Fundamentals of International Aviation: A new Online Course

As aviation continues to evolve, understanding its global dynamics has never been more crucial. I am thrilled to introduce a new online course that provides a comprehensive foundation of ‘how aviation works’ for aspiring and current aviation professionals alike.

Most aviation professionals begin their education studying a particular job in a single country – such as a pilot in Canada – and throughout their career come to learn about the vast yet intricate network of international aviation, which is crucial to our global economy and way of life.

Over the past two decades, I have had the privilege of teaching thousands of aviation students. However, early in my career, I noticed a trend after teaching several cohorts of aviation students. I saw young pilots, who were passionate about aviation, choosing to leave the aviation industry after being unable to successfully complete their flight training (usually due to financial or aptitude challenges). This struck me as a tremendous loss as our industry was facing global personnel shortages, and these talented young adults were already passionate and dedicated to air transportation. The students were not aware of the broad diversity of roles in aviation beyond piloting, nor of the endless opportunities to apply their passion for the field in unexpected, yet rewarding ways.

I asked myself – what if we challenged the traditional educational paradigm and flipped it upside down – to begin aviation education with a broad, international cross-sectional view of the many professions and organizations in the field?? This foundation would allow those new to the field to find their place, support the next generation in identifying which aviation profession is the best fit with their interests and skills, and assist professionals from other industries in understanding how aviation works.

I spent several years writing the now internationally leading textbook Fundamentals of International Aviation based on this concept. The textbook is now in its second edition and used in multiple translations for global audiences. While the book was a passion project, I recognize that it can be challenging for professionals to step away from their careers to attend classroom-based courses.

Bringing the Book to Life

As an expert in instructional design for online learning and author of the book e-Learning in Aviation, I believed that an e-learning course based on the textbook would fill an important role in supporting the attraction, education, and retention of the next generation of aviation professionals.

The new Fundamentals of International Aviation (FoIA) e-learning course introduces learners to the air transport sector on a global scale with a broad view of all the interconnected professional groups.? I crafted the course to provide a foundational understanding of aviation, supporting learners in various careers such as regulators, maintenance engineers, pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, airline staff and dispatchers, among many others.

e-Learning Course Structure

This course is structured into 10 self-paced e-Learning modules, providing approximately 15 hours of comprehensive learning.? Each module includes practice quizzes, interactive activities, and a virtual instructor to guide you through the material.? The course culminates in a final exam – successful learners earn a certificate of completion.

Key Topics Covered:

·?????? International aviation law

·?????? Basics of aircraft design, operations, and airworthiness

·?????? Airline operations and their connections to the global economy

·?????? Air traffic management and airport operations

·?????? Safeguarding aviation from security issues

·?????? The importance of accurate weather data on global air transport

·?????? Accident investigation, safety management systems, and human factors

While FoIA is offered independently, it can also be stacked with the Aviation Sustainability and Aviation & Climate Change e-learning courses for those who wish to earn the professional International Aviation Sustainability Certification (IASC).

A Global Perspective for a Global Industry

FoIA is not just about delivering content – it’s intended to expand your perspective from domestic to international aviation.? Whether you’re an industry professional, changing roles, or just starting out, the course content is designed to be relevant and career-focused.? As the course is entirely self-paced, you can complete it on your own schedule from anywhere in the world.?

By joining this course, you’ll gain a comprehensive, globally-focused understanding of aviation that transcends individual roles. Together, we can foster a one-industry approach where all professions are interlinked, creating a stronger, more resilient future for aviation. This engaging and interactive course will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to join this transformation. Enroll now and start your journey today.

--

Development of this e-learning course was financially supported through a transformational investment from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).