NATS interview process
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Aberdeen
"So I'm heading to my stage 2 assessment on the 23rd of Feb. I'm super excited but also terrified!
I've passed the aptitude tests for the RAF SNCO ATC position last April but this FEAST and DART thing seems really easy to mess up going by the amount of people who seem to fail stage 2!
Any advice on the format of the assessments? I downloaded the FEAST Test app and it seems pretty good in that it covers the general idea of what my RAF tests were but obviously I'm accepting that it won't be identical to what I'll be doing with NATS.
Any advice on the tests and how they're structured would be much appreciated!!"
*tumbleweed*
I've passed the aptitude tests for the RAF SNCO ATC position last April but this FEAST and DART thing seems really easy to mess up going by the amount of people who seem to fail stage 2!
Any advice on the format of the assessments? I downloaded the FEAST Test app and it seems pretty good in that it covers the general idea of what my RAF tests were but obviously I'm accepting that it won't be identical to what I'll be doing with NATS.
Any advice on the tests and how they're structured would be much appreciated!!"
*tumbleweed*
Joined: Dec 2004
Aviation Qualifications: ATCO
Posts: 306
Likes: 2
From: Down South
"So I'm heading to my stage 2 assessment on the 23rd of Feb. I'm super excited but also terrified!
I've passed the aptitude tests for the RAF SNCO ATC position last April but this FEAST and DART thing seems really easy to mess up going by the amount of people who seem to fail stage 2!
Any advice on the format of the assessments? I downloaded the FEAST Test app and it seems pretty good in that it covers the general idea of what my RAF tests were but obviously I'm accepting that it won't be identical to what I'll be doing with NATS.
Any advice on the tests and how they're structured would be much appreciated!!"
*tumbleweed*
I've passed the aptitude tests for the RAF SNCO ATC position last April but this FEAST and DART thing seems really easy to mess up going by the amount of people who seem to fail stage 2!
Any advice on the format of the assessments? I downloaded the FEAST Test app and it seems pretty good in that it covers the general idea of what my RAF tests were but obviously I'm accepting that it won't be identical to what I'll be doing with NATS.
Any advice on the tests and how they're structured would be much appreciated!!"
*tumbleweed*
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Aberdeen
"Sent an email to NATS asking them to clarify if/when I could re-apply as I've heard stories of current ATC's failing and then trying again a year, two years later and passing.
The answer was below:We are afraid that the role is a one time application only and therefore you will not be able to take the test again or reapply.
Shame if that is the case as I was hoping to retake in the future."
Geo90 my friend in ATC was shocked when I told him this too as it used to be a 24 month wait then you could reapply. He says they change the goalposts a lot but he was going to check up and make sure this wasn't a mix up
The answer was below:We are afraid that the role is a one time application only and therefore you will not be able to take the test again or reapply.
Shame if that is the case as I was hoping to retake in the future."
Geo90 my friend in ATC was shocked when I told him this too as it used to be a 24 month wait then you could reapply. He says they change the goalposts a lot but he was going to check up and make sure this wasn't a mix up
Last edited by U04elw2; 7th February 2017 at 17:23.
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: London
It might depend on what stage you fail at?
As for stage 2, exam 1 (written) and exam 2 (FEAST) are straight forward: read the information booklet for the former, and not much you can do to prep for the latter.
I got to the end and failed exam 3 (DART), and I can give one piece of advice for this one: don't just look at what's going on screen at present; plan ahead.
As for stage 2, exam 1 (written) and exam 2 (FEAST) are straight forward: read the information booklet for the former, and not much you can do to prep for the latter.
I got to the end and failed exam 3 (DART), and I can give one piece of advice for this one: don't just look at what's going on screen at present; plan ahead.
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Cumbria
"So I'm heading to my stage 2 assessment on the 23rd of Feb. I'm super excited but also terrified!
I've passed the aptitude tests for the RAF SNCO ATC position last April but this FEAST and DART thing seems really easy to mess up going by the amount of people who seem to fail stage 2!
Any advice on the format of the assessments? I downloaded the FEAST Test app and it seems pretty good in that it covers the general idea of what my RAF tests were but obviously I'm accepting that it won't be identical to what I'll be doing with NATS.
Any advice on the tests and how they're structured would be much appreciated!!"
*tumbleweed*
I've passed the aptitude tests for the RAF SNCO ATC position last April but this FEAST and DART thing seems really easy to mess up going by the amount of people who seem to fail stage 2!
Any advice on the format of the assessments? I downloaded the FEAST Test app and it seems pretty good in that it covers the general idea of what my RAF tests were but obviously I'm accepting that it won't be identical to what I'll be doing with NATS.
Any advice on the tests and how they're structured would be much appreciated!!"
*tumbleweed*
Cheers.
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: South West
Hi,
I am thinking of applying soon but I have a few questions to anyone who's gone through the process before. Did you get any say or influence over your assigned base during training? And if not, in reality how long into the process would it be before you could transfer and at which stage?
I am thinking of applying soon but I have a few questions to anyone who's gone through the process before. Did you get any say or influence over your assigned base during training? And if not, in reality how long into the process would it be before you could transfer and at which stage?
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Aberdeen
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Aberdeen
Thanks flaming squirrel, I'm assuming from what I've read that DART is like a combination of the game on the website and the RAF assessment I did with planes having checkpoints to fly through, obstacles to avoid etc. I remember wanting to cry when I did it 😂 I guess as long as you remember the way they prioritise what you need to do it's less difficult but still horrible haha
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Seaworld
I am thinking of applying soon but I have a few questions to anyone who's gone through the process before. Did you get any say or influence over your assigned base during training? And if not, in reality how long into the process would it be before you could transfer and at which stage?
