Air traffic controllers and related occupations

Example job titles

• air traffic controller (ATC)
• airport air traffic controller
• enroute air traffic controller
• flight dispatcher
• flight service specialist (FSS)
• instrument flight rules air traffic controller
• terminal air traffic controller
• visual flight rules air traffic controller

Main duties

• This group performs some or all of the following duties:
• Air traffic controllers
• Control flow of air traffic within assigned airspace using radar monitors, radio and other communication equipment and visual references
• Issue aircraft takeoff and landing instructions to pilots and relay meteorological, navigational and other information to pilots in flight
• Maintain radio and telephone contact with adjacent control towers, terminal control units and other area control centres, and coordinate movement of aircraft into adjoining areas
• Alert airport emergency services when aircraft are experiencing difficulties and report missing aircraft to search and rescue services
• Direct activities of all moving aircraft and service vehicles on or near airport runways.
• Flight service specialists
• Provide pre-flight information concerning current and forecast weather conditions, radio frequencies, terrain, airports and related data to assist pilots in preparation of flight plans
• Check flight plans for completeness and accuracy and forward flight plans to air traffic services facility

Employment requirements

• Completion of secondary school is required.
• A basic radio telephone operator's licence is required.
• Air traffic controllers and flight service specialists require completion of a NAV Canada training program which includes structured in-class and on-the-job training.
• Air traffic controllers require an air traffic controller's licence.
• Flight dispatchers may require experience in air traffic control or flight operations and may require a private pilot's licence.

Approved positions by year

New permanent residents by year