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, I believe that anyone who manages to get to the 2nd stage has done brilliantly. Because when I did those cubes yesterday, I'd rather have been down the back doing drinks and snacks on a Lagos!!!
What is it about the (dreaded) cubes you guys are warning each other about? Are they more difficult than the four examples we've got on the careers website?
Six sides, four possibles, but not too many possibilities after you've eliminated a couple??
I've never quite been sure what these test, other than how to vector an aircraft which has entered a spin inverted perhaps, but they surely get some of you in a spin
well, I'm not sure, the interview I was expecting was some hard hitting interogation, but instead it felt really chilled, like an informal chat with some questions thrown in. I can't work out whether that's a good thing or not.
But seriously those computer tests!
Why wasn't the keyboard one like it showed on the screen? That'd have made it easier.
I though that about the keyboard too! But I assume that they account for that in the scoring.
As for the cubes, the first four are just like the ones you do in the practice... and as long as the theory is applied then the others aren't *that* much more difficult. The problems start arising when you get some nice bizarre cube nets (nobody in their right mind would design a cube like this), and when you get the same shape, rotated through 90, 180 or 270 degrees repeated on the same net. Then you have to decide first, which is the one facing you, which involves pretty much doing the question twice. Top it all off that you are under the clock and you can see everyone else doing so much better (is always the way isnt it!)!
Hopefully my stage 3 (Monday) is easier than stage one and two... although I very much doubt it!
Off to Brizzle Lulsgate today for a tour around their tower... then back all the way along the M4 and down to Fareham for tonight!
Could anyone tell me how long it takes to get the results of the initial medical, i've got mine on the 12th Sept and am just curious will I find out there and then or is it a case of playing the Nats "waiting game" for the results.
The interviewer was rather gorgeous? Sound like the same person I had last time around! Think I should recognise her this time if it is.
Does anyone have any tips on how to prepare for the computer tests? It's not so much that they're difficult to understand, it was that one I made a stupid mistake I was so annoyed I made another. Not an ideal trait I understand, but one that should be able to be overcome.
which is quite similar (and more challenging in some aspects) to he ATC landing game on the natscareer website.
Needless to say, the game is far from the real thing (not like the ATC simulators around) but it is quite enjoyable and puts you in some challenging situations (especially if you run it at high speed). Thought I might share that here.
(BTW, I have no connection/interest whatsoever with the people making the game , did my stage 1 in Belfast on the 1st of August and I am now waiting for the date of my stage 2)
Stage 3 today at CTC, and it was very, very tiring, but also very enjoyable. The group exercise was good, we didnt complete what we had to do, but I think thats more down to poor time management than lack of skill...
Interview was difficult, and everything you read is right... I did feel physically shattered afterwards!
Apparently, not such a bad interview!! Had an email today about 4pm congratulating me ! Still quite gobsmacked, and very unable to believe it.
After days and hours of learning, preparing and practicing, as well as two exceptional visits, one to Swanwick and the other to Bristol tower - all I have to do is meet Medical, Security and references and I am there!!
Well chickens, unless there was an admin error I am through to stage 3. I thought I did terribly on those tests, I really did. Guess this bit is gonna be the hardest huh.
"What is it about the (dreaded) cubes you guys are warning each other about? Are they more difficult than the four examples we've got on the careers website?
Six sides, four possibles, but not too many possibilities after you've eliminated a couple??"
S@T - what on Earth are you trying to achieve with this comment?
There is no point to it whatsoever.
I haven't looked at the website recently but the examples I saw before were all in the T formation - have you ever considered the possibility that the patterns of the flattened cubes could be something a little more challenging that a standard T?
I'm not sure what nonesense Zooker is spouting but be careful about taking advice from him - unless it's how to listen to RT.
Had my tests last Friday and despite knowing I'd missed or answered incorrectly a lot, especially on the number sorting and maths questions whilst avoiding collisions tests, I still passed and have my Stage 3 next month.
I'd suggest finding something to help you practice using the number keypad with one hand whilst choosing one of four options with your other hand at the same time. This can be as simple getting a friend to shout out random sequences while you press away without taking your eyes off the screen.
And you're right about the main problem being overcoming your mistakes. Stay relaxed and focussed and concentrate on the current question only, not the next one and certainly not the last one. Keep your eyes scanning around the screen, I think ATCO's call this 'the flick' and try to prioritise as best you can. I decided I couldn't do most of the maths questions AND keep all the planes flying so I prioritised the planes and only did the maths questions if I got chance. I'm not saying this is the right way to do it, but a) I passed and b) I guessed keeping the planes flying might be a key skill for an ATCO
! Still quite gobsmacked, and very unable to believe it.
I'm not saying this is the right way to do it, but a) I passed and b) I guessed keeping the planes flying might be a key skill for an ATCO 
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