Yeah, they got me on that one, I was so close as well!

I doubt you'll find many answers to that question, I'm afraid.:}

Does anyone know if theres anything out on the net that can simulate the computer test in stage 3 NATS?

Also does anyone know if this is similar to the system that Airways NZ uses?

there isnt any computer testing at stage 3:confused:

Sorry this one.

Is the information in this link true?

BBC NEWS | Business | Clearance to land

Out of every 100 who apply, only 1 gets on the training course?

I think that may be referring to there being 3 parts to the Stage 2 day - being the motivational exam, the hr interview and the computer tests. There isn't any computerised testing at the 3rd and final selection event at this time.

However that quote is pretty accurate for the tests at stage 2...

Stage 3 Interview Preparation
 

So, I've made it to stage 3, what form do the interviews take? What are they going to ask? Anything I can do to prepare? Besides visit a tower...


Any help appreciated,

Cheers

So basically, it's going to be solid. And it's probably all going to go horribly wrong? Nice. Is this feeling of not being good enough got any base? Or is it just a feeling?

I.e, if you feel like you're not getting in, is that the case?

Ah yes, the thankfully infrequently-quoted response: "Well, I read the answer to that question on PPRuNe!"

:ugh:

<cue much rubbing of hands....> :E

Could I ask the people who have recently had their stage 1s if they felt that the talk and discussion with the 'ATCO' present was useful to them?

Recently, trainees have been sent down as opposed to qualified controllers to give a more "real" insight into what is to come for those going through - did you find that useful, or would you have preferred a discussion with someone more experienced who's been doing the job for years?

Just curious to get some feedback as I was doing the stage 1 in London recently as a trainee.

I have recently done my stage 1 in Manchester, and thought that the chat we had with the trainee was good.

In my opinion, he was possibly in a better position to describe the stages, training, college, etc than someone who had done it 10-15 years ago.

Possibly having someone experienced to talk about the job might be something worthwhile at a later stage, maybe to prepare you for interview, etc.

I'm due for my Stage One have swotted up as much as I can (!) on all of the information sent at: http://natscareers.co.uk/docs/test_m! aterials.doc ...for the "motivational questionnaire". But what does the motivational questionnaire actually set out to do? Is it a test of how interested you really are in order to remember all of the information given in the document or is it personality-based too? What format does it take?

Thanks.

Part 1
A motivation interview with an HR person where they ask you loads of scripted questions and you give as much or as little detail as you feel, but the HR person can't deviate from the script so you have to judge it yourself.

Part 2
A knowledge test where you answer some multi-choice questions based on the booklet they provided you a link to for Stage 2. Remember things like a/c types and NATS airports, codes etc. but also be prepared to do some simple maths re. headings, airspeeds and flight times etc. No rush on this as there's more than enough time to complete, unlike the Stage 1 tests.

Part 3
The infamous and dreaded computer tests. Using an old BBC type monitor and a task specific keyboard (which has similarities with the keyboards used in Area Control Centres) with abcde buttons for each hand, a numberpad and some selection buttons. You have a few different tasks, all simple in theory but made complex by the high workload and quick speed required. Things like making moving numbers avoid each other by selecting one to 'destroy', categorising objects and numbers depending on a set of rules, but these rules can change mid game so be observant. Also, they might ask you to do this with one hand whilst at the same time answering maths questions with the other (sadly you only have one brain to use and very limited time)


Wait, I thought it was only Motivational paper, meeting with atcos spatial reasoning and numerical reasoning at stage 1?

I think that refers to the parts of Stage 2, as opposed to the three stages. (i.e., Stage 1 has the spatial reasoning, atco meet and motivation test, Stage 2 has the three parts mentioned above, and Stage 3 has god-knows-what)

Just received my email confirming passing the questionnaire. I now have to fill in the online application form. Is it a basic app form, or do I have to prepare the usual app form questions. Is there any way I can start it, then save it to carry on later if some of my answers need more draft work, etc.

Thanks

Hello, does anyone have any idea what percentage you have to get on the motivation paper at stage 2 to pass it? Thanks.

70 per cent or over I believe.

Hey people, I have my stage 2 in Hampshire on the 15th October. I was just wondering if there is a way to get to the HQ from southampton airport at about 11am other than jumping in the nearest taxi?

Stage 1 process help???
 

hi guys i would just like to ask few questions on the the first stage process of the nats recruitment process.. this is the second time i am actually applying to nats first time i didnt do too well cause i was really busy with my university exams and i didnt get through..

This time my exam is on the 9th of october and i have been preparing for the test for a while. how much do i need to look into the text booklet i mean the documentation, and wat is that i need to memorise to pass the exam???

last time wen i sat the test i remember answering question on the distance between the airports for example (wats the mileage between Heathrow and Manchester ?) and this information is not in the booklet how how we suppose to know?? iwas quite confused guys so thats y asking very basic question

plz get back to me asap and i will really appreciate ur effort!!!

thankx

saadpro27

Anything in the document can come up in the test, so know it all!

