Air Traffic Controller Turned Ironman Athlete Reveals Secrets to Managing Stress

Catherine LeBlanc's journey as an air traffic controller and endurance athlete is marked by moments of intense challenge and unwavering determination. One such moment occurred during her first half Ironman competition in 2022. Despite her extensive preparation, Catherine faced a near-drowning experience in the swimming portion of the race.

"I realized I wasn't prepared enough," Catherine recalls. Wearing a new wetsuit, she found herself panicking in the open water and struggling to breath. "The collar made me feel like I was choking. After a few minutes of struggling with the suit, I had a small panic attack. A wave hit me, and I started coughing." Despite the terrifying experience, she managed to pause, regain her focus, and finish the swim.

The incident could have deterred her, but instead, it fueled her resolve to train harder and overcome her fears. Incredibly, later that same year, Catherine went on to compete in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, placing 12th in her age group.

Catherine’s ability to stay calm and composed during stressful situations has been a defining trait throughout her career as an air traffic controller (ATC) at NAV CANADA. Currently, she works in Montreal, supporting pilots flying in the terminal area, a region that covers approximately 60 Nautical miles around the Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.

Practical advice for managing stress

For those considering a career in ATC or aiming to conquer significant goals like marathons or mountain climbing, Catherine offers practical advice:

1. Stay prepared: Thorough preparation can mitigate stress. Whether it’s training for a race or preparing for a shift at work, being ready can make a significant difference.
2. Be accountable: Show up prepared and ready to do the work. Take responsibility for your actions and focus on what you can control.
3. Learn from mistakes: It’s essential to acknowledge mistakes, learn from them, and move forward. This applies to both professional and personal challenges.
4. Seek support: Surround yourself with experts and mentors. In both ATC and endurance sports, having a support system can provide guidance and reduce stress.
5. Stay focused: During high-stress moments, take a step back, assess the situation, and determine the best course of action. Avoid overthinking and blaming others; instead, focus on finding solutions.

A passion for aviation sparked in childhood

Catherine’s fascination with aviation began at a young age with dreams of becoming an astronaut. Encouraged by her interest in science and influenced by a close friend's father who worked in ATC, she explored various aviation-related opportunities while growing up in Quebec. A visit to the Montreal air traffic control tower during her years in Cégep solidified her passion for ATC, prompting her to pursue a career in this rewarding field.

Reflecting on her career choice, Catherine describes it as the best decision ever, citing the thrill and challenges that come with the job. "It’s the best job. It’s unknown to many people, even in the aviation industry," she shares. She finds joy in the ever-changing variables, from weather conditions to emergencies, and the opportunity to make a difference every day.

What do air traffic controllers really do?

Describing her role to friends and family, Catherine emphasizes the critical function air traffic controllers serve as the "eyes" of aircraft, ensuring they navigate safely from point A to point B. Controllers provide pilots with vectors, speeds, and altitudes, closely monitoring their journey until they reach their destination.

Her work focuses on departure and final arrival phases, where she hands off aircraft to enroute sector air traffic controllers once they reach cruising altitude. Her job demands exceptional three-dimensional thinking, a skill she honed through playing video games like Mario Brothers during her youth.

Can being an air traffic controller be a stressful job? Yes, at times, it can be, but with the right training, experience, help from colleagues, and a supportive work environment, Catherine says she looks forward to plugging in to her workstation every day. “Most days, my job feels like one big team sport. We all need to work together as we pass off aircraft from one region to the next. And when there is bad weather or an emergency onboard an aircraft, I know I have the experience and support to find my way through any situation that may arise,” she says.

At the end of the workday, Catherine says she can unplug and leave work at work, giving her the freedom to focus on her training, hobbies, family, friends, and other commitments. “Being an air traffic controller and a competitive endurance athlete takes a great deal of discipline and resilience,” says Catherine. “I love being outdoors and physically active, so I find the mental clarity I gain from training enhances my performance at work, while the structure and focus required in my job translate well into my athletic pursuits.”?

Parallels between endurance sports and air traffic control

Catherine sees many similarities between the rigorous training required for ATC and endurance sports. Both demand a long-term commitment, discipline, and the ability to focus on controllable factors. "It’s a long process. Go one step at a time," she advises. The same principles that help her climb mountains and run marathons apply to her professional life. By acknowledging challenges, preparing thoroughly, and staying focused on what can be controlled, she manages stress effectively.

Ready to let your career take flight?

For those considering a career in ATC, Catherine’s advice is straightforward: "Apply now. Just do it and be ready to trust the process."

NAV CANADA is hiring air traffic service professionals, including air traffic controllers and flight service specialists across Canada. Visit our?careers page?to learn more about this rewarding path.