APC courses for UAE ACC

[MynameisInigoMontoya]

Has anyone done one of these APC selection courses in Abu Dhabi for area ATC's
I've heard some horror stories from colleagues who know some of the boys and girls there.
Any info appreciated on the lay of the land there.
Thanks.

[ATC alert]

I've heard of a 75% failure rate of APC's in Abu Dhabi.

Perhaps this is a result of GAL (Abu Dhabi) not paying any travel expenses (flight/hotel) for people to attend the APC so the level of candidates is understandably lower then other ME locations. They should either hire based on interviews if they want to be as cheap as they are or pay for suitable candidates to attend the APC like DANS, SERCO as well as others do.

The APC in Abu is somewhat archaic and not relevant. The system/ equipment they use is cumbersome and distracts from the candidate's abilities. ATCO's who have high density time at very busy US radar sectors have failed this evaluation.

Roll the dice, pays your money and takes your chances if you're feeling lucky!

[VectorMe]

You talking about the APC at SZC in Abu Dhabi ?
Would like to know more -- what is the APC all about.

[Coolhand_luke]

The APC's are in their early stages, the jury is out if they will improve the level of controllers employed at the center!! There is a large staff shortage at SZC right now and all the experienced staff are looking for other opportunities outside the UAE

It is extremely difficult to plan you leave for the year as it is based on seniority. So if your a new hire you get the scrap's. The only way you get christmas/New year is if your lucky enough to be on rostered days off. The guy's at the top of the leave tree are guaranteed christmas if they want each and every year, same goes for school holidays

I would advise anyone to think seriously about a career at the Center, there are so many controllers looking to leave as soon as any other ANSP's start hiring.

[travellingatco]

I've done the APC for Abu Dhabi center. They paid for most of the expenses. Airfare/hotel/breakfast/transfers to the center.

Honestly I didn't mind the APC itself. It was a day and a half of classroom and 3.5 days of SIM where they just keep bumping up the traffic to see how you do. Its pretty busy by the end and you end up with stacked holds up to about FL200. I guess I "passed" it, whatever that means, since I have been offered a training position. Supposed to start in January if I want it, but now struggling with the decision.

Love the idea of the adventure, but like the stability I have here in Canada.....

TA

[Atco126]

I've done the APC for Abu Dhabi center. They paid for most of the expenses. Airfare/hotel/breakfast/transfers to the center.

Honestly I didn't mind the APC itself. It was a day and a half of classroom and 3.5 days of SIM where they just keep bumping up the traffic to see how you do. Its pretty busy by the end and you end up with stacked holds up to about FL200. I guess I "passed" it, whatever that means, since I have been offered a training position. Supposed to start in January if I want it, but now struggling with the decision.

Love the idea of the adventure, but like the stability I have here in Canada.....

TA

Hi
So did you take the position ? If yes how is it right now ? Working conditions ? Salaries ? Etc . Thanks in advance

[Satellite Man]

I've done the APC for Abu Dhabi center. They paid for most of the expenses. Airfare/hotel/breakfast/transfers to the center.

Honestly I didn't mind the APC itself. It was a day and a half of classroom and 3.5 days of SIM where they just keep bumping up the traffic to see how you do. Its pretty busy by the end and you end up with stacked holds up to about FL200. I guess I "passed" it, whatever that means, since I have been offered a training position. Supposed to start in January if I want it, but now struggling with the decision.

Love the idea of the adventure, but like the stability I have here in Canada.....

TA

I'd actually like to know how's ATC in Canada (T & C's etc). I would be grateful if you could send me a PM with details (roster etc). It should be an awesome place to live!