View Full Version : ATC application sub-forum?
Am I alone in thinking there is a need for a sub-forum for ATC applications? The majority of threads in here seem to be based around that subject and they are not really ATC Issues. There is a wannabe forum for those who wish to be pilots.
Point Seven
15th Sep 2006, 17:42
No you're not. Each time i come in here, all the posts seem to be about the college.
Good suggestion fella:ok:
P7
AlanM
15th Sep 2006, 17:47
Boys - Gonzo has finally found a subject he can talk about!! :)
Point Seven
15th Sep 2006, 17:48
A good enough reason to get it moved on it's own eh:}
P7
Yellow Snow
15th Sep 2006, 22:37
AlanM,
shouldn't you be on another forum yourself?
Upsetting those poor private pilots.
Talk about throwing petrol on a bbq!!!!!!;)
Gonzo
15th Sep 2006, 23:39
I leave all you ladies alone for one evening, and look what happens! :rolleyes:
I wouldn't be averse to separating out the wannabes from ATC issues. In fact, if that was the case, I'd be happy to help out with it. Yes, thank you AlanM, I love you too :p......If it happened, I certainly won't be giving out any short cuts or 'how to pass the NATS selection process' tips.
Did you know that those going through the NATS selection process have access to their own forum via the NATS careers site? I wonder how popular that is? It seems to me that a lot of the questions put up here could be answered more suitably by those that inhabit that forum.
HEATHROW DIRECTOR
16th Sep 2006, 06:45
I would agree, just as long as we get sensible comments.. and not a load of kids in-fighting with each other.
Always thinking
16th Sep 2006, 10:04
Did you know that those going through the NATS selection process have access to their own forum via the NATS careers site?
Gonzo,
Where can I find the above mentioned Forum? I am currently going through selection & have not heard/been informed of this forum's existence.
Cheers.:)
PPRuNe Radar
16th Sep 2006, 10:10
Over the years, a few people have said they would collate all the FAQs and the answers for me. Unfortunately, once they start and see how big the task is, then their offer falls by the wayside.
There are some changes to PPRuNe behind the scenes, for example, the moderation of posts by new users before they are released to the Forum (see Danny's announcement). If the FAQ were in place, then many of the repetitive questions asked would never see the light of day here and the poster would be directed to the FAQ thread instead, saving their time, and ours.
In a few weeks time, I'll have a go at defining the FAQs, and getting such a thread up and running. In the meantime, you'll just have to put on a brave face and keep answering the usual questions.
There will NOT be an ATC Wannabee Forum. The strategy of PPRuNe is to cut down on the Forums we already have and focus more on the specific areas of aviation which the site was set up for. Adding a sub Forum doesn't fit in with that, so we need a pragmatic solution, namely a one stop thread where there is everything applicants need to know.
Gonzo
16th Sep 2006, 10:15
Always thinking,
To be honest I don't know, I've been told that it exists, and I offered my help, but as I'm not going through the selection process myself, I can't check.
Sorry!
PPruneRadar,
Good to hear that you guys are concentrating on making this a specialist aviation forum. Thanks for the efforts that you are about to put into an FAQ.
roundthebend
16th Sep 2006, 11:49
OK, if any of my recent posts have annoyed anyone then I apologise. However, I try to make thread titles that give a clear idea of what the thread is about....so if it doesn't interest you then you have the choice to ignore it.
Admittedly, some questions can be answered with a little bit of searching or initiative. On the other hand, there are questions that can't be and it is useful and very welcome that there is a forum with intelligent, experienced willing and helpful people. If we had a separate forum then I fear that it wouldn't be frequented by those same people and therefore the quality of answers would be reduced. That would result in some candidates coming to this forum to get more substantial answers which might still might not be welcome.
The new idea of moderators reviewing threads is superb. That way if someone asks one of these unnecessary questions then they can be pointed towards the FAQ - when it is complete and kept up to date.
