Gonzo

Ah yes, the thankfully infrequently-quoted response: "Well, I read the answer to that question on PPRuNe!"



<cue much rubbing of hands....>

timelapse

Could I ask the people who have recently had their stage 1s if they felt that the talk and discussion with the 'ATCO' present was useful to them?

Recently, trainees have been sent down as opposed to qualified controllers to give a more "real" insight into what is to come for those going through - did you find that useful, or would you have preferred a discussion with someone more experienced who's been doing the job for years?

Just curious to get some feedback as I was doing the stage 1 in London recently as a trainee.

cariadmon

I have recently done my stage 1 in Manchester, and thought that the chat we had with the trainee was good.

In my opinion, he was possibly in a better position to describe the stages, training, college, etc than someone who had done it 10-15 years ago.

Possibly having someone experienced to talk about the job might be something worthwhile at a later stage, maybe to prepare you for interview, etc.

Paul4040

I'm due for my Stage One have swotted up as much as I can (!) on all of the information sent at: http://natscareers.co.uk/docs/test_m! aterials.doc ...for the "motivational questionnaire". But what does the motivational questionnaire actually set out to do? Is it a test of how interested you really are in order to remember all of the information given in the document or is it personality-based too? What format does it take?

Thanks.

metaphysicist

Part 1
A motivation interview with an HR person where they ask you loads of scripted questions and you give as much or as little detail as you feel, but the HR person can't deviate from the script so you have to judge it yourself.

Part 2
A knowledge test where you answer some multi-choice questions based on the booklet they provided you a link to for Stage 2. Remember things like a/c types and NATS airports, codes etc. but also be prepared to do some simple maths re. headings, airspeeds and flight times etc. No rush on this as there's more than enough time to complete, unlike the Stage 1 tests.

Part 3
The infamous and dreaded computer tests. Using an old BBC type monitor and a task specific keyboard (which has similarities with the keyboards used in Area Control Centres) with abcde buttons for each hand, a numberpad and some selection buttons. You have a few different tasks, all simple in theory but made complex by the high workload and quick speed required. Things like making moving numbers avoid each other by selecting one to 'destroy', categorising objects and numbers depending on a set of rules, but these rules can change mid game so be observant. Also, they might ask you to do this with one hand whilst at the same time answering maths questions with the other (sadly you only have one brain to use and very limited time)


Wait, I thought it was only Motivational paper, meeting with atcos spatial reasoning and numerical reasoning at stage 1?

Briggykins

I think that refers to the parts of Stage 2, as opposed to the three stages. (i.e., Stage 1 has the spatial reasoning, atco meet and motivation test, Stage 2 has the three parts mentioned above, and Stage 3 has god-knows-what)

cariadmon

Just received my email confirming passing the questionnaire. I now have to fill in the online application form. Is it a basic app form, or do I have to prepare the usual app form questions. Is there any way I can start it, then save it to carry on later if some of my answers need more draft work, etc.

Thanks

tam-the-merry

Hello, does anyone have any idea what percentage you have to get on the motivation paper at stage 2 to pass it? Thanks.

watch_the_birdie

70 per cent or over I believe.

ZOOKER

feonagh

Hey people, I have my stage 2 in Hampshire on the 15th October. I was just wondering if there is a way to get to the HQ from southampton airport at about 11am other than jumping in the nearest taxi?

saadpro27

hi guys i would just like to ask few questions on the the first stage process of the nats recruitment process.. this is the second time i am actually applying to nats first time i didnt do too well cause i was really busy with my university exams and i didnt get through..

This time my exam is on the 9th of october and i have been preparing for the test for a while. how much do i need to look into the text booklet i mean the documentation, and wat is that i need to memorise to pass the exam???

last time wen i sat the test i remember answering question on the distance between the airports for example (wats the mileage between Heathrow and Manchester ?) and this information is not in the booklet how how we suppose to know?? iwas quite confused guys so thats y asking very basic question

plz get back to me asap and i will really appreciate ur effort!!!

thankx

saadpro27

watch_the_birdie

Anything in the document can come up in the test, so know it all!

As for the question on the distance between airports, I don't remember one in the test I did. However, as I remember, it is multiple choice and therefore I would imagine that out of the 4 choices, one of them would be screamingly obvious?

i.e. Distance from Manchester to London (I don't know the official answer myself however I would imagine it's something like this)

a) 20 miles
b) 200 miles
c) 1000 miles
d) 2000 miles

Common sense maybe? It's not too hard to figure out. Learn UK geography and ROUGH distances. Instructors at the college have told me they get so frustrated when people turn up and haven't got a clue where certain places are (not exactly, but the vicinity...)

Hope that helps.

saadpro27

thankx for the reply.

i know its obvious but the reason i ASKED THE QUESTION is that where is this stuff in the booklet? i couldnt find it!! but i guess we need to look out for these things!!

never mind thankx

AJ7

well without sounding patronising, i think the point watch_the_birdie is striking it is that you shouldnt expect to have all the information handed to you on a plate... ATC is about spatial awareness and some geography amongst other things. I suspect the multiple choice options were similar to those deatailed, and you should be able to work out which one is the most likely answer.

They teach you a lot at the college but you have to come in with some common sense and knowledge, which i would consider knowing where the major cities in the UK to be. maybe thats just me though...

anyway, seeing as you know that came up last time, you'll be better prepared this time right?

GV23

NATS interviews are easy or is it just me being so clever and far more intelligent than everyone else. BHX stand by to be taught how to control correctly

ZOOKER

ganonman

feonagh,

You could take the train from Southampton airport to Swanwick station and get a taxi from there (or walk if you feel like exercise). Far cheaper than a taxi for the whole journey.

Good luck

SACrIGGER

I remember a Law question that was on my basic Law exam,it required you to know that Newcastle was more than 40km away from Norwich, if you did, you would realise that a flight plan would be required as the aircraft was IFR and weighed over 7500kg MTOW (please don't quote me on those figures!)

So a basic knowledge of worldwide geography is required and is expected of trainees starting the college.


Good luck to you all.

Ivor_Novello

I just did !