ATC IssuesA place where pilots may enter the 'lions den' that is Air Traffic Control in complete safety and find out the answers to all those obscure topics which you always wanted to know the answer to but were afraid to ask.
First post here, just wanting any advice or tips really. Have read through most of the posts on this subject, but they're quite dated now, so here goes:-
I'm going to do my Selection tests in Bournemouth on the 11th August. Just asking the usual - any tips, advice etc... Anyone else by any chance going? Any advice appreciated!
The test is the first initial one. Quite looking forward to it. I feel a bit better (after reading some posts on here) about the fact that I do have an interest in aviation, so I'm feeling a bit more confident. Your advice is definitely appreciated.
Hope to speak again soon, thanks Jas.
Also: Just wondering about the speed of the whole process - if I'm taking my initial tests in August, and all goes well with subsequent tests/interviews etc, when time of the year would you expect to start your course? Cheers
Browsing through the ANO for avaiation law doesn't help ones sanity much! Neither does endless hours looking at blurry pictures of Bandeirante's and Twin Otters..............
I did the initial selection tests in May and had the final test and interviews a couple of months ago.
The first batch of tests involve quick, accurate analysis of problems - for example, recognising and matching 7-letter (or number) codes, 3D spatial realisation (!?) and mental arithmetic. I got past these ones without much of a hitch.
Once past these, you then have to sit a computer test where you must have VERY quick reactions while getting everything correct. I was reliably informed that with the last section, they are more concerned with avoiding collisions rather than the arithmetic (you'll find out what I mean!:eek You then have to do two interviews, one with an ATCO and one with a Personnel Officer. I messed up the ATCO one and have to be re-interviewed in November. As soon as you pass all this, you get to have a medical and, TA DA, you find yourself down at Bournemouth.
Good luck with your tests. Let me know how you get on!
As somebody mentioned above, they aren't expecting you to be an expert on ATC when you go for the tests and interviews. There's not a great deal you can do to prepare, except read the stuff they send you and just brush up on aircraft recognition. They are looking for generally calm and logical people (how the hell did I get in?) so stay cool and try to enjoy the experience!!!!!!
Best of luck to all those who are going through the selection tests. This job is sometimes frustrating, very occasionally terrifying, but mostly excellent fun!
I'd had a rather heavy session in the bar before driving to Gatwick for my medical - don't think the examing officer was too pleased when I had to repeat the blood test a few days later .... I seemed to be over the limit for the first ...oops !!
Only two days to go now, and I've only got one question left...
In the written 'motivation & interest' test, is it literally a series of qustions on the booklet they sent, or is it more an essay-style paper? I was just wondering. Swotted up on the booklet so should be alright either way!!!
Once again thanks and I'll let you all know how I get on on Friday!!!
The 'motivation and interest' section is a series of questions on the information sent to you. For example, you should know the airports at which NATS provide air trafic services and the airspace types. i.e. uncontrolled, controlled, and what type of airspace is above FL245. I was unfortunate enough not to be able to get a hold of any of the suggested reading material but still got through easy enough with the information from the brochures (including the 'technical interview') If and when you get through the selection tests, re-post here and I'm sure you will get loads of advice for the tech interview.
Well I just got back from my first selection test day, and it went OK (I guess!). Dog, it wasn't actually at the college but at a hotel in the centre of B'mouth.
I think I did OK on most of the tests, but as was said before, some of the questions were quite tricky - and the time limits were a shock But apart from that, I suppose I'm satisfied. The motivation test was good because I actually revised the booklet The controller we spoke to was called Angus (forget the surname) Worked at Edinburgh, but now an instructor at B'mouth, know him Dog? He was friendly and positive, and basically had a laugh with us
Now all that's left is to wait for the results... d'oh. I did my best, and I can't change it now can I? I'll let you guys know soon...
However, don't worry about the time limits. Any one who can actually finish those tests is either a genius or has gone through randomly selecting answers. I didn't get more than half done on any of the sections and still got good scores. So, Angus sounded positive did he? - you should search out the letter he and a couple of other CATC instructors sent to the press late last year on PPP. Didn't sound so positive then!
Brings back so many memories. Bummer to park there as well. No doubt you will progress, Jas, and the second stage of interviews, one with a personnel type (give me some evidence of how you have multi-tasked in your recent experience - I answered I could cook a mean roast sunday lunch! It seemed to work!<g> ), one with either one or two operational controllers on basic scenarios, and a set of computer tests, will be held at the college. I went through all of this back in the winter of 97/98, when it took nearly a year to go through the selection process.
Don't worry, I thought I failed the computer tests, and I got through!
Angus Kennedy, one of the better instructors! (creep creep creep<g> ) Always game for a laff.
Can anyone tell me if there are any recent books available about ATC that I could read in preparation for the ATC interview. I have read the Ian Allan guide "Air Traffic Control" and wondered if there were any others.
Whilst I'm sure Angus Kennedy might be flattered by the comments in the above posts I do not think it is appropriate or safe to be naming people in this way. Many people in NATS read these fora - remember websites have ears! I am also very sure he would not be impressed by the reference to the letter mentioned by GW as I understand NATS tried to discipline him and the other 2 union reps at the College for daring to speak the truth. For all we know they may still have a hit-list. Incidentally that letter was signed by ALL CATC instructors (43 of them) not just the three victimised by NATS caring sharing management.
I would just like to add that I only mentioned this guy's name in reference to my test day, not intending to draw any comments on him. In future I'll not name names, as I'm sure this is safer...
Upcoming Test Day... 
As soon as you pass all this, you get to have a medical and, TA DA, you find yourself down at Bournemouth.
But apart from that, I suppose I'm satisfied. The motivation test was good because I actually revised the booklet 
Linear Mode
