NATS interview process
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Im In!
well I just had the best phonecall of my life. Just half an hour after my last post I had my confirmation. xDI must get back to my checkout now though. Ill check back soon 
thanks everyone for your help and support Andy
thanks everyone for your help and support Andy
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I can relate to your pain cariadmon, I had the same thing happen to me at this point last year - stage 3 failure despite feeling like the whole thing went great. I couldn't put my finger on why it went wrong at all and HR were absolutely useless and didn't get back to me with my feedback despite 3 attempts at getting hold of it.
I've just tried to forget about ATC altogether over the last year and plug away at the job I no longer want to do! But the time to reapply has come around quite quickly and in that time I've come to realise that perhaps my teamwork could have been better and my technical interview could have had more prep. I just worked on all aspects of my life so now I feel more ready than ever to try again (I'm currently waiting for my personality test result). If it's what you really want to do then it's worth waiting for again.
I've just tried to forget about ATC altogether over the last year and plug away at the job I no longer want to do! But the time to reapply has come around quite quickly and in that time I've come to realise that perhaps my teamwork could have been better and my technical interview could have had more prep. I just worked on all aspects of my life so now I feel more ready than ever to try again (I'm currently waiting for my personality test result). If it's what you really want to do then it's worth waiting for again.
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anyone who can give me any pointers on stage 3? would greatly be appreciated - its horrible to think you could get knocked out after working so hard to this point!!!
Know the process involves a team building exercise - will i need me PE kit ??? ha ha
Know the process involves a team building exercise - will i need me PE kit ??? ha ha
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Bad luck Cariadmon, you must be guttedSome good advice from previous posts on here, plus you must have done something right to make it to the 3rd stage.
Ive heard of loads of people who are in NATS after their 2nd and 3rd attempt as im sure many have.
If you apply again next time it will show that you are determined and im sure will go in your favour for 2nd attempt, but try and keep your chin up until then
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Thanks everyone. It is very hard to take in, but like you said, I will spend this year wisely carrying on reading the info that we were sent, reading more books, and I have a few contacts who have promised me regular visits to towers/control, etc to keep on top of things.
Going to phone HR today for any feedback. The only thing I was concerned about was whether my age would have been a factor. It was mentioned in the interview that I had been out of full time education for nearly 15 years, and how would I cope being thrown back into it, but I explained that I knew how intense the work would have been and that I was fully prepared for it. I know they won't say anything about the age factor, but its just a nagging thought.
Going to phone HR today for any feedback. The only thing I was concerned about was whether my age would have been a factor. It was mentioned in the interview that I had been out of full time education for nearly 15 years, and how would I cope being thrown back into it, but I explained that I knew how intense the work would have been and that I was fully prepared for it. I know they won't say anything about the age factor, but its just a nagging thought.
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I'm in too!
Mattaysmittay,
Well the success rate for Stage 3 on Friday 5th is at least 2 out of 5 because I'm in too. Seems an interview lasting nearly 2 hours isn't a bad sign after all! Got the call first thing the following Monday morning which was good.
Keep getting weird requests now as I haven't done the security questionnaire (nobody ever asked me to) and haven't specified a preference for area/AD (again, no-one has asked) but at least they seem to have spotted the gaps.
Were you given any ideas which course you'll be on? They didn't know if it would be April or July when I asked.
Paul.
Well the success rate for Stage 3 on Friday 5th is at least 2 out of 5 because I'm in too. Seems an interview lasting nearly 2 hours isn't a bad sign after all! Got the call first thing the following Monday morning which was good.
Keep getting weird requests now as I haven't done the security questionnaire (nobody ever asked me to) and haven't specified a preference for area/AD (again, no-one has asked) but at least they seem to have spotted the gaps.
Were you given any ideas which course you'll be on? They didn't know if it would be April or July when I asked.
Paul.
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Well done Arrows2100, Mattaysmittay and Hairy Walrus. It's heartening hearing people passing. 
I'm sorry to hear your news Cariadmon - best of luck for next time. At least you do have another chance - this will be it for me (it's an age thing) so I'm also concerned about how they think I will cope with the studying - after all these years.
Calder have you had any news yet? - think I did stage 2 with you.
See you in Glasgow Shugs...
I'm sorry to hear your news Cariadmon - best of luck for next time. At least you do have another chance - this will be it for me (it's an age thing) so I'm also concerned about how they think I will cope with the studying - after all these years.
Calder have you had any news yet? - think I did stage 2 with you.
See you in Glasgow Shugs...
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Distance, time and speed
Hi there guys,
I must say it is encouraging to hear people are getting through the interviews. I have my stage 2 at the start of the new year and I was wondering if there are any links you guys have for brushing up on the DST calculations. It's been a couple of years since I've done any and they were the questions I think I struggled with at Stage 1.
Any help would be fantastic.
Cheers
I must say it is encouraging to hear people are getting through the interviews. I have my stage 2 at the start of the new year and I was wondering if there are any links you guys have for brushing up on the DST calculations. It's been a couple of years since I've done any and they were the questions I think I struggled with at Stage 1.
