NATS interview process
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: EGLL
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CJayne is correct.
It does depend on how much you want the information and subsequently, how much you want that job!
I've had no hesitation in reading and often re-reading the posts, with great interest. In fact there were times when my reading got carried away late into the night!
I believe a decent degree of motivation is definitely required. Try to absorb the information on here. If you're really determined to get the job, frequenting this forum and other sources of information should help put you in the right frame of mind.
Best of luck. I have now booked my Stage 2, though it's not until the 18th August [earliest possible date!]
It does depend on how much you want the information and subsequently, how much you want that job!
I've had no hesitation in reading and often re-reading the posts, with great interest. In fact there were times when my reading got carried away late into the night!
I believe a decent degree of motivation is definitely required. Try to absorb the information on here. If you're really determined to get the job, frequenting this forum and other sources of information should help put you in the right frame of mind.
Best of luck. I have now booked my Stage 2, though it's not until the 18th August [earliest possible date!]
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Woking, Surrey
Age: 43
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
At least you don't have to learn much of the information on here - it's all hints and tips to help with the selection process.
Once at the college no doubt the amount of reading required to be done and learnt will make this lot pale in comparison I'm sure!
There probably is some merit in tidying this thread up, but I'm not sure who would want that job!
Once at the college no doubt the amount of reading required to be done and learnt will make this lot pale in comparison I'm sure!
There probably is some merit in tidying this thread up, but I'm not sure who would want that job!
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Warwick
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am someone who comes on here to offer advice every now and then because I've been through the application proecedure and the advice I am currently offering is that reading through the 200 page long thread is not really going to be the best use of your time in preparing for the interviews. I believe the advice on the current application procedure can be summed up in about a sentence for each stage:
Stage 1:
Learn all the motivation info they send you and practice the exercises e.g. cubes, until you are confident. Seek further examples to practice, I bought a book.
Stage 2:
This was a complete day of computer tests for me, you cannot prepare for it apart from practicing a few more cubes if you are not confident with them.
Stage 3:
Prepare answers to standard interview questions reference motivation etc and have real life examples ready.
What I'm getting at here is that the comment is often made that people should go back and read the whole thread when really they only need a couple of things clarified. I don't believe there is any value in reading this whole thread unless you happen to have the spare time and are interested in other applicants' experiences. I read the latest stuff every now and then and that's just been because it's interesting to see how others are getting on or to check if I can help by answering any questions. I've never felt any need to read the whole thing.
Stage 1:
Learn all the motivation info they send you and practice the exercises e.g. cubes, until you are confident. Seek further examples to practice, I bought a book.
Stage 2:
This was a complete day of computer tests for me, you cannot prepare for it apart from practicing a few more cubes if you are not confident with them.
Stage 3:
Prepare answers to standard interview questions reference motivation etc and have real life examples ready.
What I'm getting at here is that the comment is often made that people should go back and read the whole thread when really they only need a couple of things clarified. I don't believe there is any value in reading this whole thread unless you happen to have the spare time and are interested in other applicants' experiences. I read the latest stuff every now and then and that's just been because it's interesting to see how others are getting on or to check if I can help by answering any questions. I've never felt any need to read the whole thing.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: The foot of Mt. Belzoni.
Posts: 2,001
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Slight thread deviation I know, but, do candidates applying to to BAE Cwmbran and ASTAC have to sit through long division and 'cubes'?
By the way, early last year I asked what 'cubes' have got to do with Air Traffic Control. Has anyone found out yet?
By the way, early last year I asked what 'cubes' have got to do with Air Traffic Control. Has anyone found out yet?
Last edited by ZOOKER; 16th Jul 2009 at 16:23.
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Zooker
By the way, early last year I asked what 'cubes' have got to do with Air Traffic Control. Has anyone found out yet?
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Dorset
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ATC Hopeful
I think maybe because long term posters don't want to look through the whole thread again and find the relevant pages with regards to whatever is being asked at the time is why the general 'read through the whole thread' reply is used. It's down to the people who want the information to go and find it for themselves! I agree that the thread is getting very long indeed, however it is the same stuff again and again and I admire the people who do bother to take the time to reply to people asking the same stuff over and over even if it is just a quick 'read the whole thread'. In a few weeks time someone will ask for information about the stages and someone else will post 'There is a post somewhere in this thread where someone has outlined in 3 sentences what is required of you to do'. Your post itself will get caught up way down the line where people won't be able to find it without really looking...without, maybe, reading through the whole thread...and some people will find it useful to do that.
