NATS interview process

[Juggler25]

DLP

Hi Ninebob

The DLP comprises an overview of aircraft navigation and the basic theory behind it. From what I remember (could have changed by now) it included stuff like:

• The Earths magnetic field
• Definitions of North and Variation/Deviation
• Different types of measurement (miles/nautical miles/kilometres)
• Heading/Track/Drift/Reciprocal Headings
• Different types of speeds used by aircraft, i.e. Indicated/True/Ground
• Different types of maps and charts and their differences

I really wouldn't worry too much about getting a head start. Once your accepted into the college you usually have a long wait and so will have plenty of time to learn the material before you start. However, I can understand you being keen to getting on with something in anticipation of starting! I would recommend brushing up on aircraft recognition if you haven't yet received the DLP as that can take time to learn if your not already up on the subject. Certainly the case if your going to be doing Aerodrome. I found Airliners.net Aircraft Recognition Quiz quite useful for that.



Hope that helps!
Juggler

[whitelighter]

This should help with regard to the sort of thing that is in the DLP.

I wrote these questions before I started at the college to help me learn the info. These are not NATS questions, and there are probably some mistakes but its a useful tool none the less.

Create online tests - NATS Navigation DLP Test

[Ballam]

Unfortunately it looks like we have another few months at least to wait for NATS to open their gates to new applicants!! Just done my daily website check and noticed they've changed the statement to:

IMPORTANT - Update 7 December 2011 -APPLICATIONS REMAIN CLOSED

We have reviewed our recruitment needs and confirm that applications remain closed at this time. A further review will take place in February 2012 and an announcement will be made at that time.

.

[LIC NDB]

Thanks for the update Ballam.
Can't believe it - February!??

...Oh well, another couple of months revision won't hurt, I guess.

David

[SvensKingPower]

Are specific A-Levels needed for NATS or can any be done? I know the official line is GCSEs but its better to do my A-Levels so I can at least keep my options open. I wondered if you have to do Physics or whether its optional? Its important I know because if I have to, I'm hapopy to do Physics but if I don't have to I won't.

[mts1]

In concern to Ballam's posted comment about the application remaining closed, where did you see that notice?. I mean, whenever I check up on NATS site I click on Careers-->ATC-->Apply now and I still see the old message about them saying they will make a further announcement before Christmas but nothing about what you've posted. Thanks.

[Ninebob]

Thanks to Juggler & Whitelighter for their replies, a good heads up for anyone thinking on pursing a career in ATC. Tried a few questions with mixed success!!

I've seen the Airliners.net recognition Quiz and again had mixed success, I'm led to believe that as part of the DLP pack is a pack of cards with aircraft photos/performance data so rather than learn to recognise 100's of different aircraft types I'll wait to receive the pack if successfull, anybody know if thats the case or just a misunderstanding on my part?

Ninebob

[Ballam]

Hi MTS, the link is Apply now - NATS Air Traffic Controllers Careers

I would post a screenshot but I am not at home at the moment!

[Crazy Voyager]

The NATS announcement was made via their facebook group

[whitelighter]

Yep, you get a pack of about 50 or so A/C with various stats to remember. They are a bit like a top trumps set, for those who remember back that far

[JackRalston]

Highly anticipated that was going to be the outcome from NATS around now. I know a few people who have finished at the college but now have to wait over a year to start at Prestwick. I've been informed by a close friend who knows a few of the instructors that they expect the delay to continue way past February. So possibly Summer 2012 realistically i'd say

[mts1]

Ballam, thanks for the link. I actually read it soon after posting my comment. For some reason or other, it seems as if my internet has a kind of slow motion effect on the update of the NATS page. Strange that it should take over 24 hours to refresh. A bit a of nuisance but anyway...

[LIC NDB]

mts1 - I had to force a refresh with Control + F5 before it updated.

[mts1]

LIC NDB, thanks I'll take note. It's just that I thought it'd be enough to open a new browser window/restart the browser....

JackRalston's latest post... What a blow. That's screwed me.

[roundpole]

Hi

Hi everyone

My first post here and I hope I'm in a good company

Ive been going through forum in search for any materials to help me
to start preparing for application process but I dont really know what should be expected ??