It's a while since I went through but the general theme is that your options and choices will be limited. Firstly, if you're sent down the Area route, then you will only have 2 venues in the UK you can work at.
If it's an airport you're going to, there may be some flexibility if there are a few of you destined for airports at the same time and there is enough slack in the system for people to work out preferences. As an example, it could be that 5 people come off an aerodrome course with 4 destined for EGCC and 1 for EGGW. You might be able to put forward your request but don't expect it to be accommodated. As everyone states, the job is a mobile grade so you can be sent wherever.
With regards to moving unit once valid, the reality again is it isn't entirely straight forward. It worked for me after about 5 years at my first unit, but it depends again on whether where you want to go has vacancies. You can certainly put your name down or apply for transfer, internal vacancies, etc. but once again there are no guarantees. As airport contracts fall away from NATS, then it gets a little tougher to move internally. Of course, other airports will still exist so there's always the chance to move externally if it suits your personal/ family needs.
Regards.
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Glasgow
All quiet on here...
Got my Stage 2 on Monday, just rounding off my revision, trying to learn some aircrafts now!
From what I have read cant really prep for the FEAST and DART so fingers crossed from here!
Got my Stage 2 on Monday, just rounding off my revision, trying to learn some aircrafts now!
From what I have read cant really prep for the FEAST and DART so fingers crossed from here!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Aberdeen
Stage2
good luck!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Aberdeen
It might depend on what stage you fail at?
As for stage 2, exam 1 (written) and exam 2 (FEAST) are straight forward: read the information booklet for the former, and not much you can do to prep for the latter.
I got to the end and failed exam 3 (DART), and I can give one piece of advice for this one: don't just look at what's going on screen at present; plan ahead.
As for stage 2, exam 1 (written) and exam 2 (FEAST) are straight forward: read the information booklet for the former, and not much you can do to prep for the latter.
I got to the end and failed exam 3 (DART), and I can give one piece of advice for this one: don't just look at what's going on screen at present; plan ahead.
Flamin_Squirrel, how fast are the planes moving on the screen? Is there enough time to plan ahead or are they pretty quick?
Last edited by U04elw2; 16th February 2017 at 16:42.
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: UK
U04elw2 the aircraft move relatively slowly, its the precision with which you need to vector them and the increasing workload that makes it difficult. There really isn't much you can do to prepare, other than not panic when things appear to be going wrong.
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Aberdeen
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Bucks
Hey guys,
Got my stage 2 on the 3rd of March, any helpful pointers people can give me regarding the assessments, that aren't obvious! Also, anyone else on here booked in for th same test day? Would be nice to chat if so.
Got my stage 2 on the 3rd of March, any helpful pointers people can give me regarding the assessments, that aren't obvious! Also, anyone else on here booked in for th same test day? Would be nice to chat if so.
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Aberdeen
Stage 2
Just be very careful - my stage 2 involved 30 questions...15 were based on slightly obscure stuff from the booklet they give you (not obvious stuff at all!) and 15 were nothing to do with the booklet at all!!
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Preston
Hi guys,
I am new here. I have read all posts in this thread from the last 12 months as I believe this information will be the most up to date and accurate.
I am 22 and am will be on at an assessment for Stage 2 of the recruitment process on May 9th.
I have some questions, many of which have been asked and answered in various ways so far. I am seeking some clarity on a couple of things to enable me to be in the best possible position come may 9th.
I will be driving from North West England the day before the assessment. My plan was to drive to the assessment, however there have been some contradictory posts as to whether there will or will not be parking available. As I aim to arrive for 07.20-07.30, will parking be an issue or is it better advised to travel via public transport on the day.
The reason I need to know the above is because I am in the process of looking to book a hotel and want to ensure if driving is not possible, that I am close to a transport link which will take me efficiently to and from the assessment.
On the subject of hotels, I have been struggling to find a competitively priced hotel within 15 minutes drive. Has anyone got a recommendation as to a good hotel to stay in if I am driving to and from the assessment?
Thanks in advance, I appreciate this is a long post.
I am new here. I have read all posts in this thread from the last 12 months as I believe this information will be the most up to date and accurate.
I am 22 and am will be on at an assessment for Stage 2 of the recruitment process on May 9th.
I have some questions, many of which have been asked and answered in various ways so far. I am seeking some clarity on a couple of things to enable me to be in the best possible position come may 9th.
I will be driving from North West England the day before the assessment. My plan was to drive to the assessment, however there have been some contradictory posts as to whether there will or will not be parking available. As I aim to arrive for 07.20-07.30, will parking be an issue or is it better advised to travel via public transport on the day.
The reason I need to know the above is because I am in the process of looking to book a hotel and want to ensure if driving is not possible, that I am close to a transport link which will take me efficiently to and from the assessment.
On the subject of hotels, I have been struggling to find a competitively priced hotel within 15 minutes drive. Has anyone got a recommendation as to a good hotel to stay in if I am driving to and from the assessment?
Thanks in advance, I appreciate this is a long post.
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Portugal
You you are arriving at 7:30, make sure you leave pretty early (traffic there on the M27 can be a little difficult).
At that time you will still have spaces in the visitor parking lot (arrive at 7 just to be sure), but if you struggle to find a place, just park outside.
At that time you will still have spaces in the visitor parking lot (arrive at 7 just to be sure), but if you struggle to find a place, just park outside.
