NOC 72601 — Air traffic controllers and related occupations

TEER 2 · Technical / skilled trades (college or apprenticeship) · Eligible for Express Entry (CEC and FSWP)

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.

Main duties

Air traffic controllers and related occupations

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.

Check your eligibility

Working in this occupation? Verify your NOC code with AI, audit your employment letter against these duties, or calculate your CRS score.