Which is easier?
Join Date: Apr 2003
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I tried both, Eurocontrol failed me due to an eye problem, but i can hold a class 1 medical and I am at the final stage of NATS Selection. Just keep plugging away
Andrew
Andrew
Join Date: Sep 2004
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This was 10 years ago but....I went through both - Eurocontrol first, then NATS. Eurocontrol was harder - lasted a week in Hamburg, lots of maths, lots of tests relevant to ATC (e.g. headset on, one thing being said in one ear, something else in the other, try & keep track of both). Comprehensive medical with exercising ECG etc. etc.
Thought when I'd been accepted by Eurocontrol that NATS would be a pushover so took the plunge and rejected Eurocontrol. Then got rejected by NATS! Got in 2nd time round, really wanted airports and got lucky there as well.
Thought when I'd been accepted by Eurocontrol that NATS would be a pushover so took the plunge and rejected Eurocontrol. Then got rejected by NATS! Got in 2nd time round, really wanted airports and got lucky there as well.
Join Date: Feb 2006
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AdmlAckbar
Is/was this really part of the selection process?? Its a known fact that the human brain cannot listen to two conversations at once... it can pick out bits of each, but it cannot 'listen' and understand fully, both of them. The brain does a little trick called 'switching' whereby it rapidly switches between both conversations pickng up snatches of each.
In a busy ATC environment, it is a dangerous habit to pick up. As ATCOS we like to think we can do it, but the reality is, we cannot.
tests relevant to ATC (e.g. headset on, one thing being said in one ear, something else in the other, try & keep track of both).
In a busy ATC environment, it is a dangerous habit to pick up. As ATCOS we like to think we can do it, but the reality is, we cannot.
Join Date: Jan 2006
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anotherthing, a version of it still is part of the selection process in Germany.
However, its aim is not to follow two "conversations" in detail, but listen to one (which is announced beforehand as the important one) without getting distracted by the other (the "conversations" are actually just letters and numbers, and you have to pick out certain combinations on the "correct" side).
I haven't started my training yet, but would guess this to be quite important for controllers, as you are not exactly sitting all alone in that control room, with other people talking providing a distraction.
Another matter is that people can be able to follow two conversations not in detail, but listen for certain cues which need attention - I did that successfully quite a few times in the Navy, but am not sure if it is applicable for an ATCO.
Regards,
Robert
However, its aim is not to follow two "conversations" in detail, but listen to one (which is announced beforehand as the important one) without getting distracted by the other (the "conversations" are actually just letters and numbers, and you have to pick out certain combinations on the "correct" side).
I haven't started my training yet, but would guess this to be quite important for controllers, as you are not exactly sitting all alone in that control room, with other people talking providing a distraction.
Another matter is that people can be able to follow two conversations not in detail, but listen for certain cues which need attention - I did that successfully quite a few times in the Navy, but am not sure if it is applicable for an ATCO.
Regards,
Robert
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Anotherthing,
You're right - it is a dangerous thing to try and get both conversations. It was a few years ago and I can't remember the precise details but I think what RobertK says about the purpose of the test is correct. I don't know whether or not Eurocontrol still use it.
AA
You're right - it is a dangerous thing to try and get both conversations. It was a few years ago and I can't remember the precise details but I think what RobertK says about the purpose of the test is correct. I don't know whether or not Eurocontrol still use it.
AA