Air Traffic Controller

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Air Traffic Controllers (2272.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Air Traffic Control and Related Occupations (C172) 
• 2011 NOC: Air traffic controllers and related occupations (2272) 

Air traffic controllers specialize in airport tower or area control. Straight line of sight enable tower controllers to keep aircraft safely separated from one another. Area controllers use radar, tracking, communications and information systems.

Tower controllers direct air traffic within a three to twelve nautical mile radius around airports. They work in glass-walled rooms at the top of airport control towers. As a group, they:

• ensure the safe separation and movement of departing, landing and taxiing aircraft
• direct airport traffic so it flows smoothly and efficiently
• give pilots taxi and take-off instructions, air traffic clearances and advice
• use radar and communications to track all flights in the facility's airspace
• transfer control of aircraft to counterparts in adjacent facilities
• co-ordinate fire-fighting and ambulance services at airports during emergencies. 

Area controllers work at area control centres where they:

• use radar and communications to track flights and provide clearances and directions to pilots during the enroute part of their flight (enroute control)
• provide directions to aircraft just before they arrive or shortly after they depart from major airports across the country (terminal control)
• transfer control of aircraft to counterparts responsible for adjacent sectors and facilities
• alert search and rescue activities for missing or overdue aircraft.

Each area control centre is responsible for one of seven large portions of Canadian airspace known as Flight Information Regions. 

Air traffic controllers work rotating shifts so their days off don't necessarily fall on the weekend. Most NAV CANADA facilities operate 24 hours a day and all facilities operate seven days a week.

On the job, air traffic controllers must make rapid decisions and often work under considerable pressure.

Air traffic controllers must be:

• decisive
• stable
• mature
• mentally alert
• team-oriented
• able to accept responsibility
• able to handle details quickly and accurately
• able to take two-dimensional data and convert it into three-dimensional visualizations.

They should enjoy using specialized equipment and instruments, having clear rules and organized methods for co-ordinating information, and taking charge of situations.

Air traffic controllers are employed by NAV CANADA. After their classroom and on-the-job training, they may be assigned to any air traffic control centre or tower in Canada. Area controllers work in area control centres located in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Moncton and Gander. Airport controllers work in control towers located at 41 airports in Canada. 

Opportunities to move to other locations depend on qualifications, operational requirements and a seniority bid process. Experienced controllers may move into supervisory or management roles, work on special projects, or become an instructor.

Air traffic controllers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2272: Air Traffic Control and Related Occupations. In Alberta, 92% of people employed in this classification work in the Transportation and Warehousing (PDF) industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Transportation and Warehousing industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Canadian Air Traffic Control Association (CATCA) website: www.catca.ca

NAV CANADA's Take Charge website: takecharge.navcanada.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.