Canadian aviation and will learn about the impact of aviation on the development of Canada as a nation. Students will examine the early years of aviation, Canada's military participation in and contribution to Allied aviation efforts during the wars of the 20th Century, and the influence of aviation in the development of the Canadian north. In addition, the course will focus on the transition from trains and ships to airplanes as the preferred method of regional, transcontinental and international travel, and the effects of Canada's aviation industry on the country's economic development and Canada's international trade and influence.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Instrument Flight Rules Groundschool
AVIA2070

Description:

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) will transition the students from flying in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) to IFR, further preparing them for a career as a professional pilot. Students will explore licensing and training, and general operating and flight rules, including departure, enroute, holding and approach procedures. Meteorology, instrumentation, navigation and radio aids in relation to IFR flight will also be analyzed. This course will prepare fixed wing students to write the Transport Canada INRAT Instrument Rating - Aeroplane exam.

Hours: 84
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites: AVIA2060
CoRequisites:

Career Success
CDEV1830

Description:

This dynamic career course offers a comprehensive exploration of essential skills and strategies required for career success. Students will learn to navigate the labour market effectively, conducting research to identify employment opportunities and potential employers that align with their career goals. They will also attain skills in writing professional self marketing documents, tailored to specific job opportunities. With a focus on interview preparation, students will participate in a range of simulated scenarios, learning to respond confidently and competently to various interview questions, enhancing their employability and interview performance. By the end of the course, students will emerge equipped with the skills and strategies needed to thrive in today's competitive job market.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Introduction to Personal Finances
FIN1100

Description: This course will focus on providing students with the knowledge required to effectively understand and manage their personal financial situation. It will provide a foundation for students to develop personal financial goals and to avoid many common financial problems. Topics covered will include personal cash flow and budgeting, establishing and maintaining a good credit rating, the effective use of credit, understanding group benefits, RRSPs, TFSAs and pension plans. The course will also address various types of insurance coverage and investment products.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

Perform technical tasks and standard practices to support safe aviation operations.
Verify aviation-related conversions, calculations, and measurements to support safe flight practices and operations.
Examine concepts, principles, and laws of physics to support more in-depth studies of aircraft flight and airframe systems.
Communicate with stakeholders to support the safe operations of the aircraft according to Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Threat and Error Management (TEM) practices.
Under supervision perform elementary maintenance techniques of aircraft according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Use technologies to complete a variety of tasks specific to helicopter industry activities.
Prepare a personal strategy and plan for academic, career, and professional development in the aviation industry.
Determine fitness to fly a rotary wing aircraft by self-assessing one's ability to make decisions and take assertive action.