In-person interview questions (Nav Canada)

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Kjs
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In-person interview questions (Nav Canada)

Post by Kjs »

I've finally got my interview lined up abd I'm trying to prepare the best I can. I was hoping some nav can guys around here might remember some if the questions or scenarios they we're asked during their interview !

What should I know about each of the 3 streams ? Other than the obvious radar vs visual vs flight information.


Any tips in general are greatly appreciated !


Thanks
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Scott25
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Re: In-person interview questions (Nav Canada)

Post by Scott25 »

Are you in the YWG stream by any chance
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sh*t magnet
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Re: In-person interview questions (Nav Canada)

Post by sh*t magnet »

Don't refer to the company as Nav Can during your interview...
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chobs
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Re: In-person interview questions (Nav Canada)

Post by chobs »

Definitely a shorter and easier interview than the phone.

They want you to demonstrate a clear understanding of the company and what they do and not just ATC stuff, but other branches and how it all works together and differences between IR, VFR and FSS. It wouldn't hurt to know some other stuff about Nav Canada dealings like Aireon/Space X, etc. Just stuff to show you've put the time in to know what you're getting into. Go to the website and be sure you have a good working knowledge of lots of stuff on there that you can talk about.

They want to know that you realize what a large commitment training is and that you've given some thoughts and plans to how you will get yourself through it, both in terms of mentally keeping yourself grounded and also financially (although not as big an issue now with them paying trainees from the get go).

You will be asked some various behavioural situation type questions, so have a few good things plans of situations in your life that show you can work in a team, handle stress, adapt to change, overcome controversy, that type of thing.

You will also be asked to repeat one of your answers from the phone interview.

They will likely ask your preference of stream and also why you think you would be a good fit for that particular stream.
Good luck.
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fliter
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Re: In-person interview questions (Nav Canada)

Post by fliter »

Know about the company: founded in 1996, took over from Transport Canada. Private, but not-for-profit, funded by user fees (airlines pay a lot, private plane owners pay a little). Provides all ATC/FSS services in the country (with one odd exception that probably doesn't matter), but does a lot more than that. It is also responsible for designing, testing and maintaining nav aids and approaches, publishing aviation charts/publications, disseminating aviation weather info. Works with other providers/companies on initiatives like ADS-B and launching the Aieron satellites. Know about the Flight Information Regions. Know the name of President/CEO. :)

Streams are:

IFR - considered the most challenging and in general best paid. You sit in a "dungeon" with dozens of others, only look on the radar, and help direct a/c in terminal, low-level or high-level airspace.
VFR - sit in a tower, use a combination of visual lookout and radar surveillance to separate a/c in the control zone and help them out a little bit beyond. Considered a little easier than IFR, though it's in part a personality preference. And this doesn't apply to Pearson tower, by far the most challenging unit you could be assigned to in any of the 3 stream (judging by the pass/fail rates)
FSS - not a controller, but many duties are similar. You could be in a "tower" at an airport or in a room with no windows. You pass info along to a/c, including weather conditions, IFR clearances relayed from IFR controllers etc. You can't tell them what to do, but you can provide info, updates and suggestions to ensure everything runs smoothly. Easiest to qualify at, least pay, guaranteed to be away from major centres. Some are truly in the middle of nowhere.

Know the basics of how training works - first generic/basic classroom portion and sim, then on-the-job training at an actual unit handling live aircraft.

Look up basic HR behavioral questions, there will be a couple.

You might be asked to demonstrate some VERY basic knowledge of aviation. Like, name five airlines, five airports and five aircraft types.
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