NATS interview process
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4
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From: Worthing
I just recieved this email from HR at NATS about a change in the S1 tests
Dear Candidate
We are writing to advise you that with effect from 1 April 2010 we are making some changes to our TATC Stage 1 assessment process.
The Stage 1 tests will in future be in two parts. The initial invitation is to come along to part one where you will take two tests, the ATC test, which is based on the information already available to you to learn and a Numeracy test which involves straight forward speed and distance calculations, climb and decent rates. These tests will take approximately one hour to complete and will be scored immediately.
If you score well on these tests you will be invited to remain with us for the second part to take two further tests – Spatial Reasoning and Diagramming. The second part will also last approximately one hour.
Candidates whose scores on the first two tests are below our required level will not be invited to take the second part and will be free to leave after part one.
In view of the above we would like to stress the importance of making sure that you are fully prepared before attending the assessment, in particular making sure that you thoroughly studied the ATC material.
Best regards
Specialist Recruitment
HR Services
NATS
This happens to take effect the day that i switched my interview date to.
Better get cracking on learning speed and distance calculations, climb and decent rates.
Dear Candidate
We are writing to advise you that with effect from 1 April 2010 we are making some changes to our TATC Stage 1 assessment process.
The Stage 1 tests will in future be in two parts. The initial invitation is to come along to part one where you will take two tests, the ATC test, which is based on the information already available to you to learn and a Numeracy test which involves straight forward speed and distance calculations, climb and decent rates. These tests will take approximately one hour to complete and will be scored immediately.
If you score well on these tests you will be invited to remain with us for the second part to take two further tests – Spatial Reasoning and Diagramming. The second part will also last approximately one hour.
Candidates whose scores on the first two tests are below our required level will not be invited to take the second part and will be free to leave after part one.
In view of the above we would like to stress the importance of making sure that you are fully prepared before attending the assessment, in particular making sure that you thoroughly studied the ATC material.
Best regards
Specialist Recruitment
HR Services
NATS
This happens to take effect the day that i switched my interview date to.
Better get cracking on learning speed and distance calculations, climb and decent rates.
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Hungary
Could you help me with theese:
I would like to ask those of you who have already been thru theese:
1) At the ball on the wall test I was trying to imagine that if there are 4 screens (2 in the upper, 2 in the lower row) it must be really hard to give correct inputs as the numbers (1,2,3,4) are next to each other on the keyboard... Or is it possible to operate it with buttons that are in two rows (like for examp buttons R,T and FG on the keyboard)?
2) In the Strip Management Display did it ever happen to you that you should have put more strips below one checkpoint than available space is so it got full not leaving any place to put new strips in?
3) Is there any rule or tip how opposite conflict detection should be done? How can I recognize it???
4) When am I allowed to remove a strip? When the system time passes by the time on the strip?
I know these questions seems stupid for those of you who are familiar with strip management, I didnt do anything like this before...
Thanx in advance!
1) At the ball on the wall test I was trying to imagine that if there are 4 screens (2 in the upper, 2 in the lower row) it must be really hard to give correct inputs as the numbers (1,2,3,4) are next to each other on the keyboard... Or is it possible to operate it with buttons that are in two rows (like for examp buttons R,T and FG on the keyboard)?
2) In the Strip Management Display did it ever happen to you that you should have put more strips below one checkpoint than available space is so it got full not leaving any place to put new strips in?
3) Is there any rule or tip how opposite conflict detection should be done? How can I recognize it???
4) When am I allowed to remove a strip? When the system time passes by the time on the strip?
I know these questions seems stupid for those of you who are familiar with strip management, I didnt do anything like this before...
Thanx in advance!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: renfrewshire
Got an email today advising of a change to the Stage 1 selections, deleted it before I thought of posting it on here sorry.
It will now be split in 2 parts where you sit the maths and literacy part (i think) first and if you pass that you will be invited to stay on and do the diagramming and spacial awareness.
Takes effect from 1st April.
It will now be split in 2 parts where you sit the maths and literacy part (i think) first and if you pass that you will be invited to stay on and do the diagramming and spacial awareness.
Takes effect from 1st April.
