Anybody whos been through the interview process got any idea how long it actually takes for NATS to e-mail you regarding whether your through to stage 2 or not?

They say up to 15 working days but im presuming this is longest possible scenario?

@cereal

You are given a link in your acceptance email and you can arrange it for as soon as is convenient. I waited a month as I have quit smoking and been in training so that I am in the best possible shape. May not be necessary but I wanted to make sure.

Hi guys, first time poster here.
Just got my date through for my Phase 1 : 10/09
I've been reading through some of the most recent responses, and just have a couple of questions.
ATC Test paper, is this just multiple choice questions regarding the paper or are they 'please explain xxx' sorts of things?
Also, could I get a clarification on the amount of questions for each section and time limits?

Oh, one last thing. Anyone know of anywhere else I could get hold of some extra diagramming tests, i'm struggling to get my head around 1 (I know, just 1 but it's doing my nut in) of the questions on the sample paper and was hoping if there were any more examples to be found so I can try and get 2 and 2 to equal 4.

Thanks in advance :)

@CJShields: Hmm the only link I got was to a medical form to fill out and send off. I guess I will get another link once they have received my form

@Cerealuk

That's right, you have to send off the initial form first and NATS contact you about arranging the medical if they pass you as fit. It took me 3 weeks to realise I hadn't filled out the initial form, which is annoying as it seems that some people are still being streamed into a Sept 2010 course.

In terms of start dates does anyone know for certain the schedule for courses at Hurn? I have read a number of posts on here and such is the nature of forums, much I am sure is rumour or whisper.

I passed my medical in July but have not heard anything since confirmation that they had received my certificate. Am I right to assume that I will probably be starting in October? It was indicated to me at my interview that a January start was likely.

Is there anyway those that are waiting can find out?!

Could anyone who has recently passed their initial medical tell me what is involved with the eye test? I need glasses/contacts but fall within the limits or correctiveness. Do they test you both without correctiveness and with? Or will they just test me with my contacts?

rewolf321, Im sorry I have no idea whether that would affect you or not. When you apply for your medical you have to declare all your medical history on the form. The doctor at the medical then discussed every aspect of mine with me and then requested that I got my GP to write a letter explaining various parts. So you would have the opportunity to explain your situation.

Just found out I didn't make it to stage 2 (took a week for them to reply). I'm pretty sure I could make it through S1 if I applied next year but I may decide to end it here.

Thanks to everyone who answered my questions.

@ thomolithic: The 4 tests at stage 1 were all multiple choice, the numbers and times should be in my post on page 311 i think.

Hey folks, startin to panic now cause just realised i made a booby regarding Headwinds... I did quote a bit of research before the stage 1 but I never came across Headwinds, and there were a couple of questions like this for example:-

An a/c is flying at 420 knots with a headwind of 60 knots. What speed is it travelling? There were 4 choices, 2 were whole numbers like 380 and 480 and 2 were decimal point numbers that I cant really remember. I know that I choose 480 but now I know that was wrong, can someone tell me how that is calculated pls?

At stage 1, after you've sat the first 2 tests, they ask people to leave. Those remaining sit the last 2 tests.

Does anyone know, if you passed the first 2 tests, is it ur results for the last 2 that determine if you get to stage 2 or not? Or if you passed the first 2, do they use all four tests to determine it?

just worried now after realising I balls the Headwind questions up :(

Thanks in advance

@sharmanat0r

i would say speed is 360kts if it is clear headwind

@sharmanat0r, A headwind means the wind is blowing against the plane so the final speed will be the speed of the aircraft minus the speed of the wind. I'm sure a lot of people were confused by this question because not all the answers had the same units.

I don't think you need to worry about these questions since you must have passed the paper to get to the third and fourth test.

Just found out I didn't make it to stage 2 either, to be honest I was quietly confident so its come as quite a shock.

Only positives I can get out of it is I want to do aerodrome and actually see what Im controlling and the chances are through NATS I wouldn't have gotten that opportunity.

ASTAC or BaE now for me (with a pretty heavy career development loan).

Only viewing this as a minor setback, as they say if you want something enough...

Hey Notnek/SS10, aw man im sorry to hear that :(
got butterflies now cause i did mine same time (13th) just cant check emails at work....
i finally understand the feeling people have been havin since this forum started :( gut wrenchin lol!

EDIT
Just checked on my phone, heart has never beat so fast when i seen the email from NATS.... they said in order to get to stage 2 gota do that online Bio Date Personality questionaire test.... this is the one that u either get it right or you dont.... as honest as possible....

