Is it worth me applying to NATS?
I say there boy
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Is it worth me applying to NATS?
I have a couple of questions, I wonder if you'd be kind enough to answer honestly.
I want to work in aviation. Full stop. Over the last four years I've been chasing the goal of being a pilot, got the licence a year ago, not a sniff of a job since. I'm becoming very daunted by the length of the queue for jobs from here at the back, and I becoming really doubtful as to whether I'll ever get a job, especially with the threat of war in the gulf - you just don't hear of those people who fall by the wayside, yet there's a big gap between the number of UK professional licence holders and the number of UK airline jobs.
After I started training as a pilot it opened my eyes in a way: I actually became more and more interested in ATC (partially thanks to a Heathrow Tower visit: with thanks to ATCO Two).
Now I'm wondering if it's worth applying to NATS.
I expect that there would be some pretty big questions asked at interview regarding my CPL/IR and commitment to career as an ATCO - my question to you is, has it happened before, and do you think it's worth it for me?
I have to act fast as I am 29 3/4 years old. I'm of the mind that there's only one way to find out how my licence will be received and that's to apply - I'm possibly answering my own question here!
Finally, what's the salary for an ATCO at college. I've heard £22,000 mentioned, but I think that might be after qualification.
Thanks for your help - and e-mail me personally if you want to say things privately.
cheers!
foggy.
I want to work in aviation. Full stop. Over the last four years I've been chasing the goal of being a pilot, got the licence a year ago, not a sniff of a job since. I'm becoming very daunted by the length of the queue for jobs from here at the back, and I becoming really doubtful as to whether I'll ever get a job, especially with the threat of war in the gulf - you just don't hear of those people who fall by the wayside, yet there's a big gap between the number of UK professional licence holders and the number of UK airline jobs.
After I started training as a pilot it opened my eyes in a way: I actually became more and more interested in ATC (partially thanks to a Heathrow Tower visit: with thanks to ATCO Two).
Now I'm wondering if it's worth applying to NATS.
I expect that there would be some pretty big questions asked at interview regarding my CPL/IR and commitment to career as an ATCO - my question to you is, has it happened before, and do you think it's worth it for me?
I have to act fast as I am 29 3/4 years old. I'm of the mind that there's only one way to find out how my licence will be received and that's to apply - I'm possibly answering my own question here!
Finally, what's the salary for an ATCO at college. I've heard £22,000 mentioned, but I think that might be after qualification.
Thanks for your help - and e-mail me personally if you want to say things privately.
cheers!
foggy.
Last edited by foghorn; 27th Sep 2002 at 17:20.
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Go for it Foggy!
As you've already intimated, they will ask you what you'll do if things pick up and the "once in a lifetime" flying opportunity is offered to you the day after you've validated at your first unit.
Only you know the true answer to that, but a good answer would be that now you've applied, you're committed to ATC, but would like to make use of your flying qualifications when not at work.
In fact, several atco's are CPLs, (and a few ATPLs), who do work on the side.
If you do decide to take the ATC route you'll probably find that more flying opportunities do actually come your way, it seems that freelance employers like their pilots to have a stable grounding in aviation, which they apparently seem to think atc is!
Despite all the moans and groans you'll hear from us whinging atco's, we do get a decent amount of time off, which allows all sorts of money making schemes to take place - freelance flying and witchcraft being the better paid.
I'm not sure about NATS starting salaries these days, but I think you're about right, no doubt one of my hallowed bretheren will put you right on that one.
Anyway, good luck.
As you've already intimated, they will ask you what you'll do if things pick up and the "once in a lifetime" flying opportunity is offered to you the day after you've validated at your first unit.
Only you know the true answer to that, but a good answer would be that now you've applied, you're committed to ATC, but would like to make use of your flying qualifications when not at work.
In fact, several atco's are CPLs, (and a few ATPLs), who do work on the side.
If you do decide to take the ATC route you'll probably find that more flying opportunities do actually come your way, it seems that freelance employers like their pilots to have a stable grounding in aviation, which they apparently seem to think atc is!
Despite all the moans and groans you'll hear from us whinging atco's, we do get a decent amount of time off, which allows all sorts of money making schemes to take place - freelance flying and witchcraft being the better paid.
I'm not sure about NATS starting salaries these days, but I think you're about right, no doubt one of my hallowed bretheren will put you right on that one.
Anyway, good luck.
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Foghorn,
Just recently been accepted for a cadetship starting next April. I work as an ATSA with the company, and hopefully I might get to go earlier for good behaviour!
