Overview
Delivery: blended. See details.
The Aviation Management and Operations diploma program (formerly Airport Operations) will prepare future aviation professionals with the knowledge and skills to meet the dynamic nature of the aviation industry. The modernized curriculum focuses on both the airport and airline industry regulations, processes and management practices, new technology, data analytics and a workplace education (non-coop) course. The program continues to bring theory into practice through the active engagement of industry stakeholders in the capstone courses as well as the workplace education (non-coop) course.
Forecasts from the key players in the aviation industry, including Airbus, Boeing, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the BC Aviation Council, continues to expect human resource growth across all sectors of the aviation industry – both domestically and internationally. In the next ten years, this exciting industry is expected to see a major increase in capacity along with opportunities for skilled entry level aviation specialists.
Aviation Management and Operations students at the Aerospace Technology Campus receive interdisciplinary education in critical employability skills, aviation operations (including traditional and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems), aviation security, emergency preparedness, environmental, financial and economic sustainability, aviation regulatory processes and key management practices, data analytics and aviation modeling applications.
Graduates of the program are well prepared for careers in aviation management, wildlife control, airline and airport operations, airport safety, security, and emergency management.
The program
The two-year BCIT Diploma program in Aviation Management and Operations is fully supported and approved by the aviation industry and provides students with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program of study. This is a unique aviation program offered in Western Canada. To maintain a current, high-calibre standard, the program has an Program Advisory Committee made up of airport and airline managers, Transport Canada representatives and other aviation industry experts.
BCIT also offers an online Airport Operations Flexible Learning Associate Certificate.
For more information
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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.
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (50%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (50%) or
- Workplace Math 11 (60%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
International Student Option
International students may want to consider the BCIT International Student Entry Program (ISEP) as an alternate mode of entry to this program.
Recommended for success
It is strongly recommended that applicants attend a program specific information session prior to applying to this program.
A good understanding of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is highly recommended.
A driver's license valid in BC is an asset but not required.
An orientation session may be scheduled prior to the start date of the program.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants.
Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility: This program meets the eligible field of study requirement (CIP) and is eligible for students to apply for a PGWP.
(CIPC: 49.0104)
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.
*Scheduled intakes are subject to change.
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.
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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
Term 1: $600; Term 2: $500; Term 3: $200; Term 4: $200
(general estimated cost, subject to change)
Additional costs such as travel expenses for field trips and practicums are the responsibility of the student.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
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Courses
Class hours
0800–1530, Monday through Friday.
Note: The start and end times may be subject to the discretion of the faculty member teaching the courses.
Program matrix
Term 1 (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
AIRC 1004 |
Introduction to Airport and Airside Operations
This course will provide a solid foundation of the essential role the air transport system plays in Canada and the United States. Topics include regulatory requirements, operational processes and management practices within the airport sector. Evaluation includes exams, airport report and online discussions.
|
4.0 | |
AIRC 1005 |
Air Navigation and Air Traffic Services
This introductory course focuses on the fundamentals of air navigation and air traffic services and procedures. This is accomplished by introducing the history and development of Air Traffic Control (ATC), terminology, classifications, rules, procedures, methods of navigation, functions, responsibilities, and roles of all of the players in the world of Air Traffic Control. Evaluation includes two exams.
|
3.0 | |
AIRC 1007 |
Occupational Health and Safety in Aviation
This introductory course in occupational health and safety provides essential information for employees working in an aviation environment. Students will learn a variety of regulatory requirements including Canadian Labour legislation, Canadian Occupational Health and Safety legislation, fire safety, and Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS). Instruction includes Occupational First Aid (OFA), Level 1 and CPR. Students are offered the opportunity to qualify for an WHMIS certificate and OFA certificate. Evaluation includes Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation quiz, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) quiz, Occupational First Aid (OFA) quiz and Occupational First Aid practical application.
|
2.0 | |
AIRC 1009 |
Introduction to the Airline Industry
This course will provide a broad understanding of all aspects of the airline industry within Canada and globally. It will cover the regulatory compliance for both Canadian and International airlines, the structure of the airline industry, airline economics, strategy, structure, technology and environmental issues. Evaluation includes, Airline Orientation handbook and presentation and examination.