Can anyone tell me how long it usual takes for NATS to consider your initial online application?

I submitted mine on August 2nd but apart from the email confirming they had received it I havent heard anything else.

Also I think I may have submitted my application twice, so I emailed them to inform this but never heard back about this either.

Am probably unduly worrying but when I applied in 2008 I seem to remember that they got back very quickly after the initial application.

Thanks

Well done Sharmanat0r and good luck with the next stage.

@ILOVEMCO For me it took 5 days after they emailed saying that my details were being forwarded to the the medical team for assessment. Were your details forwarded? 18 days+ seems a long time.

The only email I'v received from NATS was the one you get straight after submitting an application saying thank you and that they are now considering it and will get back to you as soon as possible.

Iv been checking my emails several times a day ever since but I havent received anything. Checked my junk folder too just in case but nothing in there from them either.

Thanks Sharmanat0r for the number I'l try and call them on Monday and try find out whats happening.

Am a bit worried now, tbh I didnt think i'd have much trouble getting past the application screening but maybe my failure to get past the first stage last time has counted against me.

SS10 said: "Just found out I didn't make it to stage 2 either, to be honest I was quietly confident so its come as quite a shock."

Hey mate, same feeling here. :ugh: Sat the assessment on 13th of Aug and also didn't manage to get through. Answered 34/40 cubes and 42/50 diagrams, and did not wild guess any of them :=. I am starting to have doubts about my own skills.... and that's not good. :hmm: :rolleyes:
I wish we all could have access to our results. Why is NATS encouraging us to apply again after 12 months and does not provide any feedback on results? I am sure a mark based on the rate of right answers could be a fair feedback and would leave everyone happier. Or is there something we shouldn't know about? Are they affraid that we start to compare results? :confused:

@SS10: do you have any idea (rough figures) how much the self-sponsored way (ASTAC or BAE) could cost?

@Sharmanat0r: congratulations mate!!! :) Wish you the best!!!

@ filipebravo

Yes mate, I've priced up both colleges (BaE/ASTAC) and there around about the same price, however they are negotiable apparently. Brace yourself...

Basic training course: £5,000 (roughly)

Aerodrome: £15,500 (roughly)

Both prices are fully inclusive of VAT.

Im in the process of applying for a career development loan but they only give up to £10,000. So Im looking for advice on any further financial avenues myself.

So I sat Stage 2 at Swanwick yesterday and I've got to say it was probably one of the most testing things I have ever done! Still I must have done ok as this afternoon I got an email inviting me to stage 3! Very quick response!

As others have previously said there really is nothing you can do to prepare for Stage 2. Just get plenty of rest the night before and have plenty of coffee.

@SS10

Thanks! Tuition fees are high... :{ It's an investment but.... :sad:
Funding, apart from extending mortgage, I don't see any other option, unless you find someone who could sponsor you.
Any preference for any of those colleges?? Do you know whether are there any good prospects of getting a job in the end?

SS10 - not sure of your qual's but ASTAC's said this to me when i inquired

"If you have no previous experience you will need to make sure that you have the minimum educational requirement which the UK CAA are now stating that this must be the equivalent of 2 national diploma’s ( 2 A Level Grades). In some cases you can apply to challenge this if you can prove your experience in Aviation but specifically ATC."

I don't have the A levels or Diplomas so i cant go down this route without them. not sure if Cywbran require this or not.

Your pricing up of the courses is right however unless you live in commuting distance you will have to account for accommodation and food costs on top and thats going to add up. :ok:

ILOVEMCO

You're not alone! I applied for the job last year, but wasn't successful. Then on June 10th 2010, I sent in this years application and received the automated reply telling me they'd got it and will get in touch. From last years experience, I know they can take up to 3 weeks to reply, so I gave them that long. No email came, so I replied to their email, as it says you can. No reply after 3 weeks. Sent another email, no reply.

Then on the 13th August, I went onto atcocareers.co.uk and used the contact us function to send yet another email. SUCCESS! A REPLY! They don't know what happened to my application and are trying to find it, but a least I know something i happening.

Basically all I'm saying is hang tight and pester them if necessary. You will eventually get something! Overall, it will be beneficial in your interview to say you persevered...shows how much you want the job (well thats how I'm looking at it anyway!)

Good Luck!
Binbrain

@ filipebravo

A job at the end is by no means a certainty although both colleges do assist you in finding an employer. Its largely in your own hands though. The success rate for finding a job at the end of the course is very high however, so I have heard.