Probably another freshman's question but really dont know where to start ))
So if anyone could push me towards relevant topic I would be gratefull

[SALH]

Hello all! Until I had read the recent posts on the last 2 pages, I've never heard of this DLP that successful applicants are sent? Were you told about this at/after the interview or something? I have been successful in the selection tests etc (passing the medical back in July) but have not been informed of anything to do with a DLP?
Are you just sent the pack randomly or a certain time before you begin the training course?

Thanks

[mts1]

roundpole: if you go back enough pages you'll get all the information you need and more. It has all been plenty displayed.

SALH: sorry but I just don't have a clue. I wish I could answer the question.

Now, as far as I'm concerned, one of the reasons why NATS closed their application was due to all the works regarding the implementation of the new systems and facilities for TATC. This circumstance has caused amongst the existing applicants two situations:

a-) Those that have completly finished the selection process (and not very recently, I for instance have read threads of candidates who finished the whole process last April/May) and are waiting to be assigned a seat to start the course.

b-) Those who have already started the selection process and have already passed at least stage 1; waiting for the recruitment process to re-open to carry on with their seletion process.


My conclusion to this respect is that, taking in to consideration all the people there seems to be in either of these two situations and NATS expectation to cater around four intakes of 30 students every year, does anybody think NATS will actually re-open their recruitment process this year?. I mean, I get the impression there is quite a big number of people in this situation.


Any opinions please?. On the previous page to this one I deduce, from a comment of our member JackRalston, he could probably provide us some good information.

[Svix]

My conclusion to this respect is that, taking in to consideration all the people there seems to be in either of these two situations and NATS expectation to cater around four intakes of 30 students every year, does anybody think NATS will actually re-open their recruitment process this year?. I mean, I get the impression there is quite a big number of people in this situation. Any opinions please?

I've been awaiting my stage 3 dates since Summer, initially they said they'd be in September, then that passed, I emailed them and was informed that it would be late Oct/Nov, then that passed, I emailed them again and was told everything was frozen until February

Getting pretty frustrated now, I'd love to work in ATC but it'll be a year since I first applied soon and judging by what others say it'll probably be the good part of another year before I start training if I pass then the same again before actually getting a position somewhere. I graduated from University in July and most of my friends are taking further study or have graduate jobs so I'm probably going to resume my hunt for the latter.

[JackRalston]

mts1 is pretty much right and Svix I am in the same position as you in terms of recent graduation from University, however I was waiting for further stage 1 dates (as they fell either during my dissertation deadline or final year exams).

I must stress my opinions should not be taken for granted but I have spoke to various people about their situation.

A) Friend of mine who I went to primary school with has just finished at the college and was posted to Prestwick, but, he now has to wait a whole year before he can start training there because of an issue with EFD at Prestwick.

B) From one inside source (I will not state who), this person was very confident and hopeful that they were reopening around September time as they felt it would be clear by then.

C) Speaking to another friend who speaks to a few of the instructors at NATS, they feel that the backlog is not clearing at a fast rate or even the rate they expected and they feel that the 'February' review will simply state another review in 'x' months.

So from all of this it seems reasonable to say, the review in February will consist of another statement saying it will take even longer. I have been looking for jobs within the aviation industry ever since I graduated in July. I had an interview with Swissport at Manchester Airport on Tuesday for the position as Aircraft Dispatcher. They had narrowed it down to 22 applicants for 3 full-time positions. The ideal person they wanted was someone new who was very keen to learn the Swissport way. Unfortunately I wasn't successful as I feel they chose those with experience, I was told my interview went very well and I had all the required skills. It is difficult for me as a graduate to find a stepping stone into the industry as (obviously) I have no experience yet.

I can see this NATS issue going on for quite some time, probably not going to be resolved until Summer I reckon at the earliest.

Don't mind any criticisms over my findings but this is just how I feel the current situation is.

[PhiltheReaper]

I'm in the same position gents, and I simple can't just put my whole life on hold simply because I might one day work for NATS. The dream is still alive, but I'm looking for a short career in the mean time, not just a stop-gap job!

I passed Stage 2 in April 2011 and it's been a long wait with many a failed promise.. and I still want to work for this company? Must be mad!

Phil