Airservices Australia Psychometric Testing
Join Date: Apr 2001
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I wouldn't try and memorise anything before the course- but if you want to have a look at the sort of stuff it is, look at ICAO DOC 4444 especially chapter 5. It's publicly available. You will also realise that some/a lot won't make sense until on course.
The course/job is not about the theory- you need to have it, sure. However, it's the sim where you do the real learning and find out if you can do it.
As for the 'x' factor....
My thoughts are; there are some talented individuals who are 'naturals' ( and by that I mean that they seem to have no trouble absorbing the information, are always ahead, and seem to always have the right solution first time), but the rest get thru by application, having the ability to accept criticism and adjust, self-confidence and the ability to perform under pressure, and sometimes just sheer doggedness. It goes a long way in this job.
The course/job is not about the theory- you need to have it, sure. However, it's the sim where you do the real learning and find out if you can do it.
As for the 'x' factor....
Maybe impossible to answer I understand, but would be interested in any thoughts.
Join Date: Oct 2007
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The course/job is not about the theory- you need to have it, sure. However, it's the sim where you do the real learning and find out if you can do it.
Ferris is 100% correct. You can do yourself a disservice trying to learn volumes of theory without having an instructor to help you relate it to practice. When it comes to simulation you will have very little advantage over someone who has learned the theory in a structured way - on course.
Learning ATC is no different to learning to fly an aircraft, all the theoretical knowledge of how to do it in the world does not teach how it is actually done. Could I suggest you look at ATCX at www.visualvectoring.com or on YouTube. It is designed in part for people like you (and I declare I am a co-developer) to establish their aptitude for ATC and to get a headstart at skills development. It is a link between ATC gaming and training.
When you do get to the Academy you will find the experience challenging and exhilarating, and at the end of it you will have the best job in the world. Good luck.
Join Date: May 2010
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Next lot
This has been a good read, thanks to all who contributed.
I applied for the April intake just past, and received an email today saying they expect the online testing to take place in October.. Makes it sound like 12 months is optimistic!
Thought I'd share and keep the info flowing, as this is the best source I've been able to find for those of us trying to get in the ASA way.
I applied for the April intake just past, and received an email today saying they expect the online testing to take place in October.. Makes it sound like 12 months is optimistic!
Thought I'd share and keep the info flowing, as this is the best source I've been able to find for those of us trying to get in the ASA way.
Join Date: Nov 2007
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I applied for the April intake just past, and received an email today saying they expect the online testing to take place in October.. Makes it sound like 12 months is optimistic!
So I'll just get on with my life until the next email arrives.
Last time it was 12 months on the dot from start to finish. Expect month-long delays at certain points and short delays at others. All depends on when they've got the resources available I suppose.
Join Date: Jan 2004
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Hi Sticker Spruce,
I have heard the same from other applicants for the April 30 cutoff. I'm not sure why there is such a delay, i.e. wether it is a Canberra HR delay, or problems in the Academy in Melbourne. I'll endeavour to find out why the big delay and post on here for everyone.
Hang in there guys.
I have heard the same from other applicants for the April 30 cutoff. I'm not sure why there is such a delay, i.e. wether it is a Canberra HR delay, or problems in the Academy in Melbourne. I'll endeavour to find out why the big delay and post on here for everyone.
Hang in there guys.
Join Date: Nov 2009
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Quick question in regards to the pre-reading material..
Are we supposed to know it all inside out before we start?
I hear there will be an exam very early on, will they at least teach us the material in depth before we are tested on it, and is there sufficient time to study, or are we supposed to have it all down before classes begin?
Thanks for any answers
Are we supposed to know it all inside out before we start?
I hear there will be an exam very early on, will they at least teach us the material in depth before we are tested on it, and is there sufficient time to study, or are we supposed to have it all down before classes begin?
Thanks for any answers
Join Date: Oct 2009
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You get a document asking some of the questions that are at the back of the chapters in the ARM (pre course reading). At the minimum you should go through that, it will make things a little easier.
Some people in our course did nothing, some did more than was required.
The exam in the first week is just as an indication to the trainers what your level of knowledge is... you aren't going to be judged on it. That being said... the more you know, the easier the first few weeks will be, and they are pretty intense. I wish I had done a little more in hindsight, but no-one has had any issues with the theory side of things yet.
You'll probably thank yourself for any extra effort you put in beforehand.
Time wise, you get the material about a month before you start which is more than enough time to do what you need to do.
Some people in our course did nothing, some did more than was required.
The exam in the first week is just as an indication to the trainers what your level of knowledge is... you aren't going to be judged on it. That being said... the more you know, the easier the first few weeks will be, and they are pretty intense. I wish I had done a little more in hindsight, but no-one has had any issues with the theory side of things yet.
