eLearning Courses

Expand your knowledge – and your possibilities – within the global air transport system.

Aviation is transforming – and so are aviation careers. The Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics is providing three new professional development courses designed to help you get ahead of what’s coming next. Whether you’re an established aviation professional or new to the industry, these courses will demonstrate your understanding of the global air transport sector and the critical importance of sustainability and decarbonization in shaping its future.

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Fundamentals of International Aviation

Fundamentals of International Aviation is designed to build or deepen your knowledge of the global air transport system at a time of rapid change and emerging challenges.

Through 10 self-paced eLearning modules, youll gain a comprehensive understanding of the various roles and activities performed across the entire air transport sector, from air law to navigation to safety and beyond. By the end of the course, youll have a broad awareness of how different people and organizations work together to achieve a safe, reliable and efficient air transport system.

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Aviation Sustainability

As environment concerns, labour shortages and technological innovation transform global air transport, its clear that sustainability is more than just a buzzword. Its the future of aviation  a future where flight connects people, employs communities and minimizes ecological impacts. Creating that future requires ongoing evolution. So how do we get there?

In this course, youll gain a comprehensive understanding of the key sustainability issues  environmental, social and economic  that are shaping aviation now and into the future. Youll build awareness of how every aviation job, including yours, is a sustainability job, and how we can all work together to build a thriving air transport sector.

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Aviation and Climate Change

From extreme weather to biodiversity loss, the effects of climate change are being felt around the globe. As our sector contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental challenges, aviation has a significant role to play in mitigating these negative impacts.

While the path ahead is uncertain, its also full of opportunities for innovation and collaboration as we reimagine traditional approaches to air transport. In this course, youll engage with the key climate issues facing aviation today and into the future. Youll discover solutions across the industry, from sustainable fuels to electric aircraft to climate policy, and explore how to promote a climate-safe future.

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International Aviation Sustainability Certification

Successfully complete all three stacking micro-credentials to earn the International Aviation Sustainability Certification. You may also take any of these courses individually.

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Build sustainability skills and knowledge — anytime, anywhere

  • Self-paced, on-demand content

  • 100% online for convenient, eco-friendly learning

  • Interactive, gamified experience

  • Global perspective based on ICAO standards

  • Made for aviation professionals at any career stage

  • Professional credential publicly demonstrates your sustainability commitment

Discover your role in sustainable aviation

Creating a thriving future for air transport will require many bright minds working and evolving together. Be part of the solution.

Understand current issues and terminology in areas of sustainability and climate change.

Stay on top of the latest innovations, practices and policies shaping the future of air transport.

Explore the future of aviation professions, including how your career can drive positive change.

Be a champion for sustainability and climate action in your workplace and community.

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Meet your instructor

Dr. Suzanne Kearns is the Founding Director of the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics and Associate Professor of Aviation at the University of Waterloo. An expert in online education and internationally recognized within the industry, she has taught thousands of aviation professionals worldwide. Dr. Kearns is a former airplane and helicopter pilot, as well as the author or co-author of six books, including eLearning in Aviation and Fundamentals of International Aviation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the format of these courses?

  • These WISA courses are offered online and are self-paced, allowing you to complete them at your convenience.  

  • The courses are interactive and include activities, case studies, and knowledge checks designed for adult learners.  

  • Each course takes approximately 15 to 25 hours to complete and ends with a multiple-choice final exam.  

  • Upon passing the exam, learners can immediately download their digital Certificate of Completion.  

Who are these courses designed for?

These courses are designed for current and aspiring aviation professionals. No previous knowledge or experience is required. They are intended to build understanding of international aviation, sustainability, and climate-related issues shaping the future of air transport. 

What type of certificate do I earn when I complete this course? Do these courses count towards university degrees?

  • Upon passing the final exam for a WISA course, you will earn a digital Certificate of Completion available for immediate download.  

  • Learners who complete all three required WISA courses will also earn the International Aviation Sustainability Certification (IASC).  

  • These are professional development courses and do not grant credit toward any undergraduate or graduate degree at the University of Waterloo.  

How do I earn the International Aviation Sustainability Certification (IASC) and where do I download my certificate?

To earn the IASC, you must pass the exams for all three required WISA courses: Fundamentals of International AviationAviation Sustainability, and Aviation and Climate Change. After successfully completing all three, you will be able to download your IASC certificate from the WISA online platform. 

How much do the courses cost? Are taxes charged? What is your refund policy?

  • Pricing varies by course. Fundamentals of International Aviation (FoIA) through WISA costs CAD $550 per learner. 

  • Aviation Sustainability and Aviation and Climate Change each cost $1,000 CAD per learner. 

  • Taxes are applied based on the learner’s home address.  

  • A partial refund, minus a $75 CAD administration fee plus applicable taxes, is available for written cancellation requests made within seven days of purchase, provided the course has not been accessed or opened. These pricing and refund details are part of the current WISA course page. 

What language(s) are the courses offered in?

  • All three WISA courses are offered in English.  

  • Fundamentals of International Aviation and Aviation Sustainability are also available in French through WISA.  

  • The separate FoIA through ICAO pathway is offered in English only.

How long do I have to complete the course after registration?

You will have access to your WISA course for six months after registration. The current page lists the same six-month access period.  

I have previously completed the Aviation Fundamentals (AviFun) course offered through the ICAO/UWaterloo partnership. Can I apply this towards the IASC?

  • The new ‘Fundamentals of International Aviation’ (FoIA) course is antirequisite to the ICAO/UWaterloo ‘Aviation Fundamentals’ (AviFun) course, meaning the content overlaps.  If you have completed AviFun and want to earn the International Aviation Sustainability Certification (IASC), you can email WISA with your AviFun certificate after completing the Aviation Sustainability and Aviation and Climate Change courses, and we will issue the IASC without the need to register for FoIA.

I am interested in bulk sales for my organization. Do you support this?

  • Yes, please contact WISA to discuss bulk registration options for your organization.

How do I enroll?