Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association
Behind every flight. Stronger together.
The national voice of Canada’s Flight Dispatchers. Advancing our profession. Standing together for our members.
One collective voice.
Our association
Professional pride.
Collective purpose.
The people behind safe, efficient airline operations deserve a strong voice.
Meet your national team →Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association
Who We Are
The Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association (CALDA) is a professional organization representing certified Flight Dispatchers at seven major Canadian airlines: Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet, Porter Airlines, Jazz Aviation, PAL Airlines, and Canadian North. We are the national voice for operational control professionals across Canada’s commercial aviation industry.
What We Do
As Transport Canada–certified Flight Dispatchers, our primary responsibility is ensuring that airline operations are conducted in compliance with federal regulations. Working in close coordination with flight crews and air traffic control, our focus is unwavering: safety above all.
Our Mission
To advance the professional and labour interests of Canadian Flight Dispatchers while supporting our members in delivering safe, efficient, and compliant operational control.
Flight Dispatch as a Career
Flight Dispatch is a rewarding and essential role in aviation. With the industry’s rapid evolution and increased operational complexity, certified Dispatchers are in growing demand.
About This Site
This is a secure portal for CALDA members. A valid account is required for access. For account support or general inquiries, please contact info@calda.ca
Proudly Representing Flight Dispatchers At:
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LinkedIn @officialcalda
Our councils
Local expertise.
National strength.
Connected across Canada. Represented where it matters.
Council IAir Canada
Council I
Meet your councilCouncil representatives
Ben Dorfling
Council IIJazz
Council II
Meet your councilCouncil representatives
Keith Janes
Lon Wilson
Council IIICanadian North
Council III
Meet your councilCouncil representatives
Contact CALDA for current representative information.
Council IVAir Transat
Council IV
Meet your councilCouncil representatives
Contact CALDA for current representative information.
Council VPorter
Council V
Meet your councilCouncil representatives
Council VIWestJet
Council VI
Meet your councilCouncil representatives
Council VIIPAL Airlines
Council VII
Meet your councilCouncil representatives
Contact CALDA for current representative information.
National leadership
Working for our members.
Contact CALDA →The profession
Your future in
Flight Dispatch.
A critical role. A rewarding career.
Explore the path into operational control.
Becoming a Flight Dispatcher − / +
Becoming a Flight Dispatcher in Canada
Are you considering a career as a Flight Dispatcher in Canada? We’re here to help guide you through the process and set you on the right path.
Step 1: Understand the Requirements
Your first step should be reviewing Transport Canada’s TP12513 – Study and Reference Guide for Flight Dispatchers . This document outlines the topics covered in the two required Transport Canada generic examinations.
You can access the study guide directly here:
TP12513 – Study and Reference Guide
Step 2: Complete the Required Examinations
To qualify for a Flight Dispatcher position at any Canadian airline, you must pass two Transport Canada exams:
- Operational Examination
Covers Air Law, airport operations, theory of flight, performance, and other dispatch-critical topics. - Meteorological Examination
Assesses your knowledge of weather systems and your ability to interpret aviation weather products and reports.
Both exams are administered in person at approved Transport Canada testing facilities. There is no fee to complete these exams.
A list of exam center locations is available here:
Transport Canada Exam Centers
Step 3: Obtain Your Radio Certificate
You must also obtain the Restricted Radio Operator Certificate – Aeronautical, which is required for communicating on regulated aviation radio frequencies. This certificate is valid for life.
Validity Periods
- Transport Canada Exams: Valid for 2 years from the date of completion
- Radio Operator Certificate: Valid for life
Additional Airline-Specific Requirements
While the above steps are the foundation for a Flight Dispatcher application, each airline may have additional requirements, such as internal testing, interviews, or assessments. We recommend contacting individual airlines directly for the most accurate information.
If you have any further questions about becoming a Flight Dispatcher in Canada, feel free to contact us.
Please Note: CALDA provides this information as a general resource. We do not administer examinations nor are we involved in the hiring processes of any airline.
Airline careers & professional resources +
Employment Opportunities
Explore career opportunities with airlines currently represented by CALDA:
- Council I – Air Canada Careers
- Council II – Jazz Aviation Careers
- Council III – Canadian North Careers
- Council IV – Air Transat Careers
- Council V – Porter Airlines Careers
- Council VI – WestJet Careers
- Council VII – PAL Airlines Careers
CALDA Links & Resources
Canada
- TC AIM – Aeronautical Information Manual
- CARs – Canadian Aviation Regulations (TC)
- CARs – Consolidated on Justice Laws
- NAV CANADA – Flight Planning & Reporting / NOTAMs
- NAV CANADA – Weather Portal
USA
- FAA AIM – Aeronautical Information Manual
- FARs – 14 CFR (eCFR)
- FAA – NOTAM Search
- NOAA/NWS – Aviation Weather Center
Other
Newsroom
The latest from CALDA.
Official statements and news from our association.
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