ATCO Training
 

I dont know if anyone can help me but I am currently trying to follow my dream and become a controller. Does anyone have any paper work or know of how to get hold of trining notes for learning to control? I am planning on doing my courses next year and was just after some notes to read up on before I start.

Well, the 'bible' for UK ATC is the CAP493 (it is online at the CAA's website, type CAP493 is the search box, or even Google it).

Also, I'd imagine that whoever you're doing your training with will have some pointers of any study you can do beforehand.

The danger is getting too deep into the very dry publications without any interpretation for lecturers/instructors, and causing more confusion than help.

Thanks, i will have a look at that. I am currently a military assistant so have some knowledge and plenty of people to ask if things dont make sence.

dreamer24. There are no notes for "learning to control".. Studying for a UK ATC Licence is akin to a University degree with many different subjects. Follow Gonzo's advice and I hope you're not in for too much of a shock!

Good luck....

Reading the MATS 1 while not involved in training might also well put you off the idea, as it comes across as very dry.. try to get some visits and stuff in so you can see how it all fits together in real life rather than just from the rule book. I'd say that visits were as valuable as some bookwork prior to starting, especially from a mentality point of view :)

Timelaps,

Thanks, i do have a few visits organised and plan to go to some more aswell. I dont think the mats part 1 will put me off, i understand its not going to be easy but its what i really want to do and when i set my mind on something i do it.

Dreamer24
Thanks for your kind comment - your last post was fascinating, not least because both myself & 'the tea lady' could read it out loud together @ first sight ! 55 out of a hundred , eh ? ! :ok:
I started learning about ATC in the late 60's simply by listening to RT [but see appropriate thread on that ;) ] - nowadays there's quite a few good books on the subject but I'm not sure if Forum rules let me name them (advertising ?)
Feel free to PM me for info
Good luck

Have to agree with Timelapse here.
I had about 9 months before I started college after passing the assessments and read MATS1 and found it very dry and confusing. Graham Duke's book is good and swatting up on a/c recognition and stats would be useful. The Trevor Thom PPL book on Meteorology is also very good.
Just realised I presumed you were applying to NATS???
As above, feel free to PM with any questions:ok:

Why presume such a thing? There are other ATC training agencies in the UK. :ok:

Rodan,

On realising my folly at such a presumption I could have deleted the post but decided to leave it anyway in case it was NATS. I am aware that NATS isn't the centre of the universe(or is it?!!?)/ :ok:

good to see censorship is working well on this forum