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Home
In terms of how well you have to perform to progress to stage 2 it doesn't really sound like these changes at stage 1 will make a significant difference. As a candidate the actual tests and level of performance required don't sound like they are changing, the changes just mean that if you fail on either of the first two tests you'll find out much much faster and don't have to waste your time doing the other two for no reason.
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Dublin
My take on the recent e-mail about S1 changes is that they're probably responding to the number of candidates who withdraw on the day of the test, especially with regard to the ATC paper.
I took stage 1 in the last few weeks and I think there were 4 (out of about 40 candidates) withdrawals on the morning because they asked if everyone was 'familiar with the NATS website' and the ATC content for the paper.
If this is broadly in line with what's happening at other S1 test sessions then that's roughly 10% drop out on the day so for oversubscribed test dates they end up with empty seats.
Either way, I'm waiting on S1 results atm and was out for a few Paddy's Day drinks yesterday and thought that's what the email was! The wait continues
I took stage 1 in the last few weeks and I think there were 4 (out of about 40 candidates) withdrawals on the morning because they asked if everyone was 'familiar with the NATS website' and the ATC content for the paper.
If this is broadly in line with what's happening at other S1 test sessions then that's roughly 10% drop out on the day so for oversubscribed test dates they end up with empty seats.
Either way, I'm waiting on S1 results atm and was out for a few Paddy's Day drinks yesterday and thought that's what the email was! The wait continues
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Wiltshire
Hey guys, i have got my Stage 1 at 09:00 on 31st March at Whiteley. I am a bit worried as i have left it a bit late for revision as i haven't done any yet 
Do you think i still have enough time to cover everything? Also, can you remind me what exactly is included in the Stage 1 tests? Thanks.
Do you think i still have enough time to cover everything? Also, can you remind me what exactly is included in the Stage 1 tests? Thanks.
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: London
stage 1
You dont have to do go for a test you are ill prepared for. It's a whole 12 months wait before another opportunity. You can ALWAYS change or re-arrange your test date to suit you so no need to rush it.
It's just not worth it. Remember, these tests are designed to test even the most capable to for the ill prepared, ur chances are slim.
Only take it if you are confident otherwise choose another date for stage 1 which allows you more time to prepare
It's just not worth it. Remember, these tests are designed to test even the most capable to for the ill prepared, ur chances are slim.
Only take it if you are confident otherwise choose another date for stage 1 which allows you more time to prepare
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Numeracy Test (Compass Headings & Directions)
Hello guys,
Have only just joined the forum. I am an aspiring candidate for TATC and have some doubts regarding the test. Little concerned about compass headings & directions questions as nothing relevant and useful is found yet on the internet. Moreover, from 1st April onwards, as well all know that Stage 1 selection test criteria is changing, they are including climb and descent rates questions in the test. Was wondering if someone can assist me with some guidance or relevant materials so that I can practice enough to get through.
Any help is much appreciated!
Many thanks
Have only just joined the forum. I am an aspiring candidate for TATC and have some doubts regarding the test. Little concerned about compass headings & directions questions as nothing relevant and useful is found yet on the internet. Moreover, from 1st April onwards, as well all know that Stage 1 selection test criteria is changing, they are including climb and descent rates questions in the test. Was wondering if someone can assist me with some guidance or relevant materials so that I can practice enough to get through.
Any help is much appreciated!
Many thanks
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Blackpool
richard and strasner
Hope the test went well for you both, i was the only 1 of the 2 girls that was there felt a bit out of place. But good luck to you both. And i just keep checking my emails now to see if they have sent me the results. Let me know how you get on
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 177
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From: Home
Hi Tim,
I've recently been allocated onto the August area course, but I think I might have been one of the last ones as I've also read posts here from people being allocated onto courses in October/November.
As a rough indicator I'd factor in about a 6-9 month wait between successful completion of selection (which can take around 3 months itself) and a likely start date at college. You'd have to speak to HR about the possibility of deferal, but I think that as long as you are clear about when you will be free to start at your interview (they will ask you about this) then they will do their best to allocate you to a course that will accomodate this.
I too have heard rumours of the college possibly moving to Whiteley. Not really sure how much truth their really is in this yet, but realistically it isn't going to make a huge difference - it's only about 30 miles away from Hurn and I doubt that if such a move did occur it would have anything less than a positive effect on NATS training and recruitment.
