NATS interview process

[The Many Tentacles]

There isn't much in the way of public transport in Whiteley especially at that time of the morning.

There's a B&B just down the road from Swanwick, which is only about a 10 minute drive from CTC - I have no idea what it's like or costs, I just drive past it every time I go to work

https://www.280normanhouse.co.uk

[ATcomrade]

Hi everyone,

from what I've gathered the DART test on stage two seems to be somewhat like the ATC landing game on the NATS website. Is this correct and if so what kind of level / score on this game would seem around the performance necessary to pass this section?

Additionally, has anyone successfully (or unsuccessfully) taken part in the stage 3 interviews who had a large gap on their CV?

Thanks.

[MNAsantos]

Originally Posted by ATcomrade

Hi everyone,

from what I've gathered the DART test on stage two seems to be somewhat like the ATC landing game on the NATS website. Is this correct and if so what kind of level / score on this game would seem around the performance necessary to pass this section?

Additionally, has anyone successfully (or unsuccessfully) taken part in the stage 3 interviews who had a large gap on their CV?

Thanks.

If you have a gap in your CV, you will have problems getting a security clearance

[ATcomrade]

Thanks for your reply,

could you expand on why I would have issues with the security clearance. I have essentially a 4 year gap post university where I was an owner / operator of a small restaurant in Asia. Is there anything I can do about this? Would you advise rebuilding my CV before applying?

Thanks.

[RomeoKebek]

Originally Posted by MNAsantos

If you have a gap in your CV, you will have problems getting a security clearance

Congrats @MNAsantos
Regarding your CV, from Portugal I guess, did you had to do some kind of statement of comparability for your PT education diploma?
I'm waiting for a stage 2 date, and traveling from Portugal whenever I book a date. Do you have any advice regarding flights and lodging.

[MNAsantos]

I had no problems at all, but you can email me and I can give you some tips on how to get to the CTC.

PS: I don't give answers for the tests (it's impossible)

[redraptor]

Hi everyone,can anyone give me any pointers as to what questions are asked on the competency/technical and personality profiling interviews at Stage 3 assessment? Thanks in advance.

[sk100]

what date is your stage 2 for April? Im also booked for next week.

[Kirsteneg]

I sat my stage 2 a few days ago. As people have been saying, there is really nothing you can do to prepare for these tests other than read the booklet they give you in advance.

For the knowledge test I would also suggest brushing up on basic maths calculations for speed/distance/time. It isn't difficult though and there really is no excuse to fail this part. FEAST 1 is also not overly difficult if you have the required skills. You cannot teach yourself these and it is best to go in blind.

I reached the DART stage and I'm awaiting the results from that. I had one collision, 2 conflicts and 1 missed checkpoint though so I'm not hopeful, even though the final marked part of that I found the easiest, just took a little bit to get into the swing of things.

Good luck to everyone wherever they are in the process!

[davidd87]

Originally Posted by U04elw2

"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

Hi, first time poster but have been lurking for a while

I'm wondering if anyone can provide clarification on the emboldened statement above? I know that this is what the FAQs on NATS website say but
also that this hasn't been the case in the past.

I'm asking as I failed my stage 1 test last week under fairly incredible and unpredictable circumstances, and whilst I'm not looking for sympathy for that and fully appreciate the need for NATS to be strict when filtering through applications, I'm devastated that perhaps my only opportunity to go through this process could have been stunted by something beyond my control.

[LFVA]

The 24-month wait period for a second application was a FEAST limitation. If the ANSP decides they don't want reapplications, well, that's their choice then. That, however, doesn't prohibit you from retaking FEAST with a different ANSP (provided the 24 months). Eurocontrol is one option.

[Kirsteneg]

Originally Posted by davidd87

Hi, first time poster but have been lurking for a while

I'm wondering if anyone can provide clarification on the emboldened statement above? I know that this is what the FAQs on NATS website say but
also that this hasn't been the case in the past.

I'm asking as I failed my stage 1 test last week under fairly incredible and unpredictable circumstances, and whilst I'm not looking for sympathy for that and fully appreciate the need for NATS to be strict when filtering through applications, I'm devastated that perhaps my only opportunity to go through this process could have been stunted by something beyond my control.

At my stage 2 last week, the administrator said that they were looking to change this policy and to keep an eye on the website. She didn't specify when they will be changing it and to what, though.

[davidd87]

Originally Posted by LFVA

The 24-month wait period for a second application was a FEAST limitation. If the ANSP decides they don't want reapplications, well, that's their choice then. That, however, doesn't prohibit you from retaking FEAST with a different ANSP (provided the 24 months). Eurocontrol is one option.

Unfortunately it's not for me as I'm over their age limitation

Originally Posted by Kirsteneg

At my stage 2 last week, the administrator said that they were looking to change this policy and to keep an eye on the website. She didn't specify when they will be changing it and to what, though.

Interesting, would love to hear an update if you hear anything regarding that.

Thanks for the replies!

[diskworld3]

Originally Posted by Kirsteneg

At my stage 2 last week, the administrator said that they were looking to change this policy and to keep an eye on the website. She didn't specify when they will be changing it and to what, though.

I hope they do change it! When I applied and failed at Stage 2 I was told I could reapply in 2 years, when I looked again the other week I see that it's changed to only being able to apply once and that's that!
Very short sighted on their part I would argue, especially given that I currently operate in a very similar environment and would (in my opinion) be able to carry out the role and the training.
But hey, they've changed it once who's to say they won't change it again soon

[Kirsteneg]

I have my stage 3 in June, can anyone tell me what the final computer test is? I've heard mention of the strip management test but not sure if this was an old part of feast 2 or not.

[caity]

Hi everyone - just wanted to say thanks for the helpful info posted so far, bits and pieces have helped me pass everything up to and including the Stage 2 assessment so far.

I have my Stage 3 in a few weeks in May, and was wondering if anyone could give me any advice as to any extra things I could learn in advance of the day?

I feel I can prepare for the computer test, competency interview (as much as I can at least!), and the personality profiling interview, but wondered if there was any additional reading I could do to boost my chances? One of the NATS recruitment staff I met at Stage 2 suggested learning the details of several airports across the UK, and perhaps some ILS plates, as well as info about NATS itself.

Are there any people who have undertaken Stage 3 that could tell me if this sort of stuff would be relevant, and anything else I could add to the list?

Thanks a lot in advance!

[Jonnyratcliffe]

Hi Everone!

Passed my Stage 1 last night, anybody have any idea of timeframes to book my Stage 2? Intisl email said i only had 7 days to book and attend?

Thanks!

[mattymattymatty08]

Hey Jonny,
I just passed Stage 1 too, the email I got says that you have to book a date within a week, but the date you book does not have to be within a week (i.e. if you got the email on April 25th, you have until April 2nd to book a date, but you could choose an interview date of May 15th)
(Having said this they all state in the email that due to limited date availability at the moment the 7 day rule may not apply)

... I just followed the link and the next available dates are in June anyway :/

[ManUtd1999]

Out of interest, what is the average age of trainee controllers? Is being in your late-20s/thirties fairly normal or does it tend to be more graduate-age?

[JaniteQP]

Hello all.
I'll be taking Stage 3 assessment center next week along with the ATC knowledge test.
Any tips on how to organize the aircraft in the booklet to remember all the details of each?