Aspiring IFR ab initio trainees should be mindful of the potential for technological change in the future. Like other major ANSPs, NAV CANADA is pursuing trajectory-based operations as an air navigation solution. The ICAO GANP timeline calls for full 4D TBO to be implemented beginning in 2031. Here are the implications according to NAV CANADA’s SVP for ANS Technology:

This shift toward being a technology-enabled company comes from something called Trajectory Based Operations (TBO). TBO is not a new concept, and in fact, ICAO (International Civil Aviation Agency) mandates that TBO be implemented by all ANSPs over the next decade.

TBO is a paradigm shift the industry must make to utilize the exponential potential technology can play in our future operations. Fundamentally, TBO shifts us from an individual air traffic controller actively separating traffic for the duration of the flight to minimal interaction, provided the flight complies with an agreed contract between the airline and the ANSP. This results in gains for everyone: air traffic control becomes safer and less labor-intensive, airlines see fuel efficiency gains, passengers travel more efficient routes, and the environment is less polluted.

Aspiring VFR ab initio trainees should be aware of the potential for single-pilot commercial air transport operations beginning in 2030:

https://imgur.com/a/YLvyxTF

Needless to say, control towers whose movements are largely due to flight-training activity could experience a non-negligible decline in traffic.