NATS interview process
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Bournemouth
Speed Distance Time | Test
Practice all of the SDT and Fuel calculations a lot. They might be in there, they might not. Depends on the questions you get. If you want to be an ATCO you'll need to be able to do the relevant maths, so it's worth practicing now. Nobody on here will tell you explicitly whats in the tests at stage one, but I will tell you that there is a chance that these questions could be asked. Learn about NM, altitudes, FLs, and SDT/Fuel calculations. If it doesn't come up you'll know it already for when it becomes important. The vast majority of people go into the tests not knowing what to expect, and a fair number pass, so it isn't impossible!
Practice all of the SDT and Fuel calculations a lot. They might be in there, they might not. Depends on the questions you get. If you want to be an ATCO you'll need to be able to do the relevant maths, so it's worth practicing now. Nobody on here will tell you explicitly whats in the tests at stage one, but I will tell you that there is a chance that these questions could be asked. Learn about NM, altitudes, FLs, and SDT/Fuel calculations. If it doesn't come up you'll know it already for when it becomes important. The vast majority of people go into the tests not knowing what to expect, and a fair number pass, so it isn't impossible!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: York, UK
Try not to be put off by the units of measure in the SDT questions at NATS. They never require conversion. so Knots = mph for the purposes of this test, as real mph is never used.
FL320 - FL 250 is merely the way Air Traffic call 32,000 feet to 25,000 feet. Again, there's no need to convert to metres at any point at all.
As for the questions, both those quoted and posed by yourself would be equally likely to come up in this sort of test.
Phil
FL320 - FL 250 is merely the way Air Traffic call 32,000 feet to 25,000 feet. Again, there's no need to convert to metres at any point at all.
As for the questions, both those quoted and posed by yourself would be equally likely to come up in this sort of test.
Phil
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 196
Likes: 1
From: HANTS
One of the most sensible things written above is the advice to read around the subject.
Prepare of course for the specific tests you are expecting but if I had a prospective ATCO in front of me who did not know what flight levels,knots and other very basic principles of ATC were I'd be questioning the motivation/desire.
Prepare of course for the specific tests you are expecting but if I had a prospective ATCO in front of me who did not know what flight levels,knots and other very basic principles of ATC were I'd be questioning the motivation/desire.
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Warsaw
NATS course 234
Hey to everyone who is going to be on the NATS 234 ATCO course, starting in february, if anyone was interested in getting to know each other I have created a facebook group: NATS ATC Course 234.
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
From: Home away from home
Doublecheck that it is searchable, I can't find it and it has been an issue with some of the earlier groups created that they don't show up on facebook search (or maybe it's just me who can't search 
)
)
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Warsaw
It should be, if it's not than here is it's adress:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/ATC234/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/ATC234/
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Winchester
Hello all!
I have my stage 1 assessment at Swanwick on the 7th January at 11:15, I'm a bit nervous but I think I'm almost there learning-wise! Having trouble remembering aircraft specifications, but I'm feeling fairly confident about the rest. Anyone else down at Swanwick the same time as me?
I have a tour of the Southampton ATC tower tomorrow, it probably won't help with stage 1, but it'll get me excited at least! Not sure what to expect, but hopefully it'll be really interesting!
Good luck with your applications everyone.. hopefully meet some of you in the future! (fingers crossed!)
I have my stage 1 assessment at Swanwick on the 7th January at 11:15, I'm a bit nervous but I think I'm almost there learning-wise! Having trouble remembering aircraft specifications, but I'm feeling fairly confident about the rest. Anyone else down at Swanwick the same time as me?
I have a tour of the Southampton ATC tower tomorrow, it probably won't help with stage 1, but it'll get me excited at least! Not sure what to expect, but hopefully it'll be really interesting!
Good luck with your applications everyone.. hopefully meet some of you in the future! (fingers crossed!)
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Leeds
I'm there at 11:15. I condensed the huge booklet into about 8 pages of my own notes and i've literally had the mrs revise me (through repetition) for about a week now! Still got this weekend to go..
Repetition is what works with me, may be different to others! I'm actually looking forward to the test to see how hard it is.. the application requirements aren't that high to be honest (5 gcse's A-c) they're kind of moderate. Having said that i don't anticipate an einstein kind of paper but nontheless, i'm preparing doing all i can!
Que sera sera!
Repetition is what works with me, may be different to others! I'm actually looking forward to the test to see how hard it is.. the application requirements aren't that high to be honest (5 gcse's A-c) they're kind of moderate. Having said that i don't anticipate an einstein kind of paper but nontheless, i'm preparing doing all i can!
Que sera sera!
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Cheltenham
7/1/13
I'm also there on Monday. I've been revising Pretty hard, although i couldn't decide whether i should try to memorise everything or try and pick out the most pertinent information., I have managed to memorise almost all the plane spec except the seating capacity of each. I just assume that the flight level and speed is more likely to come up as a question, that and perhaps destinations.
Is there anyone there at the 13:15 assessment?
Good look to all those in the same boat!
Is there anyone there at the 13:15 assessment?
Good look to all those in the same boat!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Leeds
I'm on my way down there now, i figured it'd be loads easier staying the night before.. There's several changes on the trains from Leeds!
I've heard the test is multiple choice which may make it easier in so far as spotting something you think is right but not quite knowing..
Who knows ey.
Good luck to everyone who has their tests tomorrow, i'll post again after i've done the test and hopefully shed a bit of light on it!
I've heard the test is multiple choice which may make it easier in so far as spotting something you think is right but not quite knowing..
Who knows ey.
Good luck to everyone who has their tests tomorrow, i'll post again after i've done the test and hopefully shed a bit of light on it!