Aviation Certificate at Red Deer Polytechnic - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-06-20

Program overview

Program Overview

Take your love of flying to new heights with the Aviation Certificate. This unique program provides you with education in business as well as flight training. You’ll graduate with a Business Certificate from Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) as well as a Commercial Pilot License. The program is designed to combine your passion for flying with a solid foundation in business, ensuring you are well-prepared for a career in the aviation industry.

Program Structure

The Aviation Certificate program is structured as a two-year diploma that includes both flight training and business education. Here’s a brief overview of the program structure:

Year 1: Students will earn their Commercial Pilot License through Sky Wings Aviation Academy, which includes flight training and flight theory.
Year 2: Students will attend Red Deer Polytechnic to complete a variety of business courses, culminating in a Certificate of Business.
Students have the option to pursue additional ratings, such as a Multi-Engine Instrument Rating or a Flight Instructor Rating.
The program can be accelerated for those looking to complete their diploma faster.

Work-integrated learning opportunities will depend on the area of focus chosen by the student, providing practical experience in the field.

Featured Experiences

Flight training at Sky Wings Aviation Academy, located in Penhold, Alberta.
Hands-on experience through work-integrated learning opportunities.
Option to obtain additional flight ratings alongside the Commercial Pilot License.
Access to a variety of business courses that complement aviation training.

Career Options

Graduates of the Aviation Certificate program can pursue a wide range of career paths in Canada, including:

Airline Management: Overseeing operations and ensuring efficient service delivery within airlines.
Airport Management: Managing airport operations, including logistics, security, and customer service.
Airport Planning: Involved in the strategic planning and development of airport facilities and services.
Flight Dispatch: Coordinating flight schedules, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.
Flight Instructor: Teaching aspiring pilots the skills and knowledge needed to obtain their pilot licenses.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Red Deer Polytechnic official website

Last updated on 2025-06-20

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Aviation Certificate program, students must meet specific academic and additional requirements. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Academic Requirements:
- Students must have successfully completed high school with the following courses or their equivalent:
  - Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
  - English 30-1 or English 30-2
  - Accounting and computer experience is recommended
  - Mathematics 31 is recommended
  - Physics is an asset but not required
Additional Requirements:
- Medical Fitness: Candidates must be cleared to Commercial Pilot Medical Standards (Category 1) by a Ministry of Transport Doctor. Call Sky Wings for a list of specified Doctors in your area.
- Private Pilot's License: Applicants may be conditionally accepted into the program subject to being in possession of a medical at the time of registration. Sky Wings Aviation offers an accelerated six-week private pilot course during the months of July and August, or it may be completed by entering in September and enrolling in the private pilot course along with the normal academic course load.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding the Academic Requirements, feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

At Red Deer Polytechnic, we support a diverse student population worldwide. Note: Applicants whose first language is English and who declared this on their application are exempt from English Language Proficiency requirements.

Certain RDP programs have unique ELP requirements; ensure you review the program-specific requirements below. Applicants must also meet all other program Academic Requirements to be considered for admission into the program.

Applicants applying to the Academic Upgrading program are not required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency at the levels noted for credit programs. Placement assessments are used for admission to these programs.

Understanding RDP's English Language Proficiency Requirements:

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide ELP official documentation to the Office of the Registrar by email or regular mail after you have applied.
ELP tests must be no older than two years before your program start date.
The Office of the Registrar can review your “unofficial” or scanned documents to initially admit you to a program and provide a Letter of Acceptance. However, official documentation must be received before the deadline, or you will not be granted “clear” admission until this step has been completed.

Requirements by Program

Applicants must meet English Language Proficiency requirements for admission to credit programs.
- Note: RDP programs may have different or additional requirements.
Applicants must also meet all other program Academic Requirements, including the English course and minimum percentage grade.
All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the start date of the program.
Applicants to the Academic Upgrading program are not required to demonstrate English language proficiency at the levels noted for credit programs.

Ensure you review the program-specific requirements below.

Approved English Proficiency Tests:

IELTS Academic – International English Language Testing System: 6.5 with at least 5.5 on each band score
Duolingo English Test: 115-125
TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language: 83 iBT or 557 PBT
CAEL – Canadian Academic English Language: 60 with at least 55 on each band score
MET: 61 with at least 58 on each band score
PTE: 59 with at least 56 on each band score
Oxford: 7 overall

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2025-12-06

Program overview