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a few ATC noobie questions
Hi all, I'm interested in a career in ATC, I've been reading posts on this site for a couple of weeks now, fantastic, volumes of information regarding the complex world of ATC. I'm based in Liverpool and currently work in the video games industry, which unfortunately is very unstable here in the UK. So it's time a for a career change before I end up in a bad situation, and I feel ATC is the way to go.. What I'd like to know is, would it be best trying to get into a non-NATS airport and start as an assistant with a view to being trained as a ATCO. Or, enrolling with NATS and training as a ATCO from the offset? I have a few logistical issues on making the NATS option work as I'm 28 yeas old, I think I may be considered too old to enrol..? I also have a 3 year old son who I don't really want to uproot to the south of England for almost 2 years and also my wife works here in Liverpool too. So I guess I'm looking for a way to get in to the industry whilst maintaining my family here in Liverpool. My first port of call is to personally ring the ATC departments in local airports and speak to people, possibly arrange a visit and get my face known. I have sourced all the ATC department numbers for various airports here in the Northwest, so that's what I'll do first. Any thoughts, ideas, opinions are welcome please guys. -ATC-wannabie |
Hi ATC-Wanabie,
I would try the NATS option first. It's only a 4.5 hour drive to Liverpool, so you could go home at weekends. Not sure about your age though, you might just be borderline. But your background should certainly be an advantage, radar after all, is just a big video game. NATS opens up a few more options for an ATC career also, with a good choice of airports and en-route centres. Going through your local airport means starting at the bottom and working up to the point where your employer decides if it's worth their while training you up as a controller. Mind you, an assistants job can also be very interesting too. If you haven't done so already, pay a visit to a few ATC establishments and see what you think of the job. Whatever you decide, the best of luck to you. On the beach, (after 35 years as an ATCO) :ok: |
Thanks for the excellent reply On the Beach,
Radar sounds fun, although I don't actually play games for a living, I make 3d art for them... although the former would be good... I know the NATS route is the best route, but I really don't think financially it would be possible for me to be in Bornemouth and my wife and son up in Liverpool and be able to finance it all. It would be a massive pay hit as a trainee ATCO earns a third of what I do now, if I could stay up here in Merseyside it could be a possibility. I'm going to get in touch with some airports in the Northwest and see if I can go visit them, see what the options are, as in any career path there are many variables and ways to get to your final goal, everyone has a slightly different story. Again anyone reading this please chuck in your two-penneth.. -ATC-wannabie |
Hey Yahoo,
Without wanting to blow my own trumpet, I too feel I'd be well suited to the job, from what I've seen and read about ATC that is. I actually come from an architecture background of study, I'm an expert in CAD systems and I'm bilingual English/Spanish - BA honours Uni of L'pool. I'm a natural problem solver/fixer.! In terms of aptitude I think I can fit the bill, I'm just trying to find a way to make this work, and I think knowledge and experience from you guys is the answer. I'm going to contact NATS on my lunch break today, -15 mins.. Just out of curiosity, what can you tell me about Non-NATS airports here in the NW? I get the impression they are more inclined to take on trainees.. ? What are the Non-NATS airports her in the NW? -ATC-wannabie. |
one thing that gets said over and over on here is that if you're hedging your bets on being located in a certain part of the country, then NATS is not for you. They can assign you to any unit in the country, and the odds of getting the exact one you want (especially if you go tower/approach) don't look too attractive if it's a dealbreaker :rolleyes:
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thanks Sambatc,
A very valid point there, I wouldn't live in London for love nor money.! |
<<I actually come from an architecture background of study, I'm an expert in CAD systems and I'm bilingual English/Spanish - BA honours Uni of L'pool. I'm a natural problem solver/fixer.!>>
Keep in mind that ATC is vastly different from "problem solving" in industry. I spent some (wasted) time training someone at Heathrow who was a graduate and he decided that one task could be solved using PERT diagrams! It doesn't work like that. Your language ability will not help while you are an operational controller as all communications are in English. ATCOs are there to apply a rigid set of rules, making instant decisions in a constantly changing situation. There is a vast amount of information to be digested, both during initial training and when you reach an operational unit so the fact that you have an Honours Degree may mean that you will find the bookwork easy. I hope so. I wish you luck and don't hesitate to ask any question you may have on here. Someone is bound to know the answer. |
Hey HD,
You are right, my current skills are more than likely useless in ATC.! In my previous comment I merely wanted to express that I have a good aptitude for undertaking and learning new and complex things. I very really shy away from something new as it may seem to difficult... its a glove slap in the face that I can't back down to... Thanks for the reply though, you guys are a helpful bunch.! :ok: |
Would it be a good idea to make sure you can pass the appropriate medical first?
On a trip to Swanwick I was interested to learn how seriously this was taken. They even had their own gym! |
Hey Miroku,
I'm in good shape.! I'm sure I'd pass the test, I do have an astigmatism in my right eye for which I use corrective lenses only for using computer monitors, up close work ect.. I don't use them for driving ect however. |
Ive just applied and my app has been accepted, I have now done the inital online test now awaiting an email back.
whats the next steps after this? stage 1? Juggler25 - how did you find the 3 stage interviews? where is it your based at the moment? is the college in either swanwick or prestwick? |
I got an email today saying theres no interview dates until april
not fussed gives me more time to study |
Gawd my Stage 3 was a long time ago but from what I remember the advice on the careers website was pretty accurate. Just be prepared for questions on the topics listed and have answers ready for them. If you have the required qualities you should get through. Simples!
I've no idea about selection dates but from the rumours I've heard there's over a year to wait before you start on a course after passing Stage 3. Due to the surplus of trainees at units NATS have scaled back the course sizes. The next one to start is probably no more than 10 TATC's. Worth the wait though! |
I have been told this regarding stages and training dates:
Stage 1: uncertain about this information Stage 2: the next available dates will be in May. Stage 3: They are trying to keep at least one date a month open. That's what I've heard, hope it helps :) Phil |
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