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NATS interview process

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NATS interview process

Old 22nd Jan 2013, 15:59
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Does anybody have any particular revision techniques they use that work. I have never really been good at revising and just looking for done techniques to try??
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Old 23rd Jan 2013, 08:49
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Hello, i have a tests on 11th february and i would just like to ask if anyone knows a cheap hostel or something to stay at for one night close to the NATS center?
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Old 23rd Jan 2013, 10:11
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@Mazza

I went through the booklet and highlighted key points that I thought were important (acronyms, values like speed and flight level etc), then I rewrote the entire document in my own words.
I made it considerably shorter, though, by using dot points.

For the aircraft specifications I made flash cards and organised them into piles based on similar characteristics such as the routes they fly.
Rather than learning each individual aircraft, I can remember which aircraft goes in which group and I have a rough idea of the specifications of that particular aircraft.

Hope this helps!
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Old 23rd Jan 2013, 12:55
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Preparation time for stage 1 test

Hi, I have been reading this thread a lot and it really helped me answer questions I have regarding what to expect on all the NATS application stages.

I just received my Stage 1 invitation letter today, but before I book my dates I want to ask if roughly a month is enough to prepare for the Stage 1 test? I realise different people have different learning styles and speed, but I just want to know how long you guys here take time to prepare (by rough estimate)

Any answer would be great help!! xx
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Old 23rd Jan 2013, 15:31
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Stage 1 tomorrow; nervous as hell. Good luck to anyone else who'll be there!
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Old 23rd Jan 2013, 16:06
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Cheers manderson1993

Good luck for tomorrow hope all goes well!!
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Old 23rd Jan 2013, 23:26
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Does anybody have any particular revision techniques they use that work. I have never really been good at revising and just looking for done techniques to try??
I am about 6 months away from validation. I started on a course at the college in July 2009 - yes...2009!!! I was put on hold for a year, so if not for that I would be valid 6 months already. Anyway, with regards to revising... Read the document. Read it again. Then read it another 5 times. Ask someone to test you. Then read it again another 10 times. I'm not actually kidding. You will need to get used to reading a LOT! If you go in with the idea that you aren't good at revising then you are already starting off on a bad foot. Get good at it, and quick. You will need to learn a lot of paragraphs WORD FOR WORD!
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Old 24th Jan 2013, 09:58
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Are there any applicants that attended the jan 7 assessment that are yet to hear back. I know they said up to 15 working days but I was hoping it would be a little quicker than this.
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Old 24th Jan 2013, 12:33
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Just got back from Stage 1 now.

Was so nerve racking after the ATC test while waiting to hear if we got through.
The lady came back, read off a list of names, and those people left the room.
Then the other lady said "congratulations" to the rest of us. Such a relief!

I answered 48/50 in the diagramming questions, and I'm 100% on all those.
I only got up to 35/40 for the cubes which is still good I guess, but I'm really not sure how that went.
Fingers crossed I guess.

Last edited by manderson1993; 24th Jan 2013 at 12:34.
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Old 24th Jan 2013, 15:37
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Well, the ordeal is over. I find it funny when the lady was giving us the intro she said “and how many of you read PPRuNe?" . Maybe it’s just me but I actually found the first paper surprisingly hard, or at least not what I was expecting, I really did not enjoy that dreaded wait to find out if I’d made the first cut or not . When she was reading out the people who failed my heart was pounding so hard I could feel my ears throbbing. I was actually surprised, a large amount passed the motivation paper, I didn’t do a head count but it seemed a little more than half stayed on (reading peoples experience in this topic it seems like it’s usually about a 70% fail rate). I’m fully confident with how I did with the diagraming, so if I do fail it’s because of the cubes (yes, they are as hard as everyone says). At least I get a few days of hopeful optimism before I know my fate for sure, ignorance is bliss.
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Old 24th Jan 2013, 22:50
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Duration

Hi, can anyone tell me how long Stage One should take? Having to fly down on the morning of it unfortunately and back at night.

Thanks
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Old 25th Jan 2013, 11:22
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Impossible, PM sent.

I just received my Stage 1 invitation letter today, but before I book my dates I want to ask if roughly a month is enough to prepare for the Stage 1 test? I realise different people have different learning styles and speed, but I just want to know how long you guys here take time to prepare (by rough estimate)
In my opinion a month is more than enough time to prepare. I got my invitation in the second week of January, and decided to go for yesterdays assessment, partly because I wanted to get it over with as soon as possible and also because I didn't think those extra five days would add to my chances. I figure two weeks is plenty time to prepare, provided you actually use that time efficiently.
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Old 25th Jan 2013, 14:31
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@Greendotz: Thank you so much! Your opinion's a big help, now I can plan my preparation. I'll book my dates for Birmingham (on 22 Feb) since that's where I live, and work hard until then.

And good luck for your stage 1 results!!
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Old 28th Jan 2013, 10:53
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Anyone on here going to Stage 1 in Sheffield on 21st Feb?

Nervous already and still 24 days to go!
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Old 28th Jan 2013, 18:38
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hi guys - could i ask a silly question. i know nothing really of atc... i filled in an application online and got a reply and did online test. got reply inviting for assessment day (both replies in 24 hours if that helps some of you asking) .. im now wondering am i out of my depth or is it worth going to the test day??
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Old 29th Jan 2013, 11:41
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Do some research , see if it suits you . Go to day 1 , you have nothing to lose except some travel money and you'll experience some wonderful ATC selection process tests . I'd go no matter what if you ask me .
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Old 29th Jan 2013, 19:07
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In all fairness Salimnina, every single thing to expect in the motivation paper was posted on here in some form, ranging from the geographical distance questions to the SDT questions. If you dig deep enough into this thread you'll find everything you need to know about every stage.

Remember, the women instructing the tests also said not to disclose details of what was involved in them, so I'm sure people had that in mind when posting their stage one experiences on here.

I passed the first part of stage one when I took it on Thursday and I'm awaiting the result. Unfortunately I'm quite certain the cubes will let me down. They are very tough, and unless you're a natural at spatial awareness then you'll struggle with them unless you practice and practice.
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Old 29th Jan 2013, 19:46
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Hello jbba94 Congratulations on passing the first part of stage one. Were you in the assessment at 9:30 on Thurs? I was in this group. I also got to the next stage and also found the cubes tough. I wonder when we will find out if we make it to the next stage?
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Old 29th Jan 2013, 20:06
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Wink RE: Aircraft SEATING question

Hey guys.

So I've been grinding hard to learn the 24 page test material given by NATS.

And so I have reached the aircraft specs/characteristics/ section.


Here is an example from the document.
1. Aircraft type: Airbus A319
2. Seating details: Maximum 148, standard 124.

I am unable to get my head around the reason as to why there is a MAXIMUM seating 148 and a standard seating capacity of 124.

Statistics from SEATGURU show that the A319 has a TOTAL 124 seats which include all classes. So what is the reason for this maximum seats? Is it to include the cabin crews seats? Are there other seats that are not categorized as standard?

If anyone can briefly explain it to me it would be much appreciated because i've been doing a lot of research and i cant find any explanation.

Last edited by Famzy; 29th Jan 2013 at 20:06.
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Old 29th Jan 2013, 20:19
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I found out today that I made it to stage two. It really did come as a pleasant surprise. I thought that I did ok but it's impossible to tell how we'll you really did.

I really hope I have what it takes and there is on,y one way to find out.

Good luck to all those going through the process.
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