work as a FISO?

[R2112]

Ok this may seem a bit of a long winded way to some people, but as a wannabe ATCO of 24yrs old with a PPL(A) SEP, I'm seriously considering doing a FISO rating this year and doing work at my local airfield for a year or so before applying to NATS. To me it appears on the surface to be a resonable way to assess whether I am cut out as an ATCO, whether the career is for me and to get a bit of actual experience on the ATSU side of the radio before going headlong into a career. Please understand I am only too aware of the differences between ATCO's and FISO's, and I'm not for one minute putting the two in the same league, either in terms of service provided or what is required of the person manning the radio. I shall now bury my head and wait the onslaught of people telling me I'm an idiot!
Regards

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

It's what I did so I see no harm in it at all. However, I wonder why you don't just apply straight away to NATS? ATCO recruiting is always a bit topsy turvy but they are always short so you might be lucky. Do the FISO bit but get in an application to NATS at the same time..

[chevvron]

Do as HD says; you're nearing the upper age limit for NATS trainees and if you can show 'previous experience' it will increase your chances of being accepted for ATCO training.(NB I did it the other way round and became a FISO when I retired from NATS!!)

[classicwings]

you're nearing the upper age limit for NATS trainees

I think you'll find their upper age limit has risen since you last checked. Also I hold a FISO licence and although it looks good on paper when say applying to NATS, I still maintain that you need to demonstrate the same level of aptitude to potentially do the job as another applicant who doesnt hold a FISO licence. Just my opinion.

[chevvron]

Prior experience and aptitude are two different things, don't get the two confused! NATS will give you their own aptitude tests, but if you can demonstrate that you are already competent at RTF messages etc, it will help at the interview stage.

[classicwings]

I'm seriously considering doing a FISO rating

R2112, be aware that unlike ATC, you will not hold a FISO rating, you will hold a licence. The 2 papers I recall you are required to sit by the CAA are FISO Procedures aswell as the Air Nav & Met. As you hold a PPL you may be exempted from the latter but its best to check with the CAA first. Also, once you have passed your exams you will have a licence but you will then need to complete a minimum of 40 hours supervised training before you can fully validate it at your aerodrome.

Best of luck.

[R2112]

thanks all. and yes indeed it is a licence I've read CAP 417 so I have an understanding of the process of obtaining the Licence and validation, just interested to see what other peoples opinions are of the way I want to go about it. good to see some people have also gone about it the same way. I don't expect it to give me any actual advantage or preference with NATS, just to give me practical experience which might help me in the testing and interview phases.