CREDIT: PROVIDED BY FANSHAWE COLLEGE
Fanshawe's Norton Wolf School has always been at the cutting edge of industry technology.

Fanshawe’s Norton Wolf School of Aviation Technology is ringing in the new year with a new name. Effective Jan. 4, 2021, the school will now be known as the Norton Wolf School of Aviation and Aerospace Technology.

The change reflects the school’s bold vision for the future as it adapts to changes in the avionics industry. Associate dean of the school, Larry Weir explained the inclusion of aerospace technology demonstrates evolution.

“When the school was created it was very focused on one stream of instruction,” he said. “Since that time it’s evolved considerably.”


Traditionally, Fanshawe’s aviation programs have focused on aircraft maintenance and repair, but the name change positions Fanshawe as a training destination for future aerospace.

“It’s really about our vision for the future and where we’re taking the school.” said Weir.

Along with the name change, a range of new programs will be added to reflect the school’s expansion into aerospace programing, and commercial flight.

“Starting next fall, the next new program that we’re bringing online is in advanced materials,” said Weir. “It’s focused on the manufacturing sector. These are all advanced materials that would be used in new technology aircraft in different areas of the aviation and aerospace industry.”

Weir added that the school is also looking into including programs that reflect the ‘greening’ of the aviation industry by exploring electronic propulsion programs that move away from fossil fuels.

Fanshawe’s aviation school has a long history of adapting to industry standards. Weir described the school as a mirror for the aviation industry.

“We work very, very closely with industry,” he said. “As the aviation industry, the manufacturing sector has evolved away from traditional metal and rivets, into composite materials, so too have we moved on to composite materials.”

Composite aircrafts are lighter than traditional aircrafts and use less fuel, once again highlighting Fanshawe’s commitment to moving towards green initiatives.

“The less fuel we use, the less noise we make, the better it is for the environment,” said Weir.

Aviation graduates are in high demand, especially grads from Fanshawe’s Norton Wolf School. With new programs coming, graduates from the school will now be more prepared than ever to take on the industry. Weir said students can expect a bright future studying aviation at Fanshawe, gaining experience in a vast array of skill sets that will prepare them for a successful career in many fields of aviation.

“We continue to attract high-calibre students to leading-edge programs that prepare them for great careers upon graduation,” said Weir.

This is not the first name change for the school; in 2016, the school was renamed in honour of the late pilot, Norton Wolf. Wolf, with his wife Lucille have made various contributions to the London community across many sectors.