There's plenty of CPLs and ATPLs who have both applied for ATC and made it (along with plenty who did not get accepted and/or did not make it through training, as with any other applicant background). Having some professional aviation background can be a help in some ways. Once in ATC, people tend to stay in unless they are found to be not up to scratch performance-wise (typically at-fault incidents or a poor check performance history), or self select back out for any number of personal reasons. If you decide to go ahead, a sense of commitment is an important factor for success. Do your research. Keep an eye on the website for when application windows open.

What’s the staffing situation like in Aus at the moment? Any plans to recruit internationally again?

AirServices Testing
 

Can anyone describe the radar simulation test

Apparently I made it through. Just waiting on a confirmed training start date. Is anyone else here in the same boat?

So it looks like they changed the process since the last time I applied where I didn't make it past the first round of testing.

This time around I made it to a second round of testing, some of which was fairly easy, some of which seemed fairly intense.

Has anyone else recently gone through this and what do you think?

Im going through it at the moment. Round 2 testing complete. I’ve gotta agree, some parts where super easy but that radar simulation with math questions popping up just for 4 seconds seemed impossible to ace. Feel as though I but butchered that. Are you waiting on results for round two now?

I had problems with that as well. Highly doubt I did well at all. I completed it all on Monday night so now just waiting to hear back.

Congrats on getting in!
How'd you find the radar simulation test? I struggled to process any of the math questions before they disappeared...

Didn't get through unfortunately. Good luck if you are still in.

Anyone waiting for Result from their interview and Reference Check?
 

Hi All
GOOD LUCK to everyone who's going through the tests.

Just want to find out if anyone heard back from ASA lately from Assessment Centre test & Xref reference check.

Initial application - October 2021

I had my 'Assessment Centre' tests using Microsoft team mid-late March and my referees completed Xref at the end of March.
I had a call from ASA couple of months ago asking the stream preference.

Late April, got an e-mail saying thisWe are writing to advise that your application has been placed on hold for the time being whilst we await confirmation of upcoming training courses.

Has anyone heard back from ASA after this e-mail?

Thank you all and all the best

I am pretty good with numbers, it's just comes natural to me. To be honest I'd be very very surprised if I got more than 1 wrong ; As in all maths answers AND plane requests. In fairness without being arrogant, I feel aptitude tests, and these tests in general suit me to a T. I feel you either have it or you dont, as its not like studying for a test. And the less time to answer/make decisions with numbers I seem to excel.
The hardest test out of everything for me was answering whether plane was to the left or right of the other plane..... the hardest part was it wasnt left or right it was true or false to left or right. So it was like you had to process double negatives or double positives quickly, and I know I struggled in that, but all the others I found quite comfortable.

That's not to say I wouldnt be a terrible air traffic controller? Who knows. But I'm happy that it seems like I'll get a chance. Maybe the job will could be my calling.

Hi mate.
I am at the exact same stage as yourself. Last I heard was that email stating they are waiting on confirmation of upcoming training courses.....

Though my initial application was January and my Microsoft Teams meeting was early May. I thought I have been waiting a long time, but your whole process length has been huge. I am starting to think now they are building candidates from multiple testing intakes until they have the desired amount, which makes sense I suppose.

Out of curiosity, did you choose Enroute?

Virtual assessment
 

Just got notified about “ Virtual assessment “ in mid September.
Any information on what to expect ?
TIA

I've completed the online psychometric testing, as well as the online Interrupt Test. Would the next steps be the virtual / pre-recorded interview and then the Virtual Assessment?

Exiflame,
funnily enough I had pre recorded interview before interrupt test. Go figure

That's weird. Anyway, ive passed the interrupt test and I'm through to the virtual interview. After the interview I think there's another assessment day, which is different to the interrupt test. I suppose just a reiteration of the online testing but surprised.

It's a bit weird how they've swapped around the order for my group.

Interruption Test
 

Hey Jzt,
Can you give me any tips for the ‘Interruption’ test as I have it coming up and have no idea what to expect? Would be much appreciated.

Interruption Test
 

Hi Exiflame,
Can you give me any tips for the ‘Interruption’ test as I have it coming up and have no idea what to expect? Would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Mav

Massively understaffed BUT not according to Airservices.
According to their media releases, we have an excess of 100 controllers. "They just need to be moved to the right places." Apparently, we're doing similar overtime numbers to pre-COVID. That is a lie, just a blatant lie.
Apparently, these staffing shortages aren't causing delays to the airlines. Not true in the slightest. Apparently, airspace hasn't been closed down. That must mean TIBA procedures is just a part of normal service delivery.
They're thinning the rosters to run at the minimum, in part due to reduced demand (in major terminals, increase in regional), but in reality it is because we have less staff. We will need lots of controllers to deal with upcoming projects, and eventually... the big move to a new system.
We lost 140+ controllers to the retirement incentive scheme. During which, an ad was placed looking for experienced controllers. That was quickly taken down when they realised they were paying people to leave and advertising for those same jobs.
They're full of it, but not full of staff.

Interrupt Test
 

Hi Mav,

I've also got the Interrupt Test coming up this week, if you've already completed it I'd love some insight.
Thanks 😊