Our history in aviation
After being previously put on hold by the events of WWII, public training and classes resumed at the campus on North Hill, and the aviation program became a three-year Aeronautical Engineering program.
As the modern era of aviation took hold, and the industry began to grow in Canada, SAIT introduced two new programs, the Aircraft Maintenance Technology program (present-day Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology) in 1957 and Avionics Technology in 1975, to help meet industry demand.
In 1996, in response to a need defined by the Department of National Defense, another aviation program was added: Aircraft Structures Technician. The addition of this program completed the evolution to the programs offered by the School of Transportation.
With successful programs and recognition of a future labour shortage, SAIT took the lead in responding to industry demand for more aviation maintenance graduates and sought assistance in developing a new aviation campus at the Calgary International Airport.
After years of planning and with the collaborative support of the Alberta Provincial Government, the Government of Canada, the City of Calgary, the Calgary International Airport Authority, and industry partners, a new facility, the Art Smith Aero Centre for Training and Technology, was built on land connected to Taxiway “N,” a celebrated jewel in SAIT’s crown.
Art Smith Aero Centre
Accessible by private vehicle, public transportation or air, the Aero Centre’s facilities and programs are designed and operated to meet the industry and SAIT standards, emphasizing exceptional classroom education and hands-on training.
Corporate facilities and shared classroom space create opportunities for the industry to conduct its training or participate in joint training.
Occupying 17 acres of land at the Calgary International Airport, connected to Taxiway N, the Art Smith Aero Centre includes:
- a 21,000 sq. ft. hangar that can accommodate a 737-700
- 13 labs, including sheet metal, composite material, gas turbine, avionics, helicopter, reciprocating engine, aircraft maintenance, and computer labs
- 7 state-of-the-art classrooms
- study areas and a full cafeteria
- 110,000 sq. ft. concrete apron (ground side)
- 18,000 sq. ft. ancillary asphalt apron.
Programs
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology
Diploma 
International applicants accepted 
2 years
Train to service and repair all types of airplanes and helicopters with the opportunity to obtain your Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) license.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology
Aircraft Structures Technician
Certificate International applicants accepted 1 year
Study for a career as an aircraft repair or structures technician, leading up to your Aircraft Maintenance Engineer license, through this program that teaches the modification and repair of aircraft, helicopters and their structural components.
Aircraft Structures Technician
Avionics Technology
Diploma International applicants accepted 2 years
Earn your Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) license by learning to repair and maintain the electrical and electronic systems in all types of airplanes and helicopters.
Professional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems New program!
Certificate Not open to international applicants 15 weeks
Gain specialized professional skills to become a drone pilot in this emerging field with application to various industries.
Professional Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
