Overview
Air traffic controllers direct air traffic within assigned airspace, and control moving aircraft and service vehicles at airports. Flight service specialists provide pilots with flight information essential to aviation safety. Flight dispatchers authorize airline flights over assigned routes. Air traffic controllers and flight service specialists are employed by NAV Canada and the Canadian Forces. Flight dispatchers are employed by airline and air services companies and by the Canadian Forces.
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
Respond to radio calls from aircraft preparing for takeoff or landing and supply information such as weather conditions, wind speed and direction and presence of local air traffic
Support air traffic control operations by relaying radio requests for flight clearances, arrival and departure information and position reports
Alert airport emergency services of aircraft experiencing difficulties and initiate communication searches when aircraft become overdue
Observe, record and report weather conditions at airports.
Flight dispatchers
Analyze environmental conditions and assess aircraft for load and fuel capacity and other factors to determine flight routes
Brief flight crew before takeoff on weather conditions, status of navigational facilities and airports while on route
Co-sign flight authorization with aircraft captain
Monitor progress of flight and communicate as required with aircraft during flight
Delay or cancel flights if conditions warrant
Prepare and maintain flight plans, flight logs and other reports.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$57,792
$143,448
$244,703
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
224expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
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.
Additional information
Air traffic controllers with experience and appropriate NAV Canada endorsements may move to units with higher volumes of air traffic.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certifications to practice as Air traffic controllers and related occupations in B.C.
- Completion of a NAV Canada training program - Air Traffic Controllers
- Professional Radio Operator Certifications - Air Traffic Controllers
Completion of a NAV Canada training program - Air Traffic Controllers
To work as an air traffic controller in B.C., you must have completed the NAV Canada training program. Eligibility is achieved by meeting basic requirements, passing the assessment process, and completing the program.
Professional Radio Operator Certifications - Air Traffic Controllers
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as an air traffic controller in B.C., you must have earned the necessary Professional Radio Operator Certifications. Eligibility is achieved by successfully passing the training course.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.