As for the question on the distance between airports, I don't remember one in the test I did. However, as I remember, it is multiple choice and therefore I would imagine that out of the 4 choices, one of them would be screamingly obvious?

i.e. Distance from Manchester to London (I don't know the official answer myself however I would imagine it's something like this)

a) 20 miles
b) 200 miles
c) 1000 miles
d) 2000 miles

Common sense maybe? It's not too hard to figure out. Learn UK geography and ROUGH distances. Instructors at the college have told me they get so frustrated when people turn up and haven't got a clue where certain places are (not exactly, but the vicinity...)

Hope that helps.

thankx for the reply.

i know its obvious but the reason i ASKED THE QUESTION is that where is this stuff in the booklet? i couldnt find it!! but i guess we need to look out for these things!!

never mind thankx

well without sounding patronising, i think the point watch_the_birdie is striking it is that you shouldnt expect to have all the information handed to you on a plate... ATC is about spatial awareness and some geography amongst other things. I suspect the multiple choice options were similar to those deatailed, and you should be able to work out which one is the most likely answer.

They teach you a lot at the college but you have to come in with some common sense and knowledge, which i would consider knowing where the major cities in the UK to be. maybe thats just me though...

anyway, seeing as you know that came up last time, you'll be better prepared this time right?

NATS interviews are easy or is it just me being so clever and far more intelligent than everyone else. BHX stand by to be taught how to control correctly :=

feonagh,

You could take the train from Southampton airport to Swanwick station and get a taxi from there (or walk if you feel like exercise). Far cheaper than a taxi for the whole journey.

Good luck

I remember a Law question that was on my basic Law exam,it required you to know that Newcastle was more than 40km away from Norwich, if you did, you would realise that a flight plan would be required as the aircraft was IFR and weighed over 7500kg MTOW (please don't quote me on those figures!)

So a basic knowledge of worldwide geography is required and is expected of trainees starting the college.


Good luck to you all.

I just did !

Yep, that question came up in our Law exam also. Obviously a favourite....

not to mention the one about "aircraft flies from Bournemouth to Norwich IFR, what flight level should it fly.... a- 50 b- 55 c- 60 d-65"

I also remember one in 2nd stage motivation paper that asked about ICAO designators..... eg, "the ICAO codes EGLL, EGPD, EGNJ & EGSH represent which airports?" then listing 4 lots of 4 airports, some different, some just in a different order etc (note, not the same question as I had, but answers on a postcard to.........)

Hi,

After what i can only say was a terrible third stage interview i have just found out that i have failed to make the cut to get into college the first time around. However my query is whether i am able to re-apply from the date of my intial application, or from the date of my last interview. This would make a big difference for me as i applied in april and that would be much more bearable period to wait.


Thanks.

Thanks for the travel information Ganonman! :ok:

Stage 3 Help!!
 

I've got my stage 3 Interview coming up in a few weeks and wanted to know what to expect on the day.

I've read most of the info that people have posted....so thanks everyone!!.....but I've read that there is some kind of game as part of the group exercise?? if so, do the games vary or is it the same?

And with regards to the interview....I've read the two packs that came for the last two stages and been on a visit to Swanwick.....does anyone suggest anything else I could be doing from now until my interview that will help??

Hi, thanks for all the useful information on here!
I have just taken my stage 1 tests and was wondering if anybody can link me to what we have to learn for the stage 2 tests? I wanted to get learning as soon as possible, in case i get through and then get a date to go that is very soon.
Thankyou

I really need to know whther i can erapply from the date of intial entry (when i sent my application to NATS), or from the date f my last stage. Ive been unable to make it through to NATS training related phoneline and im eager to find out as the ramifications of each outcome is massive.

not native english speaker
 

Hi,
I just had my stage1 test yesterday. And want to ask someone who passed stage2, if there is a disadvantage if you are not native english speaker. If i pass stage1 I just want to know if i need to worry about my english. I can speak fluent and understand the maind content, but sometimes you just get stuck... Especially in very important situations. I've been living in england just more than a year....
:cool:

I am preety sure you can re apply after a year from your INITIAL application.

Anyone know of any decent hotels around the Fareham area. Got my stage 2 end of this month, but gonna have to stay overnight.

How far is it from Portsmouth. Would it be easy to get to for 9am from Portsmouth or should I stay a bit closer??

Thanks.

Is there anybody here who either works at Swanwick or knows a contact there that I could email/phone to get a day there and listen in?

I am 18 and have just taken the 1st stage of selection and am awaiting the results with my fingers crossed!

Thankyou