|
4.0 | |
AIRC 1100 |
Aviation Communication Skills – Crew Resource Management
This course is the foundation for effective communication skills for an aviation environment. It includes the following topics: the fundamentals of interpersonal communication, effective listening and questioning skills, the effect that diversity has on communications, the challenges of communication in aviation operations workplace, presentation skills so that your message is understood and remembered and maximizing the impact of meetings. Learners will develop the written and oral communication skills to enable them to become effective communicators in the working environment. Evaluation includes a presentation and examination.
|
2.0 | |
AIRC 1105 |
Aviation Technical Writing
This course focuses on developing the skills of researching, organizing, and sequencing to produce a variety of internal and external correspondences used in an aviation environment. Students will learn how to create business letters, short and long reports, NOTAMs/incident reports and apply manual formatting. Evaluation includes quizzes, a letter, and a report examination.
|
2.0 | |
AIRC 1110 |
Enhancing Student Success
This course provides students with the specific skills and techniques needed to become successful and effective learners. These fundamental concepts, behaviors and competencies are useful not only in a learning environment, but can also be applied in the workplace environment. Evaluation includes a study plan and examination.
|
2.0 | |
AIRC 1115 |
Introduction to Aviation Statistics
This course introduces methods and application of statistics, big data and data analytics in the aviation sector. Topics will include qualitative and quantitative data, scales of measurement, and sources of data. Additional topics are descriptive statistics, statistical inference, and statistical analysis using Excel, Analytics, big data and data mining. Also important are the review and use of ethical guidelines for statistical practice. Evaluation includes quizzes, an assignment and an examination.
|
2.0 | |
AIRC 1120 |
Basics of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
This introductory course on Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) will provide students with a basic understanding of the history, uses, and regulatory requirements set out by Transport Canada for safe and legal RPAS use. Evaluation includes discussion, a case study and examination.
|
3.0 | |
AIRC 1125 |
Basics of Safety Management Systems
This introductory course on Safety Management Systems (SMS) provides essential information for persons working in an aviation environment. Students will learn the evolution of safety management in aviation and how to apply a systematic approach to safety. Evaluation includes news watch, a case study and examinations.
|
4.0 | |
Term 2A (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
AIRC 1130 |
Aviation Technology 1
This course will introduce workplace technology utilized to collect, manage and analyze data in the aviation sector and the functionality of analytics software applications. Topics will include data analytics, data management, data warehousing, application of analytics software in an aviation workplace setting, inputting data and interpreting results using Excel and other analytic software. Evaluation includes quizzes and an assignment.
|
2.0 | |
AIRC 1150 |
Leadership in Aviation
This course covers the principles of leading and managing people in an aviation environment. Topics will include motivation strategies, understanding human behavior, basic airline/airport organization and structure, function of a leader in an aviation operation, the role and responsibilities of first line leaders and ethics in the workplace. Students participate in classroom activities and have opportunities for active learning. Evaluation includes a case study, action plan, presentation and examination.
|
3.0 | |
AIRC 1200 |
Applied Project 1 /Capstone
The Applied Project/Capstone course will be divided into two distinct parts: Part 1: Project Management (24 hours); Part 2: Applied/Capstone (36 hours). Part 1 will focus on developing project management skills and is delivered in the classroom setting. Part 2 focuses on the details of the applied project/capstone to be presented in class and includes time in a classroom setting and in directed studies. The project guidelines, based on the framework of dynamic assessment, will be reviewed. Student, project leader and industry partners will identify an issue/problem within a specific aviation organization/sector. The students will develop a project plan that includes a project charter, work breakdown, structure of the project, and timeline (using electronic timeline software e.g. Excel or Microsoft Project). Learners then identify the courses within program clusters that apply to the Capstone. The student will plan how to document the project as well as reflect on progress in the Capstone and meetings with industry partners and project stakeholders. Evaluation includes an initial project plan, case study, 360 feedback contribution, reflection and examination.
|
4.0 | |
AIRC 2100 |
Intro to Aviation/Cargo Logistics
This course will focus on the design and operational characteristics of both passenger and cargo jet transport aircraft that will affect the operations of an airport. Topics include airport services needed for aircraft operations including ground servicing, cargo specific needs, and maintenance activities. Evaluation includes a report, mini-presentation and an examination.