I digress, the starting salary at the college is 17.5k, excluding £100 p/w accom allowance and various other bits and bobs. It goes up steadily once various exams have been passed!
In saying that, the 17.5 could change with the acceptance?? of the new pay deal, in the region of a 10 % increase methinks!
Hope that helps!
Good Luck!
Just recently been accepted for a cadetship starting next April. I work as an ATSA with the company, and hopefully I might get to go earlier for good behaviour!
I digress, the starting salary at the college is 17.5k, excluding £100 p/w accom allowance and various other bits and bobs. It goes up steadily once various exams have been passed!
In saying that, the 17.5 could change with the acceptance?? of the new pay deal, in the region of a 10 % increase methinks!
Hope that helps!
Good Luck!
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Go for it. I'm too old in my early 30s to apply - wish I'd thought about it earlier.
Shame, since I have such an enormous interest in the industry but NATS make their rules and blank anyone like me because of that.
You would think, and yes I know how long it takes to train etc etc., that with the current AND predictated shortages, NATS would be a tad more flexible.
NATS and flexible in the same sentence .... hmmmmmm
Shame, since I have such an enormous interest in the industry but NATS make their rules and blank anyone like me because of that.
You would think, and yes I know how long it takes to train etc etc., that with the current AND predictated shortages, NATS would be a tad more flexible.
NATS and flexible in the same sentence .... hmmmmmm
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Get in there and give it a whirl. I would warn you that ATC is totally different from flying and there are plenty of failed ATCOs who are now very good airline captains and plenty of failed pilots who are excellent ATCOs. As has already been said, there are several guys who combine both careers, although God knows what their family lives must be like.
I've enjoyed every minute of my career.. There are bound to be whingers in any job but when you consider what we get for what we do we don't do too badly and a lot of the whingers simply have no idea which side their bread is buttered on.
I've enjoyed every minute of my career.. There are bound to be whingers in any job but when you consider what we get for what we do we don't do too badly and a lot of the whingers simply have no idea which side their bread is buttered on.
I say there boy
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Thanks for the encouragement.
I'm going to go for it: the form is now completely filled in except for the 'why do you want to be an ATCO section', which I'll fill in once my creative juices are flowing!
Cheers!
foggy.
I'm going to go for it: the form is now completely filled in except for the 'why do you want to be an ATCO section', which I'll fill in once my creative juices are flowing!
Cheers!
foggy.
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Foggy,
Glad to hear it!
I'll warn you though, the process takes quite some time. It took me about 4 months from start to getting accepted, and I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones!
I know a candidate who waited 19 weeks before even getting a reply to his application inviting him for some aptitude tests!
If you need a hand at any point in your application, give us a shout!
Again, Good Luck!
Bob Agg
Glad to hear it!
I'll warn you though, the process takes quite some time. It took me about 4 months from start to getting accepted, and I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones!
I know a candidate who waited 19 weeks before even getting a reply to his application inviting him for some aptitude tests!
If you need a hand at any point in your application, give us a shout!
Again, Good Luck!
Bob Agg
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Just in case it's still relevant and/or required...
Trainee ATCO starting salary will be £17,652 once the pay deal goes through... moving on to just over £18,000 with the next rise in October.. which is eh... now!
You get a £100 p/w allowance to cover rent and NATS pays for you to take your washing home to mum once every month.
So... there aren't many NATS employees having to worry about student loans!!! Except me of course...
Trainee ATCO starting salary will be £17,652 once the pay deal goes through... moving on to just over £18,000 with the next rise in October.. which is eh... now!
You get a £100 p/w allowance to cover rent and NATS pays for you to take your washing home to mum once every month.
So... there aren't many NATS employees having to worry about student loans!!! Except me of course...
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The process is taking even longer now, and there may be further delays shortly. Don't expect to be starting at the college before the end of 2003 at the very earliest. Good luck.
Incidentally, I was 29 when I applied, with a full set of flying licences under my belt too. I had no problems, and in fact wasn't the eldest on my course. Just be prepared to accept that ATCOs see the world of aviation from a slightly different angle, and that some ideas you currently hold as sacred may have to be altered a little. A small amount of humility goes a long way, especially at the interviews. rolleyes:
I'll keep my eyes open for some old shag pitching up on some future course in Bournemouth. :
Incidentally, I was 29 when I applied, with a full set of flying licences under my belt too. I had no problems, and in fact wasn't the eldest on my course. Just be prepared to accept that ATCOs see the world of aviation from a slightly different angle, and that some ideas you currently hold as sacred may have to be altered a little. A small amount of humility goes a long way, especially at the interviews. rolleyes:
I'll keep my eyes open for some old shag pitching up on some future course in Bournemouth.
