Wanna be ATC
 

hi all

I am planning to register to take up the ATC assessments. But I am all anixious and tensed... Can some one help me out..

1. How do I prepare in the first place... for the assessments... can anyone gimme the names of the books if any and online links..

Hi wbATC.

Firstly let me say, do apply! If its what you want to do, it will be a fantastic career!

Secondly, theres no need to be anxious (easier said than done, I know). I suppose I have the benefit of knowing what to expect, but I was like you on my 1st attempt. BTW, dont get negative because I'm saying I'm on my 2nd attempt...many get through on the 1st!

Now, as far as your prep goes, theres not an awful lot you can do really. The stage 1 tests are on simple maths (speed, distance, time calculations). All tests at this stage are multiple choice. Theres one to do with shapes, and theres a diagramming one. This one has a set of 'unfolded cubes' each with a patterned side. You basically have to build it in your head, and see which of the 4 possible answers is the right one.

The other test you take at stage one is based on some material that NATS will send you once you have applied. All you have to do is learn this well, as the possible answers are very similar.

There are a number of books available. Probably best you go into a shop to look through them rather than just buying online. But you'll want to look at any that are for psychometric testing. Also, NATS send you some practice material, which is very much worth going through to get used to their format.

I know the above may sound difficult or scary, but trust me its fine! Go into the test calm and relaxed, and you should have no problem!

Good luck if you decide to go through it!
binbrain

Hi Binbrain
Thank you so much for your timely response. It was really of great help indeed.

Can you suggest a few books to start wid?

A book for the math - Space Time Diatance.
For the Diagramming test
ANd for the REasoning test.

If i could put in more practice, I think i can gain more confidence.

CAn you please help. :)

Help Please
 

Hey ive my 1st stage this week and im panicing as i cant get all the details of the document in to my head, its just the type of aircrafts and FLs, speed ect do you have to have learnt them well aswell? The rest of the document isnt too bad its just that. please help any info on this is a great help

just categorize every plane into it's size (small, medium, big), no need to know exact numbers, just estimate them and categorize their route(transatlantic, european, domestic)

Hi binbrain and WbATC, have a look at skytest.com there you can find software designed for NATS prep which contains several modules for Diagramming, Reasoning... Maybe this will be interesting for you to pass the tests this time.

Thanks
 

Thanks very much al n peter griffin much appreciated :ok: hopefully all goes well thanks again

Jay79
 

I wonder why u would want to visit a Tower that's out of NATS control? Their 'skills' or should I say 'safety methods' might not be necessarily what NATS' preach so I think it's prudent to visit a NATS tower, understand and meet NATS people and get help from NATS in getting there!!

Just booked my stage 2 assessment for the end of the month. Slightly concerned about the FEAST tests, but doing what practice I can. And no I haven't purchased one of the 'Guides' that are out there.

SKOS

I disagree, any tower will have the same sfety ethos as a NATS run one - all safety aspects of the job are overseen by the Safety Regulation Group (SRG) of the CAA. The only differences from NATS you will see will be in the equipment and the terms and conditions of the people working there.

Contact Details
 

Hiya

Can someone pm me an email address for Nikki please or a phone number that works?

I've emailed the generic HR address and tried the phone but got nowhere. I'm trying to find out my start date.

Cheers

Putting Stage 1 date back
 

Hi guys, i have my Stage 1 booked for the 25th of this month but i'm going to have to put it back due to ongoing personal circumstances. I have already out it back 5/6 times already, will this affect my application at a later stage? i.e. Will they bring it up in an interview? Also, how long do you think i should give myself to revise/prepare for my Stage 1 from scratch? Thanks.

SKOS,
all U.K. civilian ATCOs are licenced by the Safety Regulation Group of the Civil Aviation Authority.
The standards they set are minima, so the ATC staff at, say, Bournemouth or Blackpool should be as good as those at Gatwick or Glasgow.
Any ATC visit, (including those made to military ATC units), is time well spent if you are serious on a career in Air Traffic Control.

Elandel
 

Elandel, the bigger picture I am trying to bring across is that it's far better to visit a NATS' controlled tower considering one could meet future colleauges there and also talk about 'NATS' stuff' which should be more relevant in an interview setting if NATS is the organisation you wish to work with.

The 'safety methods' or 'skills' or 'equipment' was just a matter of reference but thanks for your contribution - ZOOKER as well for clarifying it.

Pre stage 1 Online Tests
 

Hi all,

This is my second attempt at applying and things have changed since I last did it. Have just spent time going through the last few months of posts on here (as I figure the change is quite recent) but can't find an answer.

I have sent in my application and received an email asking me to complete some online tests. Can anyone tell me what to expect from the tests? The website says "This will involve checking information, and completing a personal questionnaire". What does this mean and how long does the process take?

Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks!

Process takes 20 min and involves checking test and simple arithmetics test (both timed). No need to be afraid ot them, just do them.

Skytest Disc
 

Hi, i am selling my skytest disc that i no longer need if anyone is interested, it cost me £50 i will take £25. thanks

Re: Skytest Disc
 

I could be tempted to take it off your hands Ginnersam. Did you find it useful?

Visit to a Control Tower
 

Hello All,

I am trying to arrange a visit to a control tower to increase my understanding of ATC prior to an interview. I have searched the internet and have read through the last 25 pages of this forum thred but I have not found the name or contact details of anyone to contact. Could anyone who has visited an airport site, and has an email address / telephone number help me. I would prefer details of Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff or Bristol due to my location but any site would be fine.

Thank you

SkyTest Disc
 

Ginnersam, how has the disc helped you ?