On the subject of the FAQ - as I'm currently filling in my application for NATS I'd find it quite useful to have a one-stop information source. I'd be willing to help or manage the FAQ, either by putting a thread in here or just a link to a separate web page which would be indexed and searchable etc. As well as helping others it would be useful for me.
At the end of the day, PPRuNe has to decide if it caters for wannabe ATCOs, ATSAs and FISOs etc. If not, then if there is enough demand I'm sure a forum will spring up somewhere.
Courtenay
16th Sep 2006, 15:55
Always Thinking & Gonzo.. I understand that the forum provided by Nats is only available once you have completed all stages, medical and security and have a conditional offer of employement... Ie when you have a start date you have access to a forum to talk to other people who will be on your course.
James.
Gonzo
16th Sep 2006, 19:38
Thanks Courtenay. Perhaps I had been told that in a meeting somewhere or other, but it obviously went straight out again the other side!
PPRuNe Radar, is there any chance this moderation could include some present members of this site (Who occupy other forums, though.)? Then I wouldn't have threads interrupted by those on my ignore list so much.....:cool:
Quincy M.E.
18th Sep 2006, 09:03
Gonzo,
Where can I find the above mentioned Forum? I am currently going through selection & have not heard/been informed of this forum's existence.
Cheers.:)
I am not sure if there is a general forum but the one I have access to is only for my course.
Dances with Boffins
18th Sep 2006, 09:16
I do know that NATS spent enough money on creating the forum to keep Danny in beer for a loooong time.
I have no idea where it is though. .:rolleyes:
If it is only for a particular course I can see it only holding the "Anyone else starting in June" stuff, leaving all the rest of the questions for Gonz to answer here. :cool:
Gonzo
18th Sep 2006, 09:32
I've checked some of my emails at work, and there is a forum on the NATS careers website, but only for those who have passed the selection process. the main aim is to enable people to get to know those on their course before they start, and also allow any 'admin' type questions to be answered. The email also goes on to say that some technical questions might well be asked, so some of the ATCO assessors will be involved to field those.
Dances with Boffins
19th Sep 2006, 12:51
Cool - i stand corrected. Thanks Gonz, I guess that'll be TWO forums you'll have to keep current on. Overtime?:E
Gonzo
19th Sep 2006, 14:07
Do Recruitment pay AAVA rates??? :E
In fact, I have offered my help, but no response yet. :(
And all that shortbread I make for 'em too!
Bright-Ling
19th Sep 2006, 14:09
And all that shortbread I make for 'em too!
I just wish I could believe you are joking.
Sad.
B-L:ok:
Gonzo
19th Sep 2006, 17:14
Jealousy is ugly.....:E
White Hart
19th Sep 2006, 17:42
"And all that shortbread I make for 'em too"
talking of which - where's ours?? :}
Sunday am would be nice - ahhh... fresh coffee & shortbread in the Rest Room at 10'ish, combined with a big comfy chair and the just-delivered Sunday papers. Followed by a leisurely stroll to the VCR to watch bandboxed GMC attempting to deal with the lack of stands and the problems created by the new APIS requirements, and then to gaze lovingly upon NATS' latest 82metre creation/monstrosity located to the West of our present position!
Happy days! :ok:
Gonzo
19th Sep 2006, 18:35
You read my mind, WH! :p
Spitoon
19th Sep 2006, 18:56
If it keeps future atco out of the way then I'm all for it!
And if you don't know what I'm talking about, don't worry, it really isn't worth finding out.
White Hart
19th Sep 2006, 22:17
Yes, I think we all know about that one.:hmm:
I wonder if we are still expected to provide an ATSA Familiarisation course for new ATCO entrants? Could be fun!!:E
roundthebend
20th Sep 2006, 09:21
I've been working through the online application for.....well, a long time.....and yesterday I took the plunge and submitted it. Really excited to say that I've been invited to Stage 1 which could be as early as next week.
I haven't seen or heard anything from NATS about a forum for candidates, perhaps it's only for those who make it through the entire process. In the meantime, I'm gonna have to be getting as much info as I can from PPRuNe and other resources.