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Foggy.
Glad you have taken the plunge.
Be careful though, not all is so rosey as previous posts have suggested.
I have just retired after 32 years as an ATCO. My manager refused to shake my hand on my last day and would not come to my leaving drink up. He said it would be 'inappropriate' for him to attend.
So I sent him a bottle of Teachers to show that I at least had no hard feelings. He has not even acknowledged receipt.
These are the sort of people you will be working for.
Good Luck anyway, and remember, always watch your six o' clock.
Mr G.
Glad you have taken the plunge.
Be careful though, not all is so rosey as previous posts have suggested.
I have just retired after 32 years as an ATCO. My manager refused to shake my hand on my last day and would not come to my leaving drink up. He said it would be 'inappropriate' for him to attend.
So I sent him a bottle of Teachers to show that I at least had no hard feelings. He has not even acknowledged receipt.
These are the sort of people you will be working for.
Good Luck anyway, and remember, always watch your six o' clock.
Mr G.
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Bloody hell Mr G!!!
That's really sad.
It would be nice if there was some way of indentifying that sad git of a manager you used to work for, they sound like a prime candidate for tosser of the month, or even MD of NATS!
In my 23 years I've met several like that, and I've never understood where they get their motivation to live from.
Anyway Foggy, don't let that put you off, you never know - in 20 years time you could also be one!!
That's really sad.
It would be nice if there was some way of indentifying that sad git of a manager you used to work for, they sound like a prime candidate for tosser of the month, or even MD of NATS!
In my 23 years I've met several like that, and I've never understood where they get their motivation to live from.
Anyway Foggy, don't let that put you off, you never know - in 20 years time you could also be one!!
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mr g
would have sent bells it's cr@p
shove the empty teachers up where the sun don't shine
true some managers do have a personality bypass on promotion but in my opinion with the ones iv'e met it's about 60/40 with 60 being good people
anyway enjoy retirement and don't look out of the windows when going on holiday
would have sent bells it's cr@p
shove the empty teachers up where the sun don't shine
true some managers do have a personality bypass on promotion but in my opinion with the ones iv'e met it's about 60/40 with 60 being good people
anyway enjoy retirement and don't look out of the windows when going on holiday
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Mainecoon & Niknak
Thanks guys for your reply.
I have the last laugh though. When I get angry I just look at the lump sum & pension I have got for sitting at home watching cricket on Sky. They are all working their butts off.
Very satisfying.
Regards,
Mr G
Thanks guys for your reply.
I have the last laugh though. When I get angry I just look at the lump sum & pension I have got for sitting at home watching cricket on Sky. They are all working their butts off.
Very satisfying.
Regards,
Mr G
I say there boy
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Well, the first update is that there is no news. I've had the standard 'we are processing your application' postcard, but nothing more.
cheers!
foggy.
cheers!
foggy.
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Mr Grubby wrote: "I have just retired after 32 years as an ATCO. My manager refused to shake my hand on my last day and would not come to my leaving drink up. He said it would be 'inappropriate' for him to attend.
So I sent him a bottle of Teachers to show that I at least had no hard feelings. He has not even acknowledged receipt.
These are the sort of people you will be working for."
Foggy: I don't know where Mr G worked, but don't be put off. In my 31 years at Heathrow/LTCC I have NEVER experienced a manager, or any other work colleague, like that. You'll will usually find that people are what YOU make them... Be friendly; treat everyone as equal in status and you shouldn't go far wrong.
Thinks: Why does he call himself "Mr Grubby"? Could this be the answer?
So I sent him a bottle of Teachers to show that I at least had no hard feelings. He has not even acknowledged receipt.
These are the sort of people you will be working for."
Foggy: I don't know where Mr G worked, but don't be put off. In my 31 years at Heathrow/LTCC I have NEVER experienced a manager, or any other work colleague, like that. You'll will usually find that people are what YOU make them... Be friendly; treat everyone as equal in status and you shouldn't go far wrong.
Thinks: Why does he call himself "Mr Grubby"? Could this be the answer?
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On my course there is one ex Sabena captain (32 y.o.) and one Sabena F/O (29 y.o.), plus 3 who were training for ATPLs and a few who used to have ambitions of flying. So it would appear, from our lot at least, that there is a fairly positive perspective on that kind of experience (can't speak for NATS, but just thought I'd give you the view from the other side of The English Channel).