How engineers help to ensure safe and efficient air travel
Have you ever wondered how an aircraft can safely take off, fly through Canadian skies, and land? Responsible for managing the 18 million square kilometres of Canadian civil airspace and the North Atlantic oceanic airspace, NAV CANADA is the country’s air navigation service provider. Its dedicated employees deliver the air traffic services, provide the critical information, design and build the technology, and maintain the essential systems, that help ensure the safe movement of aircraft. Among them, its highly skilled Technology team plays a crucial role in maintaining and advancing the infrastructure that supports air navigation services nationwide.
Their engineering innovations and expertise are key to ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel in Canada from coast to coast to coast.
Keeping Canada skies safe
NAV CANADA operates multiple area control centres (ACC) nationwide, each responsible for a designated flight information region (FIR). These centres are the nerve hubs of air traffic management, where controllers provide crucial information and instructions to pilots. Engineers and technical staff work diligently to ensure that the technology and systems supporting these operations remain up-to-date and function optimally.
At major airports, air traffic control towers serve as the command centres for managing aircraft movements. Engineers, Developers and Technologists at NAV CANADA design and maintain these towers, equipping them with state-of-the-art technology to oversee takeoffs, landings, and taxiing. Their work ensures that control towers can efficiently handle the complexities of modern air traffic, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
Flight service stations: enhancing flight safety
At flight service stations, flight service specialists (FSS) provide advisory services and flight information to pilots travelling through Canadian and Oceanic airspace. These stations offer vital information on air traffic, runway conditions, and weather. Technologists are responsible for maintaining the equipment and systems that facilitate these services, ensuring that even the most remote airports have access to reliable and accurate data.
Flight Information Centres: Comprehensive Support for Pilots
Flight information centres (FIC) provide essential flight-planning services, weather updates, and advisory support to pilots. Technologists work behind the scenes to develop and maintain the systems that deliver these critical services, helping pilots make informed decisions for safe and efficient flights. Engineers design and perform life cycle support on the equipment.
Community aerodrome radio stations: Serving remote areas
In remote regions, such as the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Northern Quebec, NAV CANADA operates community aerodrome radio stations (CARS). These facilities provide weather updates and communication services to local airports. While Engineers design the equipment and systems in these stations, Technologists focus on maintenance, ensuring that even the most isolated areas have access to air navigation services.
Maintenance centres: Keeping the system running
NAV CANADA’s maintenance centres form the backbone of the organization’s technical support efforts. Technologists with the support of Engineers work from these hubs to conduct regular maintenance, software upgrades, and service restoration at airports and remote locations. Their expertise ensures the seamless operation of Canada’s air navigation system.
Innovation and continuous improvement
The company is committed to innovation and continuous improvement in air navigation services. Its engineering team leads the charge in developing new technologies and enhancing existing systems to improve safety and efficiency. Their dedication ensures that Canada’s air navigation system remains a global leader in aviation safety and technological advancement.
Engineering excellence: Safeguarding the future of air travel
The Technology team at NAV CANADA plays a vital role in maintaining and improving the infrastructure that supports air travel safety and efficiency. Through their expertise and commitment to innovation, they ensure that Canada’s air navigation system remains one of the most advanced and reliable in the world. If you are interested in joining our team in making Canada’s skies safe, visit our careers page on our website.
Systems Specialist demonstrating the digital tower setup at C-ANS in 2021
Senior Systems Analyst working from the Technical Systems Centre in Ottawa, ON.
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