Any help would be fantastic.
Cheers
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Manwithnomouth...I'm waiting for my personality questionnaire results too. This is my second attempt at ATC selection after failing last year. I'm now wondering if I'll pass the personality test this year even though I did last year!!
Which stage 1 did you go to and on which date? Wondering if we were on the same one...
Which stage 1 did you go to and on which date? Wondering if we were on the same one...
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Age Factor
Hi guys,
I'm at the college just now on area foundation. I'm 27 and to be honest, there is no way I could have devoted myself to studying the way I have if I was 18 or 19. This was proven on our basic course when the majority of people who failed and never got recourses were younger students whereas the guys aged 25+ are doing relatively well so don't let HR and the ATCO interviewing you at stage 3 try and manipulate you by saying that because you have been out of school for 10 or 15 years, you will struggle to study because that is a load of
!!!
And for the guys who have passed stage 3 recently, congratulations. When asked whether you would rather do aerodrome or area, think long and hard. If you choose to do aerodrome, you could be out of the college in 3 to 4 months, however if you opt for area then your in the college for 11 months and thats assuming you pass everything first time
. I originally wanted to do aerodrome and got put on area but I wouldn't change it for the world now, its awesome fun.
If any of you guys have any questions about the college just give me a shout.
Cheers
Kev
I'm at the college just now on area foundation. I'm 27 and to be honest, there is no way I could have devoted myself to studying the way I have if I was 18 or 19. This was proven on our basic course when the majority of people who failed and never got recourses were younger students whereas the guys aged 25+ are doing relatively well so don't let HR and the ATCO interviewing you at stage 3 try and manipulate you by saying that because you have been out of school for 10 or 15 years, you will struggle to study because that is a load of
!!!And for the guys who have passed stage 3 recently, congratulations.
When asked whether you would rather do aerodrome or area, think long and hard. If you choose to do aerodrome, you could be out of the college in 3 to 4 months, however if you opt for area then your in the college for 11 months and thats assuming you pass everything first time. I originally wanted to do aerodrome and got put on area but I wouldn't change it for the world now, its awesome fun.If any of you guys have any questions about the college just give me a shout.
Cheers
Kev
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I will testify to Kev's comments. I'm 32 and currently due to finish at the college on Friday as long as I pass my dreaded final oral board 
There is a lot of studying involved but it is more than managable (Especially if you go Aerodrome as we didn't have any verbatim exams, happy studying Kev)
If anybody has any questions on the Aerodrome/Approach side of college life give me a holler.
There is a lot of studying involved but it is more than managable (Especially if you go Aerodrome as we didn't have any verbatim exams, happy studying Kev
)If anybody has any questions on the Aerodrome/Approach side of college life give me a holler.
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Cheers Chris!!!
You know I looked up Mats Part 1 on Wikipedia and found out some useful facts about it......
Apparently it was written by a guy called Lucifer who had a big argument with some really important guy in heaven ages ago!!!!
Best of luck for Friday buddy
Kev
You know I looked up Mats Part 1 on Wikipedia and found out some useful facts about it......
Apparently it was written by a guy called Lucifer who had a big argument with some really important guy in heaven ages ago!!!!
Best of luck for Friday buddy
Kev
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1967 Kev and NeoDue (and anyone else interested!),
I'm fascinated by the following comments:
"When asked whether you would rather do aerodrome or area, think long and hard."
I initially felt that AD would be best, and believed that you only get a 'specialist subject' after some time on the early course. I've now discovered that I have to choose a discipline long before my course starts (4-5 months minimum) and now can't decide. What factors did you take into account in choosing? I'm aware that the ultimate decision is down to the lovely people in HR, of course.
"I originally wanted to do aerodrome and got put on area but I wouldn't change it for the world now, its awesome fun."
I've always fancied AD too, but area has increasingly appealed. I think I need help, and fast!
Thanks all,
Paul C.
I'm fascinated by the following comments:
"When asked whether you would rather do aerodrome or area, think long and hard."
I initially felt that AD would be best, and believed that you only get a 'specialist subject' after some time on the early course. I've now discovered that I have to choose a discipline long before my course starts (4-5 months minimum) and now can't decide. What factors did you take into account in choosing? I'm aware that the ultimate decision is down to the lovely people in HR, of course.
"I originally wanted to do aerodrome and got put on area but I wouldn't change it for the world now, its awesome fun."
I've always fancied AD too, but area has increasingly appealed. I think I need help, and fast!
Thanks all,
Paul C.
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Hairy Walrus
In my opinion its probably a paradox of a decision, its a career-decider really, but you'll likely never see the other side of the decision so does it matter??
Anyway, I'd say first of all if you can get a visit to both an Area centre and a tower, at least you can get an idea of what both places are like. Beyond that there are a million different reasons one is ''better than the other'' depending on what type of controller you talk to...