I've recently been allocated onto the August area course, but I think I might have been one of the last ones as I've also read posts here from people being allocated onto courses in October/November.
As a rough indicator I'd factor in about a 6-9 month wait between successful completion of selection (which can take around 3 months itself) and a likely start date at college. You'd have to speak to HR about the possibility of deferal, but I think that as long as you are clear about when you will be free to start at your interview (they will ask you about this) then they will do their best to allocate you to a course that will accomodate this.
I too have heard rumours of the college possibly moving to Whiteley. Not really sure how much truth their really is in this yet, but realistically it isn't going to make a huge difference - it's only about 30 miles away from Hurn and I doubt that if such a move did occur it would have anything less than a positive effect on NATS training and recruitment.
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Stage 1
Hi everyone,
I'm going to sit for the exam on 31st March and in desperate need to practice compass headings/climb & descent rate questions!!
Sadly, haven't found any sources yet and was wondering if anyone out here is kind enough to help me.
Many thanks!
I'm going to sit for the exam on 31st March and in desperate need to practice compass headings/climb & descent rate questions!!
Sadly, haven't found any sources yet and was wondering if anyone out here is kind enough to help me.
Many thanks!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Wiltshire
Thanks for the reply SKOS. I am going to put my Stage 1 date back as i don't think 10 days is enough time to revise from scratch, having not done any so far. This means i will now be doing the tests in the new format. What does everyone think is a suitable amount of time to give yourself to revise from scratch for Stage 1?
Joined: Dec 2004
Aviation Qualifications: ATCO
Posts: 306
Likes: 2
From: Down South
I too have heard rumours of the college possibly moving to Whiteley. Not really sure how much truth their really is in this yet, but realistically it isn't going to make a huge difference - it's only about 30 miles away from Hurn and I doubt that if such a move did occur it would have anything less than a positive effect on NATS training and recruitment.
They said the college was moving when I was there in 2004 and it still hasn't so I wouldn't get too concerned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Belfast
I had to choose the earliest Stage 1 date offered to me so I only gave myself 2 days to revise and I passed the Stage 1 last month. I am good at cramming to be honest though as that is how I'm getting through Uni!
It is all down to how you learn personally to be honest, some people need more time than others and people learn in different ways.
I have scheduled my Stage 2 for early April and I am under the impression that there is no preparation that can be done for the computer tests. Is this the case? I have read a lot of this thread and I haven't really come across any information to the contrary, except for the link posted a couple of pages back.
What do you think?
It is all down to how you learn personally to be honest, some people need more time than others and people learn in different ways.
I have scheduled my Stage 2 for early April and I am under the impression that there is no preparation that can be done for the computer tests. Is this the case? I have read a lot of this thread and I haven't really come across any information to the contrary, except for the link posted a couple of pages back.
What do you think?
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Blackpool
Skytest disc
The disc was very good. Don't think i would have done as well as i think ive done without it. Just got to wait on my results now. The s/d/t questions i found really helpful to keep practicing on. As i couldnt find anything on the internet that does s/d/t in the same way that they do. I improved alot on my diagraming, spatial reasoning, and compass headings too with the disc. Hope this helps anyone who is thinking about buying it. I think it is a bit of a rip off really but it is worth it if your a bit rusty in some areas and want to practice. You can buy it from this website SkyTest® - Trainingssoftware für: DLR-Test (Lufthansa, AUA, DFS), Swiss, Air Berlin, FEAST (Eurocontrol), Austro Control, Skyguide
Last edited by Ginnersam; 22nd March 2010 at 10:03.
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 235
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From: Scotland
As a current TATC at the college, I can confirm that the college is definitely moving to the CTC. The date is not yet confirmed but will be in the second half of 2011.
Consultations about hours etc to avoid traffic jams and long travelling times are already underway - final details like that haven't yet been sorted out, but there will certainly be no TATC training at Hurn after 2011.
Hope that helps a bit.
Consultations about hours etc to avoid traffic jams and long travelling times are already underway - final details like that haven't yet been sorted out, but there will certainly be no TATC training at Hurn after 2011.
Hope that helps a bit.