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.
Well, there are different kinds of jamón ibérico... with jamón de bellota probably being the best. But we would probably find that what feels like jamón de bellota for some might feel like luncheon meat for others and viceversa... luckily for everybody .
From what I gather from other things people have said though, doesn't everyone finish the training and swear their lunch was better than everyone elses?
I had my NATS medical, and just have to lose a few lbs before I get sent to my CAA, which is rather difficult, but coming off a bit at a time!
Hoping to drop the weight sooner rather than later, just so I can get it over and done with, and wait for my start date!
My only questions are really whether my delay on this will hold up my start date (currently deferred to November) and why does good stuff make you put it on!
Hi all again, another quick question, on my appliaction it asked for my height and gave two paremeters I was outside the top one. What does this mean for lanky geezers like me?
Hi all again, another quick question, on my appliaction it asked for my height and gave two paremeters I was outside the top one. What does this mean for lanky geezers like me?
Unfortunately, the controller workstations currently installed in many NATS centres are not height adjustable.This means that the only adjustment available to users is to the seats and the footrests. The Display Screen Regulations cannot therefore be satisfied for very tall and very short controllers. NATS was taken to an employment tribunal in 2005 by a 6ft 10in trainee controller candidate, but he lost his case.
See: BBC NEWS | England | Too-tall graduate loses tribunal
The new workstations should be more adjustable but may not be universally deployed until 2018.
The candidate concerned was, however, accepted for training by Eurocontrol at their college in Luxembourg - the workstations at Maastricht are height adjustable.
Last edited by PeltonLevel : 22nd January 2009 at 23:38.
so hang on. Im not going to be allowed to become an ATCO because im 6ft2? I dont give a what hieght my screen is!!
I've managed to survive through several desk jobs without anything drastic happening, why are NATS so careful about this? And WHY would they accept my application KNOWING that im to tall just to tell me at the end, sorry old chap, youve made it through selection plus your medical and your ready to go to College....BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT you cant because your legs are to long.
thats complete Bcks
Rant over.
Is there any point in me even applying!?
Check the last page of the NATS medical requirements. It might be worth your while getting in touch with HR to see if they can put you in touch with NATS medical.
I got an email yesterday confirming start date of May 5th on the "area" course and apparantly my contract is in the post.I havent even done my medical yetIf this is standard practise then looks like you get plenty of notice of start dates and the course you're on
- out of interest, why does it seem that the area position is seen by some as a runners up prize? Is there a difference in pay across positions available?
Sounds fair! Looking at both areas, is there a difference between things like average work load and opportunities for career advancement/promotion? Sorry about all the questions.
DAVECRAWFORD1234 - When and where did you do your stage 3 ? Am just waiting for my stage 3 results and I am getting impatient even though it hasn't been long! (They got back to me with S2 results in a day!)
Last edited by PDF : 23rd January 2009 at 16:16.
Reason: Typo
The impression I get is that the area controllers think area is better and the aerodrome controllers dont!
The reason I chose area is that I live very close to Prestwick and I know the Swanwick area really well. If I went for aerodrome I could end up in one of many places, possibly somewhere I might not like and more importantly somewhere my wife & kids might not like.
I think your choice of course comes down to what works out best for you
PDF - I was lucky with my stage 3. I found out within a week, however some people that had their interview on the same day had to wait more than 2 weeks. But dont worry they got through also so the delay isn't a bad thing!
Someone else on my course called HR 3 days after the interview about expenses and they told him over the phone... could be worth a shot.
Looking at both areas, is there a difference between things like average work load and opportunities for career advancement/promotion?
No real differences here. Promotion in both is non existent unless you fancy becoming a watch manager.
Another thing to consider is that if you ever get the hump with NATS further down the line as an aerodrome controller there are other places in the UK to work, including HIAL and privately owned airfields. As an Area bod if you want to leave the company you are snookered for other places to work unless you go abroad.
Just wondering if I wait for the next serving, will I be at the front of the queue?
what hieght my screen is!! 
Linear Mode
