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Aviation Technology - Flight (4061)
7 SEMESTERS
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Our History
How It All Started...
2006 marks the 30th anniversary of the first graduating class of the Aviation Technology Program at Sault College!
The program started in 1974 as a three year technology diploma program consisting of twenty months of training condensed into two years. The flight training component of the program was designed to provide the successful student with a Commercial Pilot License, and a Group 1 (multi-engine) Instrument Rating. In 1989, the program was expanded to the present three year/seven semester format.
Until the fall of 1995, the flight training was contracted to Clarm-Aire Ltd., a local flight training unit. The aircraft provided initially were Cessna 150's and a Piper Apache. The fleet was gradually modernized and increased in size and in 1995 consisted of six C152's, three C172's and three Piper Twin Comanches. In 1995, the decision was made for the College to become a flight training unit and purchase new aircraft. Our training fleet now consists of nine Zlin 242L's and two Piper Seminoles.
In April of 1997, in order to better utilize the hangar facility which was purchased from Algoma Steel in 1994, the college started its own Approved Maintenance Organization to handle the maintenance of the fleet.
Flight simulation has been an ever-increasing component of the program. Early on, the college acquired a Frasca 102G multi-engine flight training device (FTD). This was followed by a similar Frasca 101G single engine FTD. These simulators were built in the pre-computer days and relied on completely mechanical devices to provide the proper instrument indication and control feel. Although they had no visual system, they did an excellent job in providing a realistic instrument training environment. In 1990 the F102 was replaced by a Frasca 242 two seat, convertible - single/multi-engine FTD with a basic visual system. The F101 was retired in 1998, being replaced temporarily with two PFC1, desktop based FTDs.
In February of 2001, the college received FedNor funding to help purchase 2 new Mechtronix Ascent Flight Training devices These FTDs incorporate the latest technology, which include GPS units and flight director/autopilots. The visual system uses 3 LCD projectors to provide a 150° external view. These are also convertible between multi engine and single engine aircraft. In 2003, the Frasca 242 was modified and certified as a type-specific Zlin 242L flight training device.