I wanted aerodrome from day one cause i wanted to go to Heathrow (we did basic course before we were split area or aerodrome) and we didnt have much choice, we had to apply to go and do aerodrome, there were 5 places from 44 going. I got lucky, and have not regretted following my instincts to this point. if i had got area i would have been happy too, although verbatim...
On the subject of age, im not sure i could have done it straight out of school - i was 22 when i started - however theres been enough 18/19 year old trainees who have gotten through (and been awarded recourses where necessary) Its a different kind of study I agree, but if you put in the hard work then it'll pay off.
Good luck with the choices...
In my opinion its probably a paradox of a decision, its a career-decider really, but you'll likely never see the other side of the decision so does it matter??
Anyway, I'd say first of all if you can get a visit to both an Area centre and a tower, at least you can get an idea of what both places are like. Beyond that there are a million different reasons one is ''better than the other'' depending on what type of controller you talk to...
I wanted aerodrome from day one cause i wanted to go to Heathrow (we did basic course before we were split area or aerodrome) and we didnt have much choice, we had to apply to go and do aerodrome, there were 5 places from 44 going. I got lucky, and have not regretted following my instincts to this point. if i had got area i would have been happy too, although verbatim...
On the subject of age, im not sure i could have done it straight out of school - i was 22 when i started - however theres been enough 18/19 year old trainees who have gotten through (and been awarded recourses where necessary) Its a different kind of study I agree, but if you put in the hard work then it'll pay off.
Good luck with the choices...
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Just to back up what AJ7 has said....
The differencies between aerodrome and area are vast....for a start, the college always has much more people on area courses than aerodrome because there is a greater need for area controls just now. As other people have said, whatever discipline you get, you will not be disappointed because you won't know what you are missing on the other discipline.
From what I can gather and I can only speak from personal experience but if you opt for area, be prepared for an awful lot of theory based studying, (ie, learning pretty much the whole of MATS Part 1 word for word, verbatim) it does not stop no matter how far on in the college you are. With regards to aerodrome, their course seems to be more simulator/practical based with no verbatim learning!!! However there is obviously still some theory to be learned.
I suppose one of the benefits of doing area is that you are only really going to be posted at one of two units, either Prestwick or Swanwick, whereas by doing aerodrome, you could pretty much be based anywhere in the country, although NATS do take into consideration your personal preference.
Either way, you are going to be an ATCO at the end of the day, so if you get area or aerodrome, you'll love it....
Cheers
Kev
The differencies between aerodrome and area are vast....for a start, the college always has much more people on area courses than aerodrome because there is a greater need for area controls just now. As other people have said, whatever discipline you get, you will not be disappointed because you won't know what you are missing on the other discipline.
From what I can gather and I can only speak from personal experience but if you opt for area, be prepared for an awful lot of theory based studying, (ie, learning pretty much the whole of MATS Part 1 word for word, verbatim) it does not stop no matter how far on in the college you are. With regards to aerodrome, their course seems to be more simulator/practical based with no verbatim learning!!! However there is obviously still some theory to be learned.
I suppose one of the benefits of doing area is that you are only really going to be posted at one of two units, either Prestwick or Swanwick, whereas by doing aerodrome, you could pretty much be based anywhere in the country, although NATS do take into consideration your personal preference.
Either way, you are going to be an ATCO at the end of the day, so if you get area or aerodrome, you'll love it....
Cheers
Kev
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Just following up Kev's and Neodude's comments...
I've recently learned this to my expenses. Even within aerodrome, there are Aerodrome positions that have nothing to do with a Control Tower. Swanwick TC and Aberdeen spring to mind.
If, like AJ you've chosen Aerodrome with a view (pardon the pun) to work in a visual control room type of environment, you might end up in a radar only environment. Which is fine, and pays the bills just as well, but could be disappointing for some !
NSL (the airport side of NATS) put the personal circumstances at the very bottom of the list and at the end of the day, have to put bums on vacant seats, and wherever's a vacant seat, that's what one's likely to get.
To add fun to this, while sending their own trainees with dual ratings (tower and radar) to work a single rated position, NSL are hiring tower controllers from companies outside NATS that operate smaller regional airports.
Good luck to Neodude for friday. Not that you need it, you're a geek !
Ivor
I've recently learned this to my expenses. Even within aerodrome, there are Aerodrome positions that have nothing to do with a Control Tower. Swanwick TC and Aberdeen spring to mind.
If, like AJ you've chosen Aerodrome with a view (pardon the pun) to work in a visual control room type of environment, you might end up in a radar only environment. Which is fine, and pays the bills just as well, but could be disappointing for some !
NSL (the airport side of NATS) put the personal circumstances at the very bottom of the list and at the end of the day, have to put bums on vacant seats, and wherever's a vacant seat, that's what one's likely to get.
To add fun to this, while sending their own trainees with dual ratings (tower and radar) to work a single rated position, NSL are hiring tower controllers from companies outside NATS that operate smaller regional airports.
Good luck to Neodude for friday. Not that you need it, you're a geek !
Ivor
