Mount Royal University

Aviation Diploma

The Aviation program is more than a flight of fancy for Mount Royal. With nearly 40 years of experience offering aviation training, Mount Royal’s stellar national reputation is well deserved. The unique Aviation Diploma combines the flight training you need to become a commercial pilot with an academic diploma. That means you’ll be fully prepared to handle the role of a pilot both in the air and on the ground.

* Students require a completed Private Pilot's License by September 1 in order to begin the program.

License to fly

You’ll earn approximately 200 hours of total flying experience in the Mount Royal fleet.  Our fleet, equipped with the latest GPS avionics, is located at the Mount Royal Hangar at the Springbank International Airport (map), just 18 km west of Calgary.

After graduating from the two-year program — which is certified by Transport Canada — students will hold a Canadian Commercial Pilot License, supplemented by both night and multi-engine instrument ratings.

State-of-the-art flight simulator

Mount Royal also provides simulator training on a state-of-the-art ALSIM ALX Flight Training, which includes high resolution visuals on a 180° wrap around screen. In the simulator, you can experience take off and landing at any airport in North America, in all forms of weather systems and in engine or aircraft emergencies.

Experience wanted

You will receive more than 420 hours of aviation education, as well as have a foundation in aviation-related studies including:

Aviation economics and management

Safety management systems

Aircraft systems

Advanced meteorology

GPS and crew management

A future in Aviation

The current demand for graduates of this program is very high. Since the average age of Canadian commercial pilots is 57, the demand will continue to grow. Boeing also predicts that by 2016, the world airliner fleet will double. Alumni have gone on to fly with Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, KLM, WestJet and even the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.

Aviation offers many career opportunities:

Commercial, charter or corporate pilot — fly jumbo jets for major airlines or smaller planes for corporate travel

Airline or airport administrator — ensure the smooth, safe and consistent operation of an airline or airport

Medical evacuation pilot — fly in medical evacuation missions

You could also find yourself working for courier companies, delivery, and equipment or helping fight forest fires.

Additional options

Some courses in the Aviation Diploma are transferable to the prestigious degree program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the United States, the only aviation-oriented university in the world.

Private Pilot Program

Mount Royal offers non-credit private pilot training that is focused on preparing students for the Aviation Diploma program. The program commences in April. In a minimum of 45 hours of flight training, you can become a licensed private pilot able to command an aircraft.

Hands-on study

Practical flying experience is accumulated on Mount Royal's fleet of four single-engine aircraft and three TECNAM multi-engine aircraft. Our fleet is equipped with the latest GPS avionics, and is located at our Springbank Hangar at the nearby Springbank Airport (CYBW) just west of the Calgary city limits. While making flights across Western Canada, students will earn more than 200 hours of total flying experience.

In addition to the Commercial Aviation Diploma, Mount Royal also offers Private Pilot License training. We are a proud member of Collegial Association of Canada. The program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).