NATS interview process

Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 54
Likes: 4
From: UK
However, as I understand it, if an a/c is routeing for an NDB/VOR the a/c will compute the wind and adjust for it to route towards said beacon. If the controller is using headings instead, either to position for approach, or for separation purposes, then the wind of the day will need to be factored in by the controller
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Swindon
AJ7, this is more out of interest than anything, but what are the busiest times of year and what are the busiest times of the day during the week?
Also what's the maximum number of a/c you handle at any one time?
Also what's the maximum number of a/c you handle at any one time?
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Newcastle
Yes, e-mails and phone calls seem to be during office hours. I got an e-mail and a phone call within 10 minutes of each other the day after my stage 3 (and just after 5pm for more details).
I got my confirmation phone call to say I'd passed Stage 3 at 6:30pm
From what I've heard they only phone you if you've passed. Otherwise you only get an email. For the few days I was waiting, I was panicking every time someone sent me a text (As I get a text when NATS email me) and getting frantically excited every time my phone rang!
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: LHR/EGLL
Slinky
Busiest time of year - Summer.
Weekdays tend to be busier than weekends, with all the business shuttles up and down the country and to the European hubs, in terms of time of day, we get busy with Long-Haul arrivals from 6am, then its pretty much solid all day till maybe 9pm where it starts dying off till 11pm ish. Varies day to day, and if theres bad weather then it starts getting interesting...
In terms of traffic controlled at once... anything up to 20 a/c in GMC, i suppose 7 or 8 in arrivals and again 20 or so in departures.
Busiest time of year - Summer.
Weekdays tend to be busier than weekends, with all the business shuttles up and down the country and to the European hubs, in terms of time of day, we get busy with Long-Haul arrivals from 6am, then its pretty much solid all day till maybe 9pm where it starts dying off till 11pm ish. Varies day to day, and if theres bad weather then it starts getting interesting...
In terms of traffic controlled at once... anything up to 20 a/c in GMC, i suppose 7 or 8 in arrivals and again 20 or so in departures.
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
Air22,
I had my Stage 1 on the 10th November and was subsequently offered a course starting at the end of April. Couldn't take that due to my current contract so starting in July instead.
Hope that helps a bit...
I had my Stage 1 on the 10th November and was subsequently offered a course starting at the end of April. Couldn't take that due to my current contract so starting in July instead.
Hope that helps a bit...
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Dorset
ChrisR
I am also panicking every time someone sends me a txt! I daren't check my email in case I become addicted to checking every 5 mins and have had so many 'withheld' calls this week that I am certain I am going to need cardiac treatment very shortly...
And that's only after 2 days!! This is really painful!

And that's only after 2 days!! This is really painful!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere over the rainbow
Hi Paperclip810,
That's great thanks.
I was also wondering, do NATS trainees tend to start off on a lower salary than those people who have self funded and join a non-nats airport due to the fact they've paid for your training?
Many thanks
That's great thanks.
I was also wondering, do NATS trainees tend to start off on a lower salary than those people who have self funded and join a non-nats airport due to the fact they've paid for your training?
Many thanks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Down south and up north
From what I've heard they only phone you if you've passed. Otherwise you only get an email. For the few days I was waiting, I was panicking every time someone sent me a text (As I get a text when NATS email me) and getting frantically excited every time my phone rang!
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
Hi Tobiwan,
I had someone PM me with a similar concern yesterday - almost a week gone and no response.
I assume NATS say it's a 15 working day waiting period for all stages so probably only fair to give them their time... I also assume the Stage 3 results are taking priority on HR's task list at the moment.
If you haven't heard by the end of next week, maybe worth giving them a call...
Good luck to all those waiting - I know it's not nice!
I had someone PM me with a similar concern yesterday - almost a week gone and no response.
I assume NATS say it's a 15 working day waiting period for all stages so probably only fair to give them their time... I also assume the Stage 3 results are taking priority on HR's task list at the moment.
If you haven't heard by the end of next week, maybe worth giving them a call...
Good luck to all those waiting - I know it's not nice!