You'll probably thank yourself for any extra effort you put in beforehand.
Time wise, you get the material about a month before you start which is more than enough time to do what you need to do.
Join Date: Jan 2004
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From the HR people
Okay girls and guys,
I've been speaking to my contacts in Canberra HR and have found the following information about ATC recruiting delays.
The ATC school, (which is known as the ATC Learning Academy), is running to maximum capacity. The Academy is still putting trainees through ATC courses now, with those recruits selected from the selection exercises run in early 2009.
Aside from this, there are also a large number of courses being run to train controllers (mostly from the centres) who are transferring to towers and approach units throughout the country.
There are also two new towers opening. One in Broome and one in Karratha, WA, which requires the training of an additional 20 - 30 current controllers who are transferring there. It will involve training in the new airspace created for these new towers. Consequently, the Academy is going flat chat right through to late this year.
Aligned with the huge amount of training occurring at the Academy, is that a new tender for the psychometric testing is in the process of being finalised, associated with a review of the recruiting process/methodology. This means that the next stage of recruitment (psychometric testing) for ATC trainees will commence by October 2010 for those who applied for the 30 April cutoff.
In other words, we still need ATCs, but we can't put all the trainees through the Academy as quickly as we need controllers.
So hang in there.
DP
I've been speaking to my contacts in Canberra HR and have found the following information about ATC recruiting delays.
The ATC school, (which is known as the ATC Learning Academy), is running to maximum capacity. The Academy is still putting trainees through ATC courses now, with those recruits selected from the selection exercises run in early 2009.
Aside from this, there are also a large number of courses being run to train controllers (mostly from the centres) who are transferring to towers and approach units throughout the country.
There are also two new towers opening. One in Broome and one in Karratha, WA, which requires the training of an additional 20 - 30 current controllers who are transferring there. It will involve training in the new airspace created for these new towers. Consequently, the Academy is going flat chat right through to late this year.
Aligned with the huge amount of training occurring at the Academy, is that a new tender for the psychometric testing is in the process of being finalised, associated with a review of the recruiting process/methodology. This means that the next stage of recruitment (psychometric testing) for ATC trainees will commence by October 2010 for those who applied for the 30 April cutoff.
In other words, we still need ATCs, but we can't put all the trainees through the Academy as quickly as we need controllers.
So hang in there.
DP
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DP
rumour has it that ASA are in the final stages of recruiting a buch of overseas controllers to make up some of the shortfall.....
any truth in that ????
and if there is any Idea as to the time scale....
rumour has it that ASA are in the final stages of recruiting a buch of overseas controllers to make up some of the shortfall.....
any truth in that ????
and if there is any Idea as to the time scale....
Join Date: Feb 2004
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There are also two new towers opening. One in Broome and one in Karratha, WA, which requires the training of an additional 20 - 30 current controllers who are transferring there.
While we`re at it could we have an extra hundred or so for en-route and another hundred or so for approach? That should take care of the impending shortage ( remember, staffing is 100% atm ) as the Sand Deployment Exercise gathers pace.
Must go as the dog and bone is ringing. I wonder who that could be?
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Doubt that they are in the final stages of hiring OS controllers, a couple of the blokes here in the sandpit have been told that they must obtain their own permanent residency visa approval before submitting applications.
As an Aussie expat controller in the sandpit I am talking to more controllers from Oz about coming to the ME than foreign controllers going the other way. Heck half the guys I trained with on Tops are either here or in Germany.
Even the Yarps aren't overly keen on going to AsA as they were 4 years ago. Anecdotally feedback from the South Africans is more positive from those that joined the RAAF as controllers than those who went to Airservices.
So boys and girls about to embark on your career with AsA, do your 5 years get your Radar Area/Approach rating go OS do some really challenging ATC (without the AsA bull****) and earn pretty good T&C's.
As an Aussie expat controller in the sandpit I am talking to more controllers from Oz about coming to the ME than foreign controllers going the other way. Heck half the guys I trained with on Tops are either here or in Germany.
Even the Yarps aren't overly keen on going to AsA as they were 4 years ago. Anecdotally feedback from the South Africans is more positive from those that joined the RAAF as controllers than those who went to Airservices.
So boys and girls about to embark on your career with AsA, do your 5 years get your Radar Area/Approach rating go OS do some really challenging ATC (without the AsA bull****) and earn pretty good T&C's.
Last edited by Funk; 25th May 2010 at 06:53.
Join Date: Jan 2004
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Hi,
I was told those big numbers for Broome and Karratha. I thought it was a bit big myself but I think it must include the numbers for those replacing the controllers to Broome and Karratha, e.g. the boss for Broome is the current boss from an east coast tower.