@ seperation

I actually didn't know that and despite being in frequent contact with both colleges for a few weeks now, neither have mentioned this.

I haven't got any A-levels (I've got 9 GCSE's like). I got offered an apprenticeship as an electrician after leaving school and took it. So i've been an electrician since I left.

If thats the case though its absolutely crazy, theres enough fully qualified ATCOs on these forums that have just a few GCSEs/O levels.

sorry another quick question for anyone whos passed all 3 stages and been on their medical..

Do you get the medical results right away after carrying it out? e.g will you come away from it knowing you got through ok or not ?

Cheers

They give you the certificate immediately after the tests if you are successful (I did my medical and got my certificate yesterday).

@CJShields: Just sent you a message/email :)

hi sportzbar,

juz sent you a mail.. can you please help me out??

@ sportzbar

Congratulations!
Me too! Came as a real shock. Totally didn't expect to get through and never expected to hear so fast!

Have you been able to book your stage 3? I was sent a link, but it says there are no more slots available. Also got sent another email saying i'll be sent another online personality thing. Did you get that too?

@ Flaming Jupiter

Yeah was real shock!!!! I think I ran around the room dancing for 5 mins and had to get someone to check!

Am still waiting for the personality test email and I did email HR about the interview link but as it was after 5pm I presume they were finished for the weekend.

Oh well hopefully hear back next week

Sportzbar/Flaming Jupiter,

Congratulations to the both of you, I (black suit, mauve short-sleeve shirt) was also one of the lucky ones! The tests were fun but felt under far too much pressure to really enjoy them - especially the SDM where there was no telling how much I had got correct.

I also received those two e-mails and having read all 313 pages of this thread I do not recall (but no doubt the PPRuNe masses will dive in and point out if I am wrong!) anybody saying they had to complete two personality tests, so I intend to ring Specialist Recruitment tomorrow to find out.

May see you both for Round 3!

dcp359

hi Sportzbar/ Flaming Jupiter/ dcp359,

am so happy for you all... so good that you all made it to the stage 3.
:(:( am yet to take up my assessment 2.
so so excited... actually tensed..

wish me luck please...

Good luck WbATC!

If I were to give any advice it would be (without trying to throw a negative light on it, of course!) that when you make a mistake (as you undoubtedly will) you must instantly dismiss it to the back of your mind and concentrate on the rest of the task as time is critical. Also, if you wear contact lenses I would leave them out and wear spectacles instead as after an hour or so of concentrating heavily on a smallish portion of screen my eyes were quite tired.

Other than that I just echo the previous "good night's sleep" suggestions - you certainly have the location advantage!


Sportzbar/Flaming Jupiter,

Have just spoken to Specialist Recruitment and we are required to complete the Occupational Personality Test. However, SHL, the company who admit the tests had a few problems last week so once they rectify them they will send us an e-mail directly. We then have 7 days from the date of that e-mail to complete the tests. Apparently the test is not pass/fail although they did say the assessors at Stage 3 will have our results; it goes without saying to be as honest/accurate as possible.

With regard to the booking link for Stage 3 one date (at EGPX I should add!) has appeared but there will be more dates put up in the next few weeks so keep checking. Apparently they are fully booked for a while so there is likely to be a wait of a couple of months for Stage 3. Plenty of time to prepare then!

dcp359

Pilot & ATC aptitude
 

I am thinking the aptitude and competencies required to be a Pilot are similar if not the same as that for an ATC.

What do you guys think?

Start Date
 

@Greg81

I'm in the exact same boat mate, heard I'd been accepted in June, passed my medical the first week in July and have still to hear about a start date. I was told at my final interview it would be January but starting to worry it could now be October, don't think I could handle stacking shelves for another year!

GavDarv

@ gavdarv and Greg81

Same situation here - was told Jan at the interview but now who knows.

Don't mind the wait but not knowing wether its likely to be January or October is a bit annoying, a bit of communication would be nice. I may give them a phone/email to see what there playing at.

Thank you so much dcp359 ...
your advice was indeed very helpfull..
willl try to hope for the best.. :):)

Start date
 

I feel that they may not be running the Jan course as they are moving the training college from Bournemouth to Fareham summer 2011 and they wouldn't want to move people and equipment mid-course.

I think the delay is because they are trying to move the people pencilled in for the Jan course to either Sept 2010 or Oct 2011. This is a guess though so don't expect this to be the case.

I have just mailed my medical certificate so please let me know if any of you get a start date so that I have some idea of when to expect mine.

Cheers.

I thought the college was moving to CTC?