Doesn't this sort of pre-training exist in almost all industries? Cabin crew, armed forces, pilots, police. Some even have HND courses based around them. What's wrong with someone wanting to set it up and make some money from it? As long as it's worth it, and that would generally be self regulating, crap service - no recommendation, good service - word of mouth recommendation. Some people just don't really have the ability to research and find out information that well despite having an aptitude for the job. I like to do my own research and will continue to do so but everyone's different, some people wouldn't even know how to find this forum. I've got lots of peers from university who are not so internet savvy. Maybe if there were more people with entrepreneurial spirit (and this isn't a dig) in NATS then it would be performing better commercially.
As I see it, everyone who has slated this idea is from one group of people, those who have internet access and are familiar with pprune - that's a very small group of people. What about people not in those two groups? Isn't this idea a valid alternative?
I agree it would be unethical to charge for a NATS visit if it was provided for free.
I have also done a few business courses in recruitment and interviewing (not ATCO specific) and would definitely pick up on bad spelling for various reasons (attention to detail, education, failure to check) not to be confused with typo's though! And wouldn't rate paying for information any less than someone who's done it themselves, both valid routes.
Also, aptitude is there or not but familiarisation with the tests sure makes them easier.
Cue the onslaught..........
