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.
Wondered if anybody could elaborate on how NATS determine postings for new recruits? If you are chosen to follow the aerodrome route, do you have any say as to where you get to go (even a rough geographic preference)?
The normal procedure is to post you as far away from where you want to go as possible (except for several lucky ones like me who got exactly what they wanted).
The posting system seems to be a combination of an enormous roulette wheel and Chaos theory
In all seriousness you can make it known what you want and you might get it, but "business need" is what will determine it at the end of the day. You'll get a posting where it is needed and where *they* reckon you will do well at with very little consultation; unless things have changed.
I would recommend driving, i do not remember going past a station on the way down although, there was an airport nearby!
Stage 2 can be broken down into:-
Another motivation paper, a little harder than stage one, i would recommend reading the resource over a couple times and checking out the airport and airline codes.
There is the interrogation, bascially lots of question in quick order. Mostly standard interview types with some personality types thrown in for good measure. All thick and fast and they will expect you to elaborate on each answer.
Lastly the computer tests, there is not really much i can say about these that'll prepare you any better apart from, stay relaxed and that everyone believes they have done badly on them.
My stage two was quite an enjoyable day actually...
Parked up no problem, but I did get there early and firstly read over some stuff in my car, then went in and chatted to some stage 3's. Then got signed in etc, and went to the motivation paper. This was a breeze. Why? Because I learnt everything, and I mean EVERYTHING on the paperwork we were sent. Extra prep may help you understand what you are reading, but unfortunately stage 2 doesnt really give you the chance to show exactly how much you want it.
From there I went and sat outside, while 1 of my group went to the interview and the other 2 to the computer tests. I filled in the security etc and the learning styles, then went into my interview. Mine went well I think, even though we had to change room half way through! Probably helped that the HR person was gorgeous, so rather easy to talk to. The questions were pretty much yes/no, and you quickly pick up that if you dont elaborate, they will ask you to.
Following that, another sit down and glass of water before the attack of the 80's on the computer tests. These were difficult. No easier way to think of it. I came out sure that I had "caught" dyslexia after seemingly growing out of my mild childhood form of it. They are designed not only to test your reactions, but your ability to cope and prioritise under pressure. I wont go into any details here but as soon as it comes up, you will know what I mean. I suggest playing the games on the NATS website. They are nothing like what you will do but are very fun!
Then time to head home about 1pm, and as CTC is so close to the motorway, it was an easy exit.
All in all a good day, which obviously went well as I am back there Monday for stage 3!
Just done my personality test thing after getting through stage 1 (30th july manchester) and was wandering if it is possible to fail the personailty bit as it says there is no right or wrong answer?
Also, is there much choice for the location and date for the stage two tests should i get through?
I've got my stage one in London tomorrow and have my fingers firmly crossed. I'm quite confident about my knowledge of the ATC content as well as the ability to pass the aptitude tests, the one thing I'm really concerned about is those cubes!! I was just wondering how people who pass stage one found these...did the answers come naturally? How many did you get through?
I failed stage one last year and HR gave me feedback saying that was the one area I needed to improve on, so fingers crossed I've done enough prep work to pass this time. I've really struggled over the past year to find many example questions though, so have practiced generic spatial practice questions. Hopefully that will be enough.
Im glad Im not the only one scared of the cubes. Ive not been to a NATS Assessment before and tomorrow is my first time. I think I should be ok on the motivational paper, diagrammatic reasoning and data checking. The only issue could be time available to think and answer. Ive been trying to fold cube nets into cubes and rotating them at all angles in my head for the past few days. Im getting better but again would appreciate anyone who knows of any websites/books with lots of cube questions to practise.
Good Luck to all those attending tomorrow's sessions!
Well today's over and done with. Think I did ok on all the sections, except for the cubes of course. I only just about made it to the third net. Not sure if thats bad or normal. Wish I knew what the pass mark was!
Well, I have done it and pretty sure I failed miserably on the computer tests (or are the numbers supposed to crash into each other really). Don't think I did a single one of the arithmatic questions, and those I attempted I answered after they had diappeared and another one came up. Argh!
I was always good with numbers, but they've let me down this time.
Nevermind, "drinks or snacks anyone" (I'll stick to what I'm good at).
EzyChic,
Don't be too pessimistic. A friend of mine used to do "drinks and snacks anyone", and she went on to be, (by all accounts) a very good controller.
(except for several lucky ones like me who got exactly what they wanted).
Linear Mode