|
2.0 | |
AIRC 2105 |
Aviation Sustainability
This course will include the practices for implementing an effective environmental management system and sustainability best practices within the aviation sector in Canada. Topics included United Nations Sustainability principles, Canadian environmental legislation, aviation industry best practices in both airport and airline industries, the process of the Environmental Impact Study and Environmental Assessment. Evaluation includes worksheet completions, a presentation and examination.
|
3.0 | |
AIRC 2125 |
Aviation Risk Assessment and Management
This course will deepen an understanding risk assessment and risk management in an aviation operations environment. Topics will include a review of regulatory requirements (regulations and standards), aviation hazard risk vulnerability assessment (HRVA) and measurement, personal and organizational risk management and increased understanding of fatigue risk management. Evaluation includes personal research and report, a case study and an examination.
|
3.0 | |
AIRC 2135 |
Quality and Customer Service in Aviation
The course will introduce the research tools and management information needed to understand the passengers' expectations of quality in an aviation products and services. Emphasis will be on the ISO model of continuous quality improvement to make an aviation organization more competitive and increase passenger satisfaction. Evaluation includes a case study report, presentation, key learning contributions and examination.
|
3.0 | |
AVAO 2205 |
Canadian Aviation Regulations/Standards
The focus of this course is to develop a solid understanding of aviation regulations and the related standards as required by Transport Canada to maintain a certified aerodrome or air operator. This includes Canadian Aviation Regulations and Standards (CARS) Part III and Part VII and the related standards and advisory circulars. Evaluation includes quizzes, and a case study report and presentation (with a team).
|
4.0 | |
AVAO 2225 |
Aviation Security Systems and Operations
|
4.0 | |
Term 2B (12 weeks) | Credits | ||
AIRC 2300 |
Workplace Education (non-coop)
The focus of the Workplace Education (non-coop) is to provide students with an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained in the program and actively participate in an aviation workplace setting. This course also includes the key elements of creating various types of business communications including the accurate completion of Workplace Education approval forms and/or industry relevant forms e.g. Non-Disclosure Agreement. Students will create business documents and communications and employment application documents. Evaluation includes completion of business communications and a portfolio as well as performance reviews (by host).
|
12.0 | |
Term 3 (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
AIRC 2110 |
Airport Planning and Design
This course examines a systems approach to airport master planning with a focus on the steps required to certify an airport including airfield and terminal facility planning, design and capacity. Evaluation includes a master plan, group report and final exam.
|
3.0 | |
AIRC 2130 |
Aviation Technology 2
In this course, students learn the fundamentals of web design, branding, content creation and online copyright issues. Students learn the principles of information architecture, web usability, user experience, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), digital asset management, and interface design for the web. Students will search, gather, organize, label and model navigation systems for websites related to aviation operations. This course features a hands-on experience in the creation of content using Adobe Creative Cloud Apps, WordPress, and other online tools that learners apply to the development of their applied project/capstone. Additional topics include colour, typography, layout, image resolution and manipulation, website creation using WordPress (hosted by BCIT), editing, and the uploading of digital content in various formats. Students will start to select, curate, and assemble several applied project/capstone artifacts for online display. Social Media will be explored with a focus on LinkedIn, which will integrate with the student's website project. Evaluation includes quizzes, assignments, and projects.
|
2.0 | |
AIRC 2140 |
Airport Commercialization
This course will examine the need for airports to maximize non-aeronautical sources of revenue, while meeting the needs of the airport customers. Students will review and explore strategies and processes to optimize financial and commercial performance of airports, and will gain an understanding of the contribution commercialization makes to an airport's operation. Evaluation includes a report and examination.
|
3.0 | |
AIRC 2145 |
Aviation Marketing
Marketing is the attainment of organizational objectives by identifying customer needs, and developing goods or services to satisfy those needs. This course examines how a successful airline or airport marketing program can result in satisfied users and customers, generate revenue and lead to the achievement of organizational goals. Evaluation includes two group evaluations (a case study report, presentation) and an examination.
|
3.0 | |
AIRC 2150 |
Aviation Finance
This introductory finance course provides students with an understanding of basic financial management terminology, models and practices applied in airport operations and business environments. Students will be introduced to key financial terms and concepts, financial models, calculation of aeronautical and non-aeronautical fees and charges, sources of revenues and expenses, operational and capital budgeting, and airport governance. Evaluation includes a report, presentation, assignments and an examination.
