University of Waterloo Aviation Program

This 4 year degree program is ideal for students wishing to pursue a degree in Science (BSc) or Environmental Studies – Geography (BES). Graduate with a Commercial licence, with Multi-Engine and Instrument endorsements while combining your interest in science or geography with your passion for flying.

About the program

The UW Aviation program is a strong partnership between the Waterloo-Wellington Flight Centre (PCC#105919) and the University of Waterloo. The University of Waterloo BES (Geography and Aviation) and BSc programs are unique in the Canadian post-secondary educational system. The University’s strong science, environmental science, geomatics and technology base provide many of the essential underpinnings of aviation and aerospace, which may lead to other careers in the aviation industry.

Students in this program will take classes at both the University of Waterloo, and the Waterloo-Wellington Flight Centre. Graduates will acquire their Commercial Pilot Licence, with Multi-Engine and Instrument endorsements, as well as their degree in either Science or Environmental Studies (Geography).

Program Facts & Features

Built In Plan “B”
The University program has the built in advantage of providing graduates with an alternative career path should they ever choose not to fly, with flight training being a requirement for many aviation and aerospace careers. A university degree is also regarded by the airline industry as a valuable asset for a pilot.

Small Class Size
Waterloo-Wellington Flight Centre has a very low ratio of students to instructors for the University of Waterloo program. Your instructor will be able to spend more time with you, giving you your best chance for success.

Networking opportunities/ Industry Recognition

When it comes to the job-search, many people will tell you "it's not what you know, it's who you know," and this is especially true of aviation. Training in a group, rather than by yourself, gives you an opportunity to meet people and to begin building a strong network. The friendships you'll form in four years are valuable in themselves, but from a professional pilot's perspective, the opportunity to stay in touch with others in the aviation community is invaluable.

Waterloo-Wellington Flight Centre has a reputation of being one of the top Flight Training Schools in the country and as a result our graduates have access to an extensive network with entry-level employers through previous graduates.

Here is what our Graduates say

We do our best to ensure that our students receive a level of customer service that they deserve while they're here, and this is what some of them have to say about the program:

Personally to those who are looking to join aviation but want something more than a pilot's licence I would highly recommend WWFC. They have the Conestoga program, which I have always heard positive things about and the Waterloo program which I personally completed. I'd highly recommend the university program, I personally believe it has helped give me an edge in getting better jobs and getting better positions at those jobs! The degree shows you're willing to work hard and for your first job it might help put you in an office dispatching instead of throwing bags on the ramp at -30 while waiting for an airplane. WWFC has a great modern facility and while I was flying there were continually putting money back into their operation in the way of new facilities and aircraft upgrades. They have a well maintained fleet of aircraft and have been working to modernize their fleet lately. Their instructors are top notch, they are very professional. My instructors, especially the ones I had for my Multi and Multi IFR training put a big emphasis on proper procedures and training to pass along any information that might help me while on the flight line. They also came up with some pretty novel ways to help you solve your problems. If you wanted to learn, they were more than willing to help! Flying out of Kitchener was great as well, you are close enough to Pearson that you get some high density training once you are ready but it's still possible to fly in more relaxed uncontrolled areas, which is a good mix. The staff were a pleasure to deal with and they have some very knowledgeable people involved in the organization.

Stephen Smith, Graduate 2011

Entrance Requirements and Course Outline

For entrance information for the University of Waterloo program please visit the following links:

Geography

Science

The four year program consists of two main components; the academic component, and the flying component. Students complete a Professional Pilot Program flying throughout 3 of their 4 years, beginning in second semester. Overall, the flight-training component is offered concurrently with the academic courses, with some blocks of training concentrated in Spring/Summer seasons (academic off terms) – including 3 summer semesters.

In each of the academic semesters, there are some aviation-specific classes designed to complement the flight training.

Students, who have earned a Private Pilot Licence prior to starting their flight training, may be eligible for exemptions.

For answers to frequently asked questions FAQs