The duration will vary depending on the complexity of the tower to which they are assigned. Tower controllers may also have additional training. The last phase is on-the-job training at a flight service station or flight information centre for 5 to 12 months.Īrea controllers have an additional 6 to 7 months of specialty training between their first and last training phases. This first phase of training is 5 to 8 months long, depending on the program. Successful applicants receive initial classroom and simulator training from NAV CANADA. If successful, the candidate must satisfy any outstanding requirements, such as the medical exam and security clearance.Ībout 30 to 40 training positions become available each year in Alberta. If selected for classroom training, complete a web-based training program.If selected, attend an in-person assessment, which may include an interview, exercises, and simulation(s).If selected, take part in an in-person skills testing session.NAV CANADA has a multistep selection process: Speak English and French fluently (for jobs in Quebec and Ottawa).Speak English fluently (for jobs outside Quebec).Have good speaking skills, including diction, enunciation, and voice projection.Have good hearing and vision, including colour perception.Have completed grade 12 or the equivalent.Be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant.To work with NAV CANADA, an air traffic controller must: Provide search-and-rescue alerts for missing or overdue aircraft.Transfer control of aircraft to nearby colleagues as needed.Give directions to aircraft just before they arrive or shortly after they depart from major airports.Use radar and communications to track flights and provide clearances and directions to pilots en route.Coordinate fire and ambulance services at airports if neededĪrea controllers work at regional-area control centres across Canada.Transfer control of aircraft to colleagues at nearby airports.

Use radar and communications to track flights in their airspace.Give pilots instructions, clearances, and advice.Direct airport traffic so it flows smoothly and efficiently.Make sure aircraft take off, land, and taxi safely within regulated procedures.They work in glass-walled rooms at the tops of airport control towers. Tower controllers direct air traffic within a radius of 3 to 12 nautical miles around airports. They can specialize in airport tower control or area control. Air traffic controllers help pilots keep aircraft safely separated from other aircraft or obstacles while in flight or on the ground.

Air traffic control jobs