|
4.0 | |
AIRC 2155 |
Aviation Economics
This course aims to provide students with a basic understanding of economics as they relate to aviation. Students will be introduced to key macro and micro economic concepts and theories and will apply these principles to the aviation industry. Evaluation will include a group report and presentation and an examination.
|
3.0 | |
AIRC 2200 |
Applied Project 2/Capstone
The Applied Project/Capstone course will continue to build on the multi-layered capstone project (dynamic assessment). Student, faculty project leader and industry partner will communicate throughout the course and discuss the progress related to the issue/problem identified in AIRC 1200 Applied Project 1 / Capstone. The students will revise the project plan including the addition of details based on feedback from the faculty project leader and industry partners. The student will review courses within the program clusters which apply to the capstone. The student will start to document the project as well as prepare a reflection paper based on progress in the capstone and meetings with industry partners and project stakeholders to gauge progress. Students will contribute to 360-degree feedback, reflect on progress and create project status reports. Evaluation will include a project plan update, reflection, contribution to 360 degree feedback and project status reports.
|
4.0 | |
AIRC 3105 |
Community and Public Relations for Aviation
This course introduces public relations techniques and strategies in an airport/airline operations environment. Topics included are issue management, media relations, and speaking to the media. Evaluation includes a report, media package and examination.
|
3.0 | |
AVAO 3322 |
Airport Emergency Management 1
The course will further develop an understanding of Transport Canada’s approach to Safety Management Systems and emergency management in an airport operations environment. Topics will include the importance of Safety Management Systems and its components, four phases of Emergency Management, Incident Command System, and Canadian Aviation Regulations and Standards (CARS) Part III related to Airport Emergency Response. Additional topics include the components of an Emergency Response Plan, roles and responsibility of internal and external emergency responders in aviation organizations. Evaluations include a group project, in class activities/simulations, and examinations.
|
3.0 | |
Term 4 (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
AIRC 2160 |
Aviation Law
This course will review the legal and risk management practices pertaining to airport and airline operators and/or operations. Topics to include: civil law, international law; private international law; Charter of Human Rights; selected Canadian legislation and Hull liabilities. Evaluation includes assignments at the end of each main topic.
|
2.0 | |
AIRC 2165 |
Aviation Ground Operations
This course provides students with a basic understanding of how to handle dangerous goods from a ramp crew perspective, de-ice an aircraft safely, process air cargo in compliance with the civil aviation security regulations (Canada and/or USA), and gain an understanding of the procedures necessary to ensure safe ramp operations. With possible use of AR/VR tools and/or live equipment, students will practice the techniques associated with performing safe ground operations. Evaluations include tests and team presentation.
|
3.0 | |
AIRC 2170 |
Airport/Airside Services and Facilities
This course introduces policies, standards and operational procedures required to effectively maintain airport facilities, systems and infrastructure. Evaluation includes a group report and examination.
|
3.0 | |
AIRC 3110 |
Strategic Planning in Aviation
This course focuses on the systematic strategic planning approach used at an airline or airport organizations. The goal of strategic planning is to analyze and improve a strategic business plan in terms of the vision, mission, values, strategic goals, balanced scorecard and financial results of the aviation organization. Evaluation includes analyses of a business plan components, SWOT analysis, revision of a strategic plan and creation of an executive summary.
|
4.0 | |
AIRC 3130 |
Aviation Technology 3
This hands-on course builds on the topics and skills introduced in AIRC 2130 Aviation Technology 2. Skills are further developed with advanced integration of students' capstone project and digital portfolio including continued web design in WordPress and the addition of social media marketing. Students will be guided through various implementation methods and learn when it is advisable to use complex website functionality e.g. (plugins, widgets, and themes). Students will review and complete website backups, enhance Search Engine Optimization (SEO), use Google Analytics reports, and create a social media marketing plan. Additional topics include various social media platforms for networking and integration and their effective use, as well as social media strategies for aviation operations and portfolios. Students will utilize the theory and practice of web design to finalize their artifacts for their capstone project website. Evaluation includes assignments and projects.
