Hi all,

First time posting here but I've been lurking for a while........I've found this forum excellent for information so thanks to all for this

I have stage 1 next week and will be flying over from Ireland. Thing is I get into Southampton about 11am and my tests aren't until 2pm (just bad timing on the flights!!!). I was thinking of heading (by taxi) to Swanwick and getting some lunch around there, could anyone recommend a cafe or hotel in the area that does a decent lunch and where I could sit for an hour or two??

Or does anyone have other suggestions, would I be better off going into Southampton or an airport hotel for lunch and then getting a taxi over to NATS HQ? According to google maps its only about a 15min trip from airport to Whiteley, would that be about right in peoples experience?

Not familar with the area at all so any help would be much appreciated!!

There's a starbucks or something in CTC- I burned an hour or so in there for my s2...

Adamfearman and sf09
 

There is a shopping centre within walking distance. Get the taxi driver to drive to it before they drop you off at CTC. You will find shops, coffee shops etc should do for a few hours. There is a pub that does good food a bit further walk called the parsons collar. If you google both I'm sure you will find it.
Good luck with it.
Just booked stage 3 for 7th July. Just got back from visit to swanwick centre, brilliant time

Hatemyjob,

That's certainly the experience I had - OPQ completed, then the application form. Sounds normal to me!

Found out last week that I passed stage 3,couldn't be happier. I'm hoping to start on the area course in October providing I get through the medicals. I need to start looking into living in Bournemouth now, anyone got any advice on finding a place and what areas are worth looking at?

Jimmy780 - thanks for the info. Best of luck with Stage 3

Adamfearman - thanks also, my test is tomorrow so just doing the last bit of revision now!! Good luck with yours on Wednesday!!

Anyone else at Swanwick on Friday for S3?

ATC Hopeful,

Give the Strand on Westby Road a call. Best B&B IMHO.

ATC Hopeful,

Give the Strand on Westby Road a call. Best B&B IMHO.

same, i really wasn't expecting that, thought because id messed up a whole section I had no chance, when is your stage 3?

Found out today i passed stage 3. I had the interview on the 8th may and only just found out! Not really sure why, other than the person who let me know explained she'd be off work for the past few weeks and so i can imagine things had been getting back lodged.

Anyway, i'm through and will be booking the medical soon. How long do the medicals last roughly?

The NATS medical takes just over an hour usually. Hope that helps, and well done for passing Stage 3! Are you hoping to get onto the autumn course?

Parking?
 

Hi

I have my S2 on Thursday, could anyone advise if there is parking at the test centre or anywhere close to it?

Thanks

Yes, visitor parking at CTC is right outside the main entrance (don't worry about all the cars on the road, as there should be spaces).

paperclip - hopefully i will be starting on the oct course, thats the impression i was given at stage 3 as they said that'd prob be our course if we passed.

Thanks
 

Thanks Jonathan, much appreciated.

STAGE 2- O dear !!!
 

Just got back from my stage two, and now waiting for my unfortunately you have not made it email. For those who are yet to have it there isnt really anything you can do before. Its pretty fast pace, if anyone has any questions about whats on it give me a shout ! x :sad:

Yeah I got in too, congratulations, I said you'd be fine, have you been out to celebrate yet?

Pete

Stage 1 at Fareham
 

Hi all,

I have just applied online to NATS and have booked my stage 1 for 24th July at 12.30. First question would be does anyone know how long stage 1 lasts as i hope to get a flight up(to Scotland) in the evening but don't know what the best time would be! Also, i see there is a Travelodge in near Southampton centre for £35 for the night. Just wondering roughly how long it would take from there to the CTC? Can anyone help?

Also, it seems there have been recent changes to the selection process - could someone who has done stage 1 recently tell me what exactly is involved? (i know there's aptitude tests and an ATC paper, but what are they like and is that it or is there anything else you have to do during the day?) I have a good seven weeks yet but want to be well prepared so any help/advice is most appreciated!:)

Stage 1 at Fareham
 

Hi All,

Just applied online to NATS, got my stage 1 at Fareham on 24 July at 12.30. So question one is does anyone know how long the day lasts as i hope to catch a flight back up(to Scotland) in the evening, but don't know what time is best! Also, i see there is a travelodge near the centre of Southampton for £35, how long would it take to go from there to the CTC?

Also, it seems that recently the selection process was altered slightly, so just wondering if anyone who has done stage 1 recently could tell me exactly what is involved(i know there are aptitude tests and an ATC paper, but what are they like and is that it or is there anything else during the day?) I have seven weeks yet but want to be well prepared so any help/advice is most appreciated!:)