Job description Flight Dispatcher in the Calgary Region

Find out what work is like for a flight dispatcher in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Air traffic controllers and related occupations (NOC 72601).

Air traffic controllers and related occupations

Description

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.

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Air traffic controllers and related occupations have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Air traffic controllers
  • 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.

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 72601), and a list of similar occupations:

  • air traffic controller (ATC)
  • airport air traffic controller
  • enroute air traffic controller
  • flight dispatcher
  • flight service specialist (FSS)
  • instrument flight rules air traffic controller
  • terminal air traffic controller
  • visual flight rules air traffic controller

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Air traffic controllers and related occupations in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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