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Kyle’s journey to NAV CANADA wasn’t what you’d call conventional. A former track and field athlete at the University of Lethbridge, Kyle specialized in the 300m and 400m events, making the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), now U Sports, finals for three consecutive years. But his athletic ambitions didn’t stop there. He transitioned to skeleton racing—a sport that sends competitors racing headfirst down an ice track at breakneck speeds—and spent seven years competing internationally, even making the Canadian national teamOpen a new window and earning a spot on the World Cup circuit.

As Kyle trained and competed in Norway, Beijing, Austria, Switzerland, and beyond, he developed a mindset that would eventually help him excel in a completely different arena: air navigation services.

Like many athletes nearing the end of their competitive careers, Kyle faced the question: What’s next? That’s when a friend working at NAV CANADA’s area control centre in Vancouver suggested he apply. The timing was perfect—Kyle had narrowly missed qualifying for the Beijing Olympics and was ready for a new challenge.

“I never thought I had an aptitude for air traffic services, but my friend convinced me otherwise,” he says. “I applied, and I’m really glad I did. I love my job.”

After a year of intense training, Kyle became a Flight Service Specialist in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where he now works closely with pilots to provide critical flight information, including weather conditions, airport advisories, and air traffic updates.

At first glance, skeleton racing and air navigation services might seem worlds apart. But Kyle quickly realized that the skills that made him an elite athlete were the same ones that made him successful at NAV CANADA.

• Quick decision-making: “In skeleton, no run is ever perfect. Races are won and lost by how quickly you can react to mistakes. The same is true in my role at NAV CANADA, where unexpected situations can develop in an instant.”
• Staying calm under pressure: “In skeleton, you’re travelling at high speeds, and any mistake could send you crashing into the wall. You learn how to handle high-pressure situations. That’s directly applicable to air navigation services.”
• Focus and visualization: “Athletes use visualization techniques to prepare for competition, and air navigation service professionals use similar mental models to track air traffic.”
• Teamwork: “At NAV CANADA, just like in sports, success depends on your ability to work with your team. Training is intense, and you have to rely on your colleagues.”
• Discipline and perseverance: “Training to become a Flight Service Specialist is tough. It reminded me a lot of preparing for high-level competition—long hours of study, simulator work, and staying mentally sharp.”

Most people assume that an intense career like air traffic services would mean the end of competitive sports. But for Kyle, the flexibility of his schedule has allowed him to continue training at an elite level while excelling at NAV CANADA.

“At my site, we work four days on, four days off, which gives me time to train,” he explains. “During shifts, we have built-in breaks, and there’s even a gym at my center, so I can fit in workouts during the workday.”

Additionally, his colleagues have also been incredibly supportive. “They’ve switched shifts to help me out, and I can bank overtime to use as time off during skeleton season. They also encouraged me to explore teaming up with NAV CANADA as a sponsor, which the company was proud to do. With all the local and national support I’ve received, I’d be honoured to raise my NAV CANADA branded sled in celebration when I secure a spot on the world stage!”

Now, Kyle has set his sights on qualifying for the 2026 Olympics. “Since I started running track, going to the Olympics has always been a dream. Some of my former teammates have gone, and it was life-changing for them. To get there while also having a career—without putting my life on hold—would mean everything.”

For athletes wondering what’s next after their competitive careers, Kyle has one message: Consider NAV CANADA.

“The skills you’ve developed as an athlete—handling pressure, problem-solving, teamwork, and discipline—are exactly what NAV CANADA is looking for,” he says. “Plus, the application process is straightforward. It takes time to get through, so start early. Once you’re in, if you commit to training and put in the work, you’ll succeed.”

Beyond the job itself, Kyle highlights the company’s strong culture. “There are tons of resources on everything from mental focus and sleep to financial planning and career development. In my experience, about 80% of employees are involved in company initiatives outside of operations, and the community atmosphere is incredible.”

Before joining NAV CANADA, Kyle assumed his days as a high-performance athlete were over. But now, with a stable career and the support of his employer and colleagues, he’s proving that you don’t have to choose between your athletic dreams and a rewarding career.

“If you’re debating whether to apply, just go for it,” he says. “NAV CANADA offers an amazing career, and if you’re an athlete, I strongly believe you already have what it takes to succeed.”

As Kyle continues to chase his dreams, one thing is certain—whether on the ice track or in the flight service station, he’s always aiming for excellence.