Same here.. Travelled on te train from manchester so bit of a pain! Stuck at Basingstoke waiting for next train now but enough time to get to the hotel and throw some more revision in!

Best of luck guys,

Stage 1
 

Hi there, would just like to thank everyone for the posts have been very helpful.
I have my stage 1 tests on the 24 January and am doing al the revision I can.
Jus a quick post as I have heard there are maths questions in the stage 1 tests but did not see any verification in the email, could anyone confirm this please?
Thanks and good luck :)

Stages
 

Hello everyone,

My name is Dusan, and i am finishing my high school this year. My whole life is about aviation and i want to become pilot or ATCO.

I have few questions for you.
1) Would you recommend finishing college and then applying to ATC training on no.

2) Could anyone please explain me the stages for NATSA.

Thank you very much.
Kind Regards
Dusan Pavlovic

Hi guys and gals.

I recieved an email inviting me to stage one assessment and I am basically asking the same questions written by jbba94 back in December. Emphasis on the 'websites/books/games/methods or whatever that helped' section. Sorry if this is an annoying repetitive post, but jbba94 worded it just about right. Thanks in advance :ok:

''Hi,

I've been invited to a stage one assessment and I'm hoping for some confirmation on what to expect.

I've trawled through pages however there seems to be some contrasting information.

In the practice leaflet provided, there is some basic checking questions. However some people on here have said they aren't in the test. Can anyone who has done stage one recently either confirm or deny this?

From what I've understood, there will be:

ATC paper, multiple choice based on the 25 page document provided

Basic Checking
Spatial Reasoning
Diagramming
Maths test(?)

All of the above bar the Maths section are included as examples in the practice leaflet. Does that leaflet contain all the types of tests or is there more that aren't listed?

Also, if anyone wants to share any websites/books/games/methods or whatever that helped them prepare and understand the selection tests it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.''

Stage 1
 

Had stage 1 today. I can't say too much but here we go.

Out of around 38 only 7 made it past the first test. To be frank, this is insane.
If you learn the handout as you are told to do you will pass. The maths questions are basic and you should be able to have at least an educated guess if you are not to hot on maths. My only real advice is that if you have not learnt the handout come test day ask to rearrange to a later date. This was also the advise of the assessor.

As to the other tests, I found them pretty tough. I managed 39/50 on diagramming. I know I was being too careful, I even triple checked an answer which takes up too much time. The best advice for that is don't doubt yourself. If you are 80-90% sure that is fine, move on.

I answered 39/40 cubes. I felt strong on most of these but by the last 2 or 3 I felt my brain melt and drip out of all the holes on my head.

I would say I am a pessimistic 50/50 so I will let you know.

Good luck to those that have yet to try, and as above, learn the booklet.

Out of around 38 only 7 made it past the first test. To be frank, this is insane.

Why?

It is insane because NATS provide you with a booklet that has all of the answers, with the exception of a few questions such as maths and a couple of distances.

I just found it shocking that so many people had the energy to travel a long way to sit a test which they didn't prepare for.

However, the fact I passed that tiny part of the selection process may be of no relevance as I was not too confident after the second tests.

Overall process time
 

Hi all.
Have my stage 1 interview on the 29th just wondering what the overall time frame is between stage 1 to starting training (if i was to be succesful ha).

Thanks in advance.
Kieran

I came back to Sweden an hour ago, had my Stage 1 Test today as well. Gutted to say the least. Studied like a fool since december - in addition with the help of my one parental (ATCO).

Particularly blows when you travel over-seas, that flight back is pretty funnsies!

In regards to the actual test, I should have had a better time management as my downfall was leaving the three last questions unanswered. Silly mistake. :ugh:



Congrats to you select few that made it through though :ok:

Good Luck
 

Good Luck to everyone who is taking their tests!

And I hope that those who took it, did great on it :) :ok: :ok:

Quote : "I should have had a better time management as my downfall was leaving the three last questions unanswered. Silly mistake."

Not sure if serious...

Malakajin, problem?

Ahhhh it is you! I met you yesterday, I was the one wearing the red shirt!

But yes completely agree, I studied that booklet like mad, at the end of the day if they give you something to learn, your gunna learn it! But can't believe how many people failed it!

Not sure about the other tests yet though will just have to wait and see!

drunkenbozo, the first test was based (somewhat loosely) on the ATC hand-out they email you in the confirmation letter. The predominant questions are in relation to that file. However there were certain parts slightly left-field, if you have only been focusing on the material they send you.

Ex. " What is the distance from London to Brussel?" , "Two aircraft approaching each other head-on.." - type scenarios. "Define ILS"

General "geographical distance" between countries could be quite pivotal to brush up on. The usual speed/distance/time as mentioned previously will be involved. I thought I had done quite sufficient background re-search on NATS, yet there were still questions I was unsure of.

I apologise if this has been asked 1000 times before, but I did read the last 70 pages of this thread and couldn’t find the info I needed.

