Controller Course - Air Weapons

The Basic Air Weapons Controller course provides students with the essential aspects of Fighter Control including Close Control and Tactical Control of aircraft involved in air defence operations.

The Course includes instruction in the following subject areas:

• Academic Instruction. The academic phase of the course covers Weather, Flight Safety, Airspace Management, Voice Communication Procedures, Intercept Geometry, Emergency Procedures, Aircraft Recognition, and Aircraft Performance Characteristics.
• Close Control Data to Data. The first phase consists of Close Control, commencing with simple one aircraft versus one aircraft scenarios (1V1) all under Close Control rules, which are much more stringent than either Tactical or Broadcast Control. Close Control provides for the most restrictive form of control of aircraft.
• Close Control Symbology. The second phase consists of Close Control with computer generated Symbology continuing with simple one aircraft versus one aircraft scenarios (1V1); all under Close Control rules.
• Close Control Symbology. The third phase consists of Close Control with computer generated Symbology continuing with two aircraft versus one aircraft scenarios (2V1); all under Close Control rules.
• Tactical Control. The fourth phase consists of Tactical Control, where the controller provides the fighter aircrew with more specific target information and intercept objectives. Air-to-air refuelling procedures are also incorporated in this phase. This phase consists of two aircraft versus two aircraft scenarios (2V2) in IMC and VMC conditions.
• Simulator Training. All of the practical training exercises are simulated and are carried out in the military Aerospace Surveillance and Control (ASAC) simulators located at Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations (CFSACO).

The AWC course capacity is 9 students. Candidates must be Officers.

Education prerequisites and selection criteria shall be in accordance with individual national requirements. However, strengths in mathematics, physics and technical subjects are important for course success and computer literacy is an asset. All potential candidates for Canadian Air Weapons Control courses must possess an excellent proficiency in both written and spoken English.

The Basic Air Weapons Controller Course is 87 days in duration and is run two times per year.

On successful completion of the Basic Air Weapons Controller course, students will have acquired the knowledge and skills required to commence training at an operational unit. Foreign students will normally undergo operational training in their own country; however, requests for operational training in Canada are welcome and will be priced separately.

The Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations is located in Cornwall, Ontario within the Navigation Canada Training Institute (NCTI). The Institute is located mid-way between Montreal and Ottawa overlooking the St. Lawrence River.