This four-year program is the only aviation technology-based degree program in Canada. Seneca has been the national leader in aviation education for more than 50 years. Responding to emerging industry demands, Seneca is now educating students at the degree level. Our program provides a rigorous aviation technology-based curriculum developing your theoretical and practical knowledge of aviation technology.
You will gain the knowledge and experience to safely operate complex aircraft. You will also learn business management, airport operations and planning and air carrier administration to gain a larger sense of the variety of careers in the aviation industry.
This program is a Transport Canada approved Integrated Airline Transport Pilot training program that prepares students to be Commercial Airline Pilots. Intensive flight and simulator training is an integral part of this rigorous degree program. Eight semesters of flight training is a required component of the program. Two of these intensive training semesters will occur during the summer months.
Students who are unable to achieve a satisfactory rating in their flight training after a set number of attempts will be withdrawn from the Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology program and will be ineligible for re-admission. Please note that flight training is carried out seven days per week and students will be required to fly weekends during their training.
Attendance to all classes is a Transport Canada requirement for promotion. Students must pass all Transport Canada exams, which have higher pass grades.
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
This program includes a mandatory work term to provide you with valuable hands-on experience in your field of study. A mandatory work term is similar in length to an academic semester and typically involves full-time work hours that may be paid or unpaid. It is typically completed between two academic semesters and requires a minimum of 420 hours of work experience. Students must be in good standing and meet all identified requirements prior to participating in the work experience. Successful completion of the work term(s) is required for graduation.
The work term search is student-driven and participation does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. However, students will receive guidance and support through in-class career workshops and one-on-one coaching to help prepare for the work term. Additional fees are required for programs with a mandatory work term, regardless of success in securing a work position. For more information, see fee details.
The co-op work term must be completed in person.
| Year | September | January | May |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Intensive Flight Training |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 / Flight Training | Semester 4 / Flight Training | Intensive Flight Training |
| Year 3 | Semester 5 / Flight Training | Semester 6 / Flight Training | Intensive Flight Training or Work Term |
| Year 4 | Semester 7 / Flight Training | Semester 8 / Flight Training |
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2026 | Newnham | Closed |
Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2026 | Newnham | Closed |
Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
This program meets Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements.
This program is offered in person. Students are required to come on campus to attend classes.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
International students applying for a PGWP: If you are in a flexible delivery course, you must attend in person as the option to attend online does not apply to you based on IRCC policy. Studying online will impact your PGWP eligibility. Please review the in-person requirements related to PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.
Campus: The program is delivered at Newnham Campus in semester 1 (Fall) and semester 2 (Winter). From the first summer term (May) and onwards, the program is delivered at Peterborough Campus until program completion.
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
Upon graduation, FPR students will have earned the following licences and certifications:
Flight training is included in the per-semester tuition cost.
Yes. Before commencing the program, a student must possess a Transport Canada Category 1 medical certificate and meet Transport Canada’s Aviation Language Proficiency requirements. Students are strongly recommended to have a valid Canadian passport or a United States Entry Visa, as some flight training may be conducted in the United States. See admission requirements for more information.
Yes. At the discretion of the Chief Flight Instructor, up to 30 hours of flying experience may be credited. Any training beyond a PPL— such as Night Rating, CPL, Multi-Engine or Instrument Rating — makes an applicant inadmissible.
While not mandatory, we recommend that students spend a few hours in a small aircraft to ensure comfort in that environment before the first day of class.
The FPR program is delivered at Newnham Campus in semester one and semester two (September to April). From the first summer term (May) onwards, the program is delivered at Peterborough Campus until program completion.
The FPR program runs year-round, including three summer semesters. The first two summer semesters are dedicated to flight training, and the third summer semester is reserved for the mandatory work term.
Seneca’s Peterborough Campus does not have its own residence building. However, Fleming College offers housing to Seneca students from May to August. Please note that space is not guaranteed outside of these months due to limited vacancies in Fleming’s residence during the academic year. It is recommended that students explore additional housing options.
Seneca offers a wide range of student services and supports, such as accessible learning services, counselling, one-on-one tutoring and career planning. Many of these services are available both online and in person at Newnham Campus. For more information, visit Student Services & Support.
Students complete approximately 125 hours of dual flight training, 100 hours of solo flight and 70 hours of multi-crew training in simulators. Flight training begins after completing the first two semesters at Newnham Campus, once students move to Peterborough Campus.
Seneca’s FPR program provides an Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology degree and is an Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (IATPL) program. Students write both Transport Canada ATPL exams before graduation and then have five years to obtain the required hours to receive the ATPL without rewriting exams.
In addition, Seneca’s IATPL includes advanced Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) training, far exceeding Transport Canada minimums. Students train using airline-style standard operating procedures, crew resource management (CRM), line-oriented scenarios, advanced automation management and jet-transport procedures in Level 5+ Flight Training Devices. This signals to employers that graduates are operationally prepared for First Officer roles at major airlines.
Seneca's fleet consists of 19 aircrafts:
Students begin their flight training in the single-engine Cessna 172S. Training includes long distance flights to locations such as Burlington, Vermont; and Fredericton, New Brunswick. Students then progress to the twin-engine Beechcraft Baron.
Seneca's simulation devices include:
Seneca uses eight flight deck simulators certified by Transport Canada, and has one Redbird Xwind crossover trainer. Some simulators recreate the experience of flying Seneca’s fleet of aircraft and provide students with greater knowledge of the airplanes they are flying, while others are used to expand students’ aviation knowledge. The Redbird X-Wind simulator gives students the ability to repeatedly land an aircraft during difficult wind-related situations. Students who are in the final phases of their program move to the CRJ 200 Regional Jet simulator and the B200 Turboprop simulator where they learn about multi-crew flight decks and processes.
Students are required to wear a pilot-style uniform. More details are provided before the first day of class.
Seneca prioritizes safety in every aspect of flight training. We maintain a strong aviation safety culture supported by a non-punitive reporting system, an online safety reporting tool and a dedicated Safety & Quality Officer. In addition, our Integrated Quality & Safety Management System (IQSMS) manual ensures that all procedures meet the highest standards for safety and quality. Student safety is always our top priority.
This is where university meets college. Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility.
Students will train on Seneca’s fleet consisting of 19 aircraft and have access to 10 simulators to gain practical skills and experience.
Graduate career ready and world ready. This program has a mandatory work term to help you hone essential skills for the workplace.
You may qualify for a renewable scholarship and receive up to $1,000 per year when you study in any degree program.
Earn credit for previous studies, work experience or training through Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition and transfer credits.
Director, Flight Operations, Jazz Aviation LP
"Seneca prepared me to enter the industry with the knowledge, skills and attitude to be a safety-minded and skilled professional pilot."
Graduate, Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology
"As soon as I got here and started researching flight schools I decided on Seneca; I knew because they offered a degree program it was going to position me better in a highly competitive industry."
Graduate, Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology
"Seneca Polytechnic prepared me well for this career by always encouraging me to foster the attitude and professionalism of an airline pilot. After I graduated, I got my flight instructor rating and started working right away, teaching students how to fly in the classroom and in the airplane. I take pride in flying some of the most technologically advanced aircrafts in the country."