I’ve just sent my application off yesterday and received the automated email asking me to take the online SHL tests. Can some kind person just let me know what kind of test they are (verbal/numerical reasoning, personality tests ect)? There's an incredible amount of information on NATS and this thread about the 3 stage assessment but I can't find a thing about what is required for these tests. I’d feel very silly brushing up on my verbal/numerical reasoning for 6 days only to find that it’s just a personality questionnaire or something. I did call up NATS to ask but I just got the response of “You’ll know when you start” (why so cryptic?). After 10 minutes of trying to explain that I just wanted to know what type of test it was I gave up. Also I’m a little scared to click the link in case that starts the test and there’s no going back. Could someone please shed a little light on this?

ajfaccini

I though that may have been you. I'm already bricking it each time I get an email. I think the fact you got 42 on the diagramming has made me doubt my chances but we will see. Do you have any idea how they mark it i.e is it a 70% threshold or something similar?

Good luck anyway mate!

The test wasn't based loosely on the booklet, it was based exactly on the booklet with about 3 questions about speed=distance/time and a few about geographical distances etc which from doing research on the test i knew to expect.

Everything else from the test was in the booklet sent out by nats that they told you to learn.

Hence why I wrote "somewhat loosely". Everything was not in the booklet, as been covered in this thread before. Primarily yes, as bloody mentioned. Calm your t*, my experience might have been different to yours ajfaccini!

Stage 1
 

Is the ATCO paper a multiple choice test???

@Greendotz

When they said "you'll know when you start" they really do mean that. If you click on the link it tells you exactly what you need to do, and you can close out of it and get back into it at any time. I waited two days after clicking on the link before even doing the little test. There is even a practice test you can do as much as you like.

All the test is is a "reaction time" test. You're given a series of characters like: "GHJXCZ" and on the right you're given a list of about five or so similar ones, with one out of those five being the same as the one on the left. You have 9 seconds to select it. After each round of 5 questions the time limit drops down to 8 and so on until you only have 5 seconds to answer them.

Thanks Drunkenbozo, that’s good to hear as I kind of have a psychological fear/block when it comes to ‘verbal reasoning’ tests. I once missed out on a great job opportunity due to failing it on the assessment day, to rub salt into the wound I’d already passed the VR online and aced the interview and presentation, so to fail at something silly like that was very disheartening. To know that I won’t have to look forward to one of those is a relief :D

Greendotz:

Click it. There's about 500 pages to go through before you actually get to the test. There's also a practice section which you can do as many times as you like before attempting the real one. It's nearly identical to the actual thing however they're the same questions every time

AnnaEmillia:

Where you the girl in the orange top with blonde hair?

I can't believe how far you had to travel. Will you try again next year?

"drunkenbozo",
hardly the best choice of call-sign, considering the current NATS drugs and alcohol policy.
Nevertheless, all the very best.

Went down for my stage one yesterday, the 7th.

Like people have stated before, quite shocking how many failed the initial test.

I went in at 11.15 with 26 other candidates, 15 of these failed to get past the first test. I'm not the best when it comes to revision as I lose motivation easily and watching tv or doing anything but revising always seems appealing. If anything I felt I had underprepared, but thats just me.

Like I say, the first test, "Motivational Paper", is the one variable you can control. If you're not willing to put in the effort or absorb the information then you're just gonna be wasting your own time! Its as straight-forward as you come the first test.

The psychometric tests are the point where you either have the capabilities to do it, or don't. This is what I'm waiting for the results of.

Oh and one more thing, when you get there, enjoy yourself! Have a laugh. So many people seemed scared to breath! Me and this other guy just had a good laugh and both made it to the end, being relaxed can only help.

Good luck!

@Malakajin - I am not sure how someone is to reason your reaction and comment to "Not sure if serious" to AnnaEmilia. In this case, she/he has a little time issue/concern; and yes, here (in the ATC industry) TIME is a primary field and is to be used wisely. Clearly you (Malakajin) couldn't manage to sit in the hot seat of Approach if your reacting like a 5 year old towards a STUDENT who is applying to this program, grow a pair of "NATS" I would say.

Regarding to the little booklet conspiracy. Some of you sort of make it the booklets fault, however in this case; like most of you mentioned, it's not (even close) to the run to success, it's a hint, but not a direction from A to B. ATC division is so extremely complex, and it requires loads of understandig/reputition/reasoning to the questions and scenarios. Do not let this pull you down for those of you that have applied and fell through. This is one of the most prestigious/hardest ATC programs in the world. There are loads of difference ways/paths.:ok:

LOVE TO YOU ALL

HELLO
 

Hi everyone, i have just registered and have been reading through the threads, is anyone going to the interview on 16th January?

AnnaEmilli,

What sort of questions did they ask on the specific aircraft?

If you recall you were all asked at the outset NOT to discuss any element of the interview process or content of the papers. Also, I would suggest that as several test papers exist then the specific questions are indeed irrelevant... Your paper/questions will be different from the next class. If you can't be bothered to actually learn and develop your own skills then you should withdraw your application. If you can't do simple speed / distance / time calculations, or indeed don't know basic aviation terms then Tesco is maybe a better option for you. NATS HR monitor this site daily, so user names like "drunkenbozo" I really think is foolhardy := :eek: IMHO. This thread is full of advice and tips, 95.876% (approx) are rubbish. The simple fact of the matter is thus: LEARN IT. If you can't do this you have no chance at the College. NATS have deliberately set out the process to spring surprises, WOW !!! Didn't see that coming !!!!! Does that mean you'll not see the fast jet moving across your screen heading towards your B737. For those who haven't realised it yet. It's ALL part of the process, including this thread I have to say !!!