Funk,
I'm working with the Tops guys now. We've just lost one to Germany, one about to pull the plug, and another rumoured to be there now doing his medical. Interestingly, the one yarpie we have in Aisle 1 loves it here. But its the lifestyle he's here for. My advice to those that want to be ATCs is go for it. If you don't like it, or you'd prefer to work in another country, then do it.
I've knocked back jobs overseas in the past for one reason or another, But it boils down to lifestyle. I can't have the lifestyle I enjoy in the here and now if I moved overseas. I surf the Gold Coast, my kids go/went to great schools and universities, the weather is great and I get to watch as much rugby. NRL, AFL, netball, hockey, football, etc. as my wife allows me, and I can go sailing with Max1 most Wednesdays if I want, which is one of the most enjoyable ways of spending an afternoon. If the worst I have to put up with is some of the ****e that goes on at AsA, than it's a small price to pay.
Max1,
I know, I know. And it seems that now that we've ramped up the training, we're still not getting enough to stem the tide.
flyingbricksh,
I know nothing about recruiting OS controllers. It is possible this will happen again.
DP
I was told those big numbers for Broome and Karratha. I thought it was a bit big myself but I think it must include the numbers for those replacing the controllers to Broome and Karratha, e.g. the boss for Broome is the current boss from an east coast tower.
Funk,
I'm working with the Tops guys now. We've just lost one to Germany, one about to pull the plug, and another rumoured to be there now doing his medical. Interestingly, the one yarpie we have in Aisle 1 loves it here. But its the lifestyle he's here for. My advice to those that want to be ATCs is go for it. If you don't like it, or you'd prefer to work in another country, then do it.
I've knocked back jobs overseas in the past for one reason or another, But it boils down to lifestyle. I can't have the lifestyle I enjoy in the here and now if I moved overseas. I surf the Gold Coast, my kids go/went to great schools and universities, the weather is great and I get to watch as much rugby. NRL, AFL, netball, hockey, football, etc. as my wife allows me, and I can go sailing with Max1 most Wednesdays if I want, which is one of the most enjoyable ways of spending an afternoon. If the worst I have to put up with is some of the ****e that goes on at AsA, than it's a small price to pay.
Max1,
I know, I know. And it seems that now that we've ramped up the training, we're still not getting enough to stem the tide.
flyingbricksh,
I know nothing about recruiting OS controllers. It is possible this will happen again.
DP
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DP back to the future in Tops eh? I am working with 4 ex-Tops guys that have arrived here in the last 12 months, 1 on the way another making serious inquiries, there are 4 in Germany and 1 more in Luxembourg. Granted you can't compare Brisvegas lifestyle to the pit but a sh#t load of money, decent roster and compulsory (you must acquit each year) 8 weeks leave a year goes someway towards making up for it.
Don't get me wrong folks I love working Air Traffic Control, but think long and hard about a career with AsA. The first 5 years in Byron Area Radar group before the Ansett collapse were great, the next 5 years in Tops were soul destroying.
As trainees you also have to contend with the unacceptably high failure rates in the field, a couple of my mates that didn't pass have struggled to come to terms with it many years after. Use a good controlling technique make sure you have a plan B.
I am working with 4 ex-Tops guys that have arrived here in the last 12 months, 1 on the way another making serious inquiries, there are 4 in Germany and 1 more in Luxembourg. Granted you can't compare Brisvegas lifestyle to the pit but a sh#t load of money, decent roster and compulsory (you must acquit each year) 8 weeks leave a year goes someway towards making up for it.Don't get me wrong folks I love working Air Traffic Control, but think long and hard about a career with AsA. The first 5 years in Byron Area Radar group before the Ansett collapse were great, the next 5 years in Tops were soul destroying.
As trainees you also have to contend with the unacceptably high failure rates in the field, a couple of my mates that didn't pass have struggled to come to terms with it many years after. Use a good controlling technique make sure you have a plan B.
Last edited by Funk; 25th May 2010 at 09:31.
It is not an easy choice - but talk to some of those in the pit about what they are earning compared to a 5 year controller in Australia (you will need 5 years experience to be valuable), and lifestyle becomes a relative thing.
$229824 AUD (at today's exchnge rate 81.5 to the US) NET/Year Plus bonus(
) plus medical which sees you about 10 bucks a visit out of pocket for just about anything.I was one of the 'Tops 4' but could not see 5 years like Funk and pulled the pin after 3 there.
As for lifestyle, that all depends what your preferences are. The most important thing is that I can buy a carton of XXXX at The Barracuda for LESS than I can buy it for in Brisbane.
Plus it is like being Han Solo on the Kessel run going up there.Bring a hat.
Anyway, back to the show........