Observer/Communicator

Program Eligibility

Math 10-3 and Grade 10 English, or ALBE Math 140 and ALBE English 140 are admission requirements. Equivalencies will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants will normally be tested in order to evaluate their basic Math and English comprehension skills.

The applicant may be required to undergo a physical examination in which an emphasis is placed on good vision and hearing. Specific vision, hearing and other physical criteria is available from the appropriate agencies.

Applicant Assessment

If there is more than one acceptable applicant for the program from a particular location, interviews will be conducted by representatives of the appropriate agencies to determine the most suitable candidate.

Program Admission

Candidates are recruited from the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon and Quebec only when an Observer/Communicator position is available, and only from the community where that need exists.

Program Information

The Observer Communicator Program is a nine-week program offered at Thebacha Campus that will prepare the student for On-The-Job certification at a Community Aerodrome Radio Station.

Curriculum requirements are set by NAV CANADA.

Approximately 50% of class time will be spent practicing the skills learned during classroom lectures, simulating the equipment and conditions of working at an airport. Successful completion of the program requires hard work, time management skills, excellent organizational skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to deal with stress. Program requirements include working outside during weather observations.

Program Objectives

The objective of the program is to train Observer/Communicators to work at Community Aerodrome Radio Stations. The graduates – as employers of their respective contractor, hamlet, territorial or provincial government – will perform aviation support duties on behalf of their employer.

The Observer/Communicator may be called upon to perform the following:

1. Emergency Services;
2. Air and Ground Communication Services;
3. Weather Observing Services;
4. Flight Planning Service;
5. Communications Equipment and Navaids Services;
6. Aerodrome Status Reporting Service; and,
7. Administration Service.

Completion Requirements

Students must pass all three of the required courses in order to successfully complete the program and receive an “Aurora College Record of Achievement” document.

• The passing grade in course 211-001 is 75%
• The passing grade in course 211-002 is 75%
• The passing grade in course 211-003 is 75%

There is also one non-required course offered in the program.

Document of Recognition

Aurora College Certificate of Achievement