Well, yet harsh, said. For those who are passionate aviation enthusiasts, I think your words will not re-direct them to Tesco...

...they still exist then do they?

oh, yes. They're everywhere! Tesco store locator, opening times, and store details

...nice one,made me chuckle....ta for the link,already got the app however :ok:

@ARNSpoty

Ok let me put if otherwise in a more polite manner . If you dont do the booklet test , in my option and in 100% of others , you do not belong here . I'm arrogant , you caught me , sorry ! By no means , really by no means , you're relplying to my post and then in your next phrase, you're supporting it . Of course in this job TIME is a valuable asset , and trust me if you don't have it , you can go somewhere else (I would say where but then again more drama) . I'm pretty sure if you work as an ATC you know you can't stay in front of the judge saying " I needed 10 more seconds to separate the planes , which i didn't so they crashed over EGLL terminal , sorry" ... Spare me pls and go play some more sims .. Have you ever sat on a Nats assessment day 1? If you did , and you argue with me....

...this bloke's a giggle isn't he?:8

@ARNspoty

i have to stick with malakajin on this one really ... he did nothing wrong except considering that is "......" not to finish 3 questions in part1 of day 1 .... *cough* i did it in 11 minutes . If i had prepared for this long and my dad was an ATCO .... well I'll be a stripper anyways , f... it !!1 :))

on the other hand i can understand you aswell ... are you working as an ATC in a country that has these 3 cities : Madrid , Barcelona and OHFU...IMFLYING OVERSPAIN? :))) ..seeing that your location is rwy 25L I have to give this to you ... really consider it cause you might regret one day . MOVING PROPELLERS RIP OFF HEADS !!! or taking in consideration the same assumption ( the one with location cause you might "don't have time" to figure it out ) I think you're a handler who didnt have time to finish the first test for NATS !!! (( or didn't pass the online test ( and to be a little more harsh , maybe you didn't get invited to one )).

@malakajin - I am not defending anyone, rather stating the obvious. You really do not have to shove your irony in my face, i get it. To be quite frank with you, I only read one post from you, regarding you reaction to one candidate, and I just thought it was an unnecessary move, reacting like that towards a student; trying to apply. If you're now a ATC yourself, or have the slightest idea what you are talking about, you should tackle it more in a sophisticated manner ( and if not, you can describe it in any way you wish, but i just believe this is the wrong thread for this.)
Regarding the booklet, i didn't see that you mentioned anything about it, I was just answering to the latest inputs. Now if we both agree on that, well than hurray!! "Holy quote" The booklet is not all.

@bassreflx - I agree with him as well, but I believe that the ways of confronting students that has just failed a test, is a little out of tip. Point proven, one doesn't have to rub it in someones face, unless...nah i'll leave that because then "too much drama will abrupt". I am a child to two that are ATC's, who operates at one of the most congested and expanding airports in the world, whilst teaches it, so I have ATC up my end. Well, the RWY 25L is one of the most congested in the world; EDDF, but close... I have not failed the test, I have not applied, and I havn't even considered getting in to ATC (and if it makes you happy, maybe i'm not even capable of being one....), since another field in Aviation is keeping my interest. And if you really think that your words are any clever about me being a handler or whatever; or if you're just trying to be one of those tough PPRuNe'er, you're wrong.
And if you're seeking credits for making it in 11 minutes, than congratz to you and all the best.

Ciao

I think we got too far sorry . I am really sorry and I think bass will be too . Considering you've never sat that exam i'll just state it for you from my PoV ( and i wasnt rubbing nothing in annas face by the way i really thought she s kidding ) . The exam is VERY easy if you really learn what NATS gave you , and I mean it . It's very easy ! But considering she did all that learing and having someone in the family which is an ATCO ( my gosh , we all wanna have one ) it was kind of VERY weird to hear that from her
! ....btw ARN is the IATA code for Papua new guinee airport and i thought you re an ATC ( considering you were talking bout approach too ) and trust me .. 25L from Frankfurt is by far the most congested rwy in europe , not mentioning the world

Giggles galore tonight😄 At least M had the grace to retract.Anything from Bx yet? Tw~t!

Maybe we have...The attribute/applying tests i do have some knowledge of how they work, but not how they influence you in the hot seat.
And now if a attribute test for NATS was so EASY for you, then you do really sit on some talent:D (my gosh, wouldn't we all want to have that)
Now even if she/he did have ATCO in the family, maybe the aviation enthusiasm flame was burning as much as it did for others (more interest, easier road to success). I said it and i'll say it again, an ATCO is one of the toughest jobs out there. If one could just go into PPruNE and get the "answers" for the interview, Avherald would be over flooded of events.

oh lord....Still busier than SOU i guess and ARN is ESSA = Stockholm Arlanda

Ciao