I believe that there is simply too much information that can be missed by not reading it all and picking out the relevant stuff - even maybe just by skim reading it, sifting out the stuff you don't need. And maybe the bigger point is that if you don't have the time to be reading a post whilst revising for the stages, then what are you doing wasting time on a message board in the first place?!
Did you get through stage 3?....I haven't read back through the posts for a long time!!
I believe that there is simply too much information that can be missed by not reading it all and picking out the relevant stuff - even maybe just by skim reading it, sifting out the stuff you don't need. And maybe the bigger point is that if you don't have the time to be reading a post whilst revising for the stages, then what are you doing wasting time on a message board in the first place?!
Did you get through stage 3?....I haven't read back through the posts for a long time!!
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Warwick
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cjayne
We'll have to agree to disagree I think. I don't think you miss out on any vital info by not reading through this whole thread, HR pretty much tell you everything you need to know. You make a valid point about people coming on this message board if they don't have time to get the revision done. I think people come on here for reassurance and sometimes looking for shortcuts which don't exist. Other than that it is just nice to see how others have got on. Also I think if long term posters keep coming onto this thread it can only be because they want to help out new applicants by answering their questions so rather than sending them back to read the whole thread why not just answer the question.
Yes I got through stage 3 and I'm soon to be starting at the college, what about you?
Yes I got through stage 3 and I'm soon to be starting at the college, what about you?
Join Date: May 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Stage 1
First they say you cant revise for the tests but yes you can, second dont worry if you dont get the cubes in initially, its a progressive skill so keep working on them. Third, all the information regarding the aircraft information you were sent thats at the end of the pack eg passenger amount range height flown, you dont need it only the first part of the pack that is the written stuff.
Ok Cube test, get this book Psychometric Tests for Dummies: Amazon.co.uk: Liam Healy: Books and use the net of cubes, aim to do all the questions in 7 mins, after a few weeks at it i could do them in 2 mins. 1 third of the test is in exactly the same format as these, the other 2 thirds are difficult but the revision will help a hell of a lot.
Time speed distance test, this is basic maths but its a lot of calculations in a small period of time. I would start but getting your 6 times table down as much as possible and when it comes to questions work out miles per min for example if aircraft a is doing 480 knots and aircraft b is doing 480 knots, both are flying towards each other they are 32 miles from each other how long till they hit? The answer is 2 mins because both are doing 8 miles per min. Lots like this, and also ones that tell you a decent rate with a fixed speed which airport is closest that sort of thing.
Logic, the working out in sequence stuff, very big paper this just work as quickly and accurately as you can, try finding revision material that gives commands such as reverse the final figures and put into a certain sequence. The amount of times i got to the end of the diagram and it said reverse or delete a command then had to do it all again was unreal but just work fast and accurately
Personality test, this is very small at this stage, the larger one comes in after you pass stage one, just be honest and try to keep the same opinion throughout
Nats questions, based on the paper they give you and an overall aviation knowledge, find out the distance from london to glasgow and london to brussels, they are a few time speed distance questions in the mix here as well, DME distance measuring equipment is range to a beacon, VOR ADF are direction, Glideslope is the angle of decent on the ILS, Localiser is the indicator of being left or right of track on the ILS
Be warned there is alot of outdated stuff in the info that NATS send out, outdated in the sense that alot more aviation knowledge is tested that is not supplied.
I passed stage 1 and the personality questionaire, just waiting to hear my results from stage 2 so if im not suicidal after hearing them i will right a full breakdown of that test here as well
Good luck to you all, apologies about the spelling
DBB
Ok Cube test, get this book Psychometric Tests for Dummies: Amazon.co.uk: Liam Healy: Books and use the net of cubes, aim to do all the questions in 7 mins, after a few weeks at it i could do them in 2 mins. 1 third of the test is in exactly the same format as these, the other 2 thirds are difficult but the revision will help a hell of a lot.
Time speed distance test, this is basic maths but its a lot of calculations in a small period of time. I would start but getting your 6 times table down as much as possible and when it comes to questions work out miles per min for example if aircraft a is doing 480 knots and aircraft b is doing 480 knots, both are flying towards each other they are 32 miles from each other how long till they hit? The answer is 2 mins because both are doing 8 miles per min. Lots like this, and also ones that tell you a decent rate with a fixed speed which airport is closest that sort of thing.
