May 23, 20019 – MP Terry Sheehan announced today, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for Fednor, $780,000 in funding, in support of the Sault College Aviation program.
Students at Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology will be able to take advantage of new state-of-the-art aviation equipment and technology thanks to the FedNor investment. The funding will also assist with renovations to the college’s existing hangar space at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport and its pilot training classroom on campus. The upgrades will enhance the college’s training capacity and its ability to produce highly qualified talent for the local and regional aviation industry.
“Upgrading and new equipment for the Sault College Aviation program allows an already successful program to grow in size and keep pace with technological advances. This growing, developing, program will help fulfill the growing demand for pilots worldwide with candidates that are familiar with the latest technology and have the skills they need to achieve their career goals,”SAID TERRY SHEEHAN Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie
The key elements of this project include: new flight simulation equipment, traffic collision avoidance technology and renovated space at the airport for simulation equipment and pilot training.
This project will allow the College to enhance training efficiencies and grow its aviation program. The outcomes of this project include the sustaining of approximately 50 high paying jobs in aviation and its related programs as well as the creation of 14 new jobs. The estimated economic impact of this expansion to our community is estimated to be more than $5 million over the first three years. This project will also greatly assist in helping to meet the demand for pilots in the airline industry.
Expanding flight simulator capacity will allow the college to grow the program by enabling acceptance of more students, reducing costs related to aircraft usage and enhancing experiential learning, a priority now being given a much greater focus by Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development.
“Innovation continues to be a key priority for our government as it is essential to support a strong economy that thrives in a global marketplace. Today’s investment will assist Sault College, one of Northern Ontario’s leader in innovation knowledge transfer, to strengthen its aviation program, increase its reach, and create new business opportunities throughout the region,”SAID THE HONOURABLE NAVDEEP BAINS Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor
By 2020 planes in the program will not be able to enter U.S. air space if they do not possess a traffic collision avoidance system. Given our geography, this is an essential need to expanding training. The cost of this technology has been prohibitive, however in recent years pricing has been reduced, allowing for moving toward what is an important safety improvement and a necessary regulatory requirement. In addition, programs two twin engine aircraft require significant upgrades to the Navigation and GPS equipment for the purpose of conducting flight training and evaluations pursuant to Transport Canada requirements.
This project, which builds on previous investments, includes the purchase of additional flight simulators, which will be installed both on campus and at the airport hangar, in a newly renovated space. The renovated space will include a breakout and training area for students, rooms for new simulators and computers, as well as a lunch area. Given sporadic weather patterns this new asset at the hangar will provide students with timely access to training equipment while they are grounded.
“The support announced today by MP Terry Sheehan is a significant investment in our Aviation program. It will not only allow our College to continue to educate and train highly qualified and skilled pilots, but with expanded flight simulator capacity. It will also help us to grow and advance our program to better serve the needs of our learners, our partners and stakeholders. With a high demand in the aviation industry, this funding will help to transform our program, give our students opportunities to learn and train in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment as well as provide our students with the skills they need to succeed in their careers. We are tremendously grateful for the ongoing, generous support from our Federal Government partner and we look forward to the many opportunities this investment will create,”SAID DR. RON COMMON President of Sault College
