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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:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in operating radio equipment to support air traffic control operations by relaying radio requests for flight clearances, arrival and departure information and position reports
Interest in speaking with pilots and preparing for takeoffs and landings
Interest in co-ordinating information to describe weather conditions, wind speed and direction and presence of local air traffic
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
There are 2 main types of flight service specialists:
This profile uses the terms airport advisory specialists and flight information specialists.
Airport advisory specialists work at one of over 40 flight service stations located in airports across the country. In general, they:
Depending on the flight service station, airport advisory specialists may also provide advisory services remotely to neighbouring facilities.
Flight information specialists work at one of 7 flight information centres in Canada. In general, they:
Flight service specialists work rotating day, afternoon, and night shifts. They must make rapid decisions and often work under pressure.
All flight service specialists in Canada work for NAV CANADA. Sometimes 2 or more flight service specialists work together. However, much of the time they work alone. Flight information regions are large. Specialists on duty work with team members remotely. Once they complete their training, NAV CANADA may deploy them anywhere in the country. They often work in remote locations.
Flight service specialists need:
They should enjoy operating radio and related equipment and communicating with pilots. They should work well with clear rules and organized methods for coordinating information. They should be comfortable taking charge of situations.
To work for NAV CANADA, a flight service specialist must be:
Applicants must meet medical requirements, undergo security screening, and be willing to relocate. They must be available for training within 18 months of their application.
NAV CANADA has a multistep selection process, including online testing and interviews. Successful applicants are entered into a candidate pool and advised which career stream they have qualified for. Visit NAV CANADA’s Careers page to learn more.
Candidates selected for airport advisory specialist training receive initial classroom and simulator training at a regional training unit for 5 to 6 months. They then move to on-the-job training at a flight service station for up to 6 months.
Candidates selected for flight information specialist training receive initial classroom and pilot briefing training at a regional training unit for 7 to 9 months. They then move to on-the-job training at a flight information centre for up to 6 months.
Attendees receive a training salary throughout the training process.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Flight service specialists work for NAV CANADA. After classroom and on-the-job training, they may be assigned to any airport in Canada with a flight service station or flight information centre.
Opportunities to move to other locations depend on qualifications, operational requirements, and a seniority-bid process. Experienced flight service specialists may move into supervisory or management positions or work on special projects.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 2272: Air traffic controllers and related occupations occupational group, 87.1% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2272: Air traffic controllers and related occupations occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
According to NAV CANADA, salaries for flight service specialists range from $66,000 to $101,000 per year. They may receive premiums or bonuses based on location, holidays, shifts, bilingual service delivery, and duties as a supervisor or on-the-job instructor.
During initial training, trainees receive a student allowance of $580 per week (about $15,000 for the duration of the program). This rises to an annual salary of about $41,000 during on-the-job training. This lasts 3-5 months for airport advisory specialists, and 9-11 months for flight information specialists. (2021 figures).
Flight service specialists are part of the larger 2016 National Occupational Classification 2272: Air traffic controllers and related occupations.
According to the 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Air traffic controllers and related occupations occupational group earned on average from $31.85 to $35.49 an hour. The overall average was $35.14 an hour. For more information, see the Air traffic controllers and related occupations wage profile.
Air Traffic Specialists Association of Canada website: www.atsac.com
NAV CANADA’s website: www.navcanada.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