Logic, the working out in sequence stuff, very big paper this just work as quickly and accurately as you can, try finding revision material that gives commands such as reverse the final figures and put into a certain sequence. The amount of times i got to the end of the diagram and it said reverse or delete a command then had to do it all again was unreal but just work fast and accurately
Personality test, this is very small at this stage, the larger one comes in after you pass stage one, just be honest and try to keep the same opinion throughout
Nats questions, based on the paper they give you and an overall aviation knowledge, find out the distance from london to glasgow and london to brussels, they are a few time speed distance questions in the mix here as well, DME distance measuring equipment is range to a beacon, VOR ADF are direction, Glideslope is the angle of decent on the ILS, Localiser is the indicator of being left or right of track on the ILS
Be warned there is alot of outdated stuff in the info that NATS send out, outdated in the sense that alot more aviation knowledge is tested that is not supplied.
I passed stage 1 and the personality questionaire, just waiting to hear my results from stage 2 so if im not suicidal after hearing them i will right a full breakdown of that test here as well
Good luck to you all, apologies about the spelling
DBB
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Rutland
Age: 46
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ATC Stage 3
Hi guys,
I was wondering if anyone maybe able to throw me a lifeline?
I have spent days hunting for books on ATC in every shop, library and anywhere with even a hint of selling a book, only to find it's like searching for the missing link!! Not only have i been completely unsuccessful but all i am left with after my endeavour is blistered feet and a disheartened feeling!
The only copy of Graham dukes ABC Air Traffic (original cost £8.99) i could find was in a out the way grotty second hand book shop, and they were asking £60 which is a ridiculous mark up!
Does anyone have a copy they'd be willing to sell/loan? I have a crazy siberian husky i could swop..lol... Joking aside I would be beyond greatful if anyone could help me! Or even point me in a direction where i may have more success in locating books i could use for research to help with stage 3...
Thanks guys
I was wondering if anyone maybe able to throw me a lifeline?
I have spent days hunting for books on ATC in every shop, library and anywhere with even a hint of selling a book, only to find it's like searching for the missing link!! Not only have i been completely unsuccessful but all i am left with after my endeavour is blistered feet and a disheartened feeling!
The only copy of Graham dukes ABC Air Traffic (original cost £8.99) i could find was in a out the way grotty second hand book shop, and they were asking £60 which is a ridiculous mark up!
Does anyone have a copy they'd be willing to sell/loan? I have a crazy siberian husky i could swop..lol
... Joking aside I would be beyond greatful if anyone could help me! Or even point me in a direction where i may have more success in locating books i could use for research to help with stage 3...Thanks guys
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Woking, Surrey
Age: 43
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Natasha, certainly some libraries do have it (Surrey county libraries do) so you could go back to the library and see if you can sort out an inter-library service loan (where your local library service requests it from another library service).
Alternatively, I believe the new version should be out fairly soon or you could look at bookfinder.com and find a used copy for a few pounds.
Alternatively, I believe the new version should be out fairly soon or you could look at bookfinder.com and find a used copy for a few pounds.
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Rutland
Age: 46
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
jonathanB
Thank you! I will speak to my library and request a copy from surrey if they can arrange it.
I have an order in place for the new release on 6th Aug, however this is only days before my interview and does not give me much time!
I have ordered and paid for a copy of the old book from a supplier on amazon, only to find that they too have delayed sending the book to me for reasons unknown.
I will have a look on the booker website and hopefully have more success!
Thanks so much
I have an order in place for the new release on 6th Aug, however this is only days before my interview and does not give me much time!
I have ordered and paid for a copy of the old book from a supplier on amazon, only to find that they too have delayed sending the book to me for reasons unknown.
I will have a look on the booker website and hopefully have more success!
Thanks so much
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
NatashaD
NatashaD,
If you're still after an immediate copy of the Graham Duke ATC book, I have the 6th, 8th and 9th editions, I'd be willing to part with a couple if you're interested.
If you're still after an immediate copy of the Graham Duke ATC book, I have the 6th, 8th and 9th editions, I'd be willing to part with a couple if you're interested.
Tim91
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Berkshire, UK
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I managed to find a new copy of the 9th edition in a little HAM bookstore in Dorset (did a LOT of phoning to find it)
Need it until the 28th, but happy to flog it on at cost after that
Need it until the 28th, but happy to flog it on at cost after that