Information for foreign-trained air traffic controller and related occupations
(2272) Verified: 2008 07 14
Information on requirements to practise
The occupations in this category - air traffic controllers (IFR, VFR, flight service specialists and flight dispatchers) - are regulated in Canada, and qualifications requirements are set by Transport Canada.
- Transport Canada - Civil Aviation
- Communications Centre
330 Sparks Street- Ottawa ON K1A 0N8 Canada
- Phone : 613-991-4071
- Fax : 613-957-4208
- http://www.tc.gc.ca/air/menu.htm
Air traffic controllers and flight service specialists require a Transport Canada issued licence; flight dispatchers may require experience in air traffic control or flight operations and may require a private pilot's licence. Both require a basic radio telephone operator's licence. Air traffic controllers, flight service specialists must complete an aptitude test (including spatial reasoning, numerical estimation, diagramming, verbal and basic checking modules) and a behavioural-style questionnaire. They must qualify for a secret security clearance and meet basic medical requirements. Entrance and training standards are very high, and not all candidates successfully complete training. Candidates who are accepted into the NAV Canada Training Program receive their initial training at one of seven regional training facilities (Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Monction, and Gander). Application forms and information are available at NAV CANADA or by calling 1-800-876-4693.
After their training, air traffic controllers and flight service specialists are employed by NAV CANADA, and may be assigned to any control Tower, area control centre, flight information centre or flight service station in Canada. For further information on the occupation, you might contact
- Canadian Air Traffic Control Association (CATCA)
- 304 - 265 Carling Avenue
- Ottawa ON K1S 2E1 Canada
- Phone : 613-225-3553
- Fax : 613-225-8448
- Email : catca@catca.ca
- http://www.catca.ca/
Information on assessment of qualifications
Although the regulatory bodies can provide information on the profession, they are not set up to assess foreign credentials before you arrive.
If you need to have your credentials assessed before coming to Canada, you may contact an evaluation service, and you should consult our Fact Sheet No. 2, "Assessment and recognition of credentials for the purpose of employment in Canada." Although the evaluation services offer expert advice on how qualifications obtained abroad compare with credentials obtained in a Canadian province or territory, the evaluation is advisory only and does not guarantee recognition of your qualifications for employment or certification purposes in Canada. Please note that they charge a fee for their services.
Other relevant information
For a general description of duties and employment requirements, you can refer to the information prepared by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada regarding
Specific Provincial/Territorial Information
You may also be interested in the CICIC information pages for Air pilots, flight engineers, and flight instructors and Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians, and Inspectors.