|
2.0 | |
AIRC 3200 |
Applied Project 3/Capstone
The Applied Project/Capstone course will continue to build on the multi-layered capstone project (dynamic assessment). Student, faculty project leader and industry partner will communicate throughout the course and discuss the progress related to the issue/problem identified in AIRC 1200 Applied Project 1/Capstone and worked on in AIRC 2200 Applied Project 2/Capstone. . The student will complete documentation of the project as well as prepare the reflection paper based on progress in the capstone and meetings with industry partners and project stakeholders. Students will contribute to 360-degree feedback, prepare project status reports, deliver a Capstone presentation and reflect on their experience. Evaluation includes an update of the project plan, project status reports, reflection, contribution to 360-degree feedback and a presentation.
|
5.0 | |
AIRC 4410 |
Training Skills for Aviation
This course will focus on the principles of the “systematic approach to training” as it applies to aviation technical information. Topics will include development of a lesson plan, delivery techniques, use of training aids and learning evaluation. Evaluations include lesson plan, lesson delivery and an examination.
|
3.0 | |
AVAO 4442 |
Airport Emergency Management 2
This course will cover critical steps to successfully plan for crisis situations as well as, perform leadership skills before, during and after a crisis situation. Topics will include: incidents and accidents at crisis level, roles of non-government and government agencies, management and leadership skills in a crisis, emergency response exercise planning and debriefing and post-incident care giving skills. Evaluation includes ERP group project, a group report and mini- presentation and a group presentation.
|
3.0 | |
AVAO 4480 |
People Resources at Airports
This human resource course provides essential information for future employees working in the aviation environment. In addition to an overview of current human resource practices and programs students will learn about regulatory requirements surrounding recruitment, employment equity and harassment. Students review practical ways to conduct a personal job search including: job search strategies, cover letters, and resumes, and interview skills. Evaluations include a cover letter, resume and quiz.
|
3.0 | |
Total Credits: | 124.0 |
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.
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Program Details
Program length
This is a full-time studies program that spans two years with four terms of study.
- Term 1 - September to December with a winter break
- Term 2A - January to April with a spring term break to follow the end of the term
- Term 2B - May to August with a summer break to follow the end of the term
- Term 3 - September to December with a winter break
- Term 4 - January to April
Grading
A 70 percent passing grade is required for each course. Student learning is evaluated at the end of each course.
You must pass all courses each term to successfully complete the term. If you fail or withdraw from one or more courses, you may be required to apply for re-admission. If allowed to continue, you must provide the Registrar's Office with proof that failed courses have been completed before the end of the next term or before you can be issued a credential, whichever condition is specified.
Program delivery
Blended: This program is delivered partly on campus and partly online.
The program delivers instructional content and learning activities fully in person, supplemented by online components that provide additional resources to help students learn. This includes lectures, demonstrations, and applied training, as well as industry-based activities assigned to be completed at local, regional, and national airports.
The Workplace Education (non-coop) course in Term 2B will provide students with the ability to apply the skills and knowledge with an aviation employer including but not limited to airports, airport businesses, airport suppliers, airline operators, aviation security providers, aviation transportation consulting and/or engineering firms, Transport Canada, Nav Canada, BC Aviation Council, fixed based operators and other aviation sector employers.
Program location
Aerospace Technology Campus
3800 Cessna Drive
Richmond, BC
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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
Graduates are prepared for a wide range of entry-level positions in airports, airlines (commercial, charter, remotely piloted operations), aviation security providers, Transport Canada, fixed based operators and other aviation businesses, associations or suppliers. This could include positions such as: Ground Transportation Coordinator; Baggage/Gate Scheduler; Airline Operations Coordinators, Airside Operations, Project Coordinator; Communications Coordinator; Administrative Assistant; Airfield Operations Specialist; Emergency Response Specialist; Operations Specialists; Security Officer; Project Specialist; Pre-screening Security Supervisor; Airport or Airline Duty Officer, Noise Information Officer Terminal Operations (airline) and air navigation provider (Nav Canada).
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 2022-2024 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2021-2023 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.
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Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty & staff
- Stephanie Bendickson, Faculty
- Cornelis “Hoefie” Haupt, Faculty
- Anna Kaynezhad, Faculty
- Carol Liber, Faculty
- Rory O’Brien, Department Head
- Agnes Ranoa, Program Assistant
Advisory committee
- Cuyler Green
- Raman Bindra
- Toke Adams
- Greg Cuneo
- Waylon Godden
- Tom Rattray
- Patrick Sihota
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