Shanwick
 

I have a preliