Program_Aviation Certificate

Aviation Certificate

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 RDP as well as a Commercial Pilot License.
Next Start date:
Diploma
2 Years
 Full-Time Blended
How to Apply

About the Aviation Certificate

Combine your passion for flying with a business education. Red Deer Polytechnic has partnered with Sky Wings Aviation Academy to offer a unique two-year diploma in Aviation.  In your first year of study, you will earn your Commercial Pilot License through Sky Wings Aviation Academy located in Penhold, Alberta. In addition to receiving flight training, you will study flight theory.  

Your second year will be at Red Deer Polytechnic, where you will take a variety of business courses to earn a Certificate of Business.  

You will graduate with a strong background in business and subjects related to flight in modern high-performance transport aircraft. In addition to the Commercial Pilot License and the Business Certificate, you will also have the option of obtaining either a Multi-Engine Instrument Rating or a Flight Instructor Rating, along with a Single Engine Instrument Rating. 

This program can be structured for you on an accelerated curriculum if you are looking to complete the diploma faster. Contact Sky Wings Aviation Program Coordinator to learn more at 403.886.5191 (tollfree at 1.800.315.8097).

Work-integrated Learning

Work-integrated learning opportunities will depend on the area of focus you choose.  Learn more about the many types of experiential learning opportunities available at Red Deer Polytechnic through the Career Education and Experience Development Centre. 

How to Apply

Since, for practical purposes, each class is limited to 25 students, you are advised to apply as soon as possible to Sky Wings, complete and return the application form with a $75.00 non-refundable fee. 

Applications should be submitted by April 1 for September, and by August 30 for classes starting in January. Late applications will be reviewed as space permits. (Faxes are acceptable and fees may be paid by credit card.)

Program_Aviation Certificate

Related Careers

A wide range of career paths are available to graduates of this program, including:   

  • Airline Management 

  • Airport Management 

  • Airport Planning 

  • Flight Dispatch  

Meet the Faculty

At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.

Domestic Intakes

Winter 2025 - Open
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  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Fall 2025 - Open
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:

NOTE:  Important dates may change 

Academic Requirements

Students applying to Aviation 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. 

Program Cost

Estimated Tuition and Fees
Year 1
$30,000.00
Year 2
$9,152.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.     

Students will be required to deposit $500.00 to hold their position upon registration, and $5,000.00 before the start of each semester. Subsequent course costs are payable midway through the term.  

The maximum funding available from Alberta Student Loans to qualified applicants is currently $27,000.00 for the entire program. Out-of-province students may be eligible through their respective finance boards (i.e. Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, etc.) 

Some scholarships are available. Contact Sky Wings Aviation for a list of benefactors and application procedures. 

Note: Fees will vary for individual students, however, an approximate figure of $40,000.00 for the two years may be used for planning purposes.

Program Content

Preparatory as required. Flight training to achieve a Private Pilot License can be done at Sky Wings Aviation. Ten Business Administration courses are required to complete the Business Certificate.  

View Course Guide
Program Courses

Graduation Requirements

Sky Wings will award a diploma if you pass all courses and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00. You must also have obtained a Commercial Pilot's License with a Multi-Engine Instrument Rating OR a Commercial Pilot License with an Instrument Rating and Single Engine Instrument Rating. 

Upon completion, you could receive: 

  • Sky Wings Aviation Academy Diploma 

  • RDP Business Certificate 

Continuing and Professional Education

Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs. 

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