Vfr & Ifr

[cdnry]

Hi

I am from Canada but I thought my question would likely have the same answer here as it would for the United States.
I want to apply to Nav Canada for the ATC program and I was wondering if anyone had any insight into how many controllers are VFR vs. IFR. I would really like to do VFR I think, and I was having a hard time finding a break down either on Nav Canada's site and the internet in general. I was hoping there were more VFR controllers than IFR!

Thanks

[Omdahl]

Huh? There are such things as VFR towers, but that doesn't mean that they don't work aircraft in IFR conditions. I have no idea how they do it in Canada, but this doesn't make any sense to me.

[canadian_atc]

Hi Cdnry,

I work IFR, in a centre here in Canada, so I may be able to give you a little insight, although I don't work in a tower obviously.

Your questions unfortunately are almost moot.

When you apply to NavCanada, you will write an aptitude test... pending the results of that test, you will be offered an interview. You will be asked if you would like to apply for ATC or FSS, ATC includes both IFR (Centre/Terminal) and VFR (Tower)

So obviously you would apply for ATC. Pending the results of the Aptitude Test and interview your file will be given a total score.

The highest scores qualify for IFR, the next tier would be VFR

At this point they will call you and tell you what you qualified for, then it's the waiting game they will eventually call you for a course.

If you qualified IFR but want VFR you could tell them such but it might reduce your chances of getting on a course.

If you have more questions let me know, cheers.

[PilotChip]

Manily "VFR" means working in an airport air traffic control tower.
"IFR" meaning you would be concentrating on a radar approach control/center or other radar facility.

Depends on what you like to do - radar or tower.
The numbers, of who is doing what right now, is too hard for me to figure out.