Air Traffic Controller Careers

Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controllers are responsible for keeping flights safe and efficient across Canada’s vast airspace 24/7. They operate from control towers at airports and from air traffic control centres, overseeing 18 million square kilometres of airspace and coordinating with pilots to maintain precise separation and optimal flight paths.

• Enroute Control: Monitor aircraft as they pass through multiple airspace sectors, handing off control between controllers and ensuring safe altitude and distance separation.
• Descent: Instruct pilots on safe descent routes as they approach their destination, maintaining separation from other aircraft.
• Approach: Guide pilots to line the aircraft up with the runway for landing, providing clearances and timing instructions.
• Landing & Taxi: Issue landing and taxi clearances for tower controllers, directing aircraft to parking positions and managing ground traffic.

Training is intensive and includes classroom instruction, high‑tech simulators, and on‑the‑job experience. All candidates receive a training salary throughout the program and are supported by a dedicated training team, peer‑support programs, and state‑of‑the‑art technology.

• Students receive a training salary during the program.
• The program is full‑time and involves mandatory classroom work, simulator sessions, and on‑the‑job training.
• No prior aviation experience is required.

• Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits program.
• Three weeks of paid vacation after training completion.
• Access to ongoing career training, community involvement opportunities, and a non‑contributory pension plan.

• Resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
• High motivation.
• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Good memory, effective verbal communication and keen listening skills.
• Strong commitment to teamwork.

• Be 18 years or older at the time of application.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalency.
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Meet language requirements (bilingual in English and French for the Montreal Flight Information Region; English for all other regions).
• Be willing to relocate to the training and/or work location.
• Be available to start training full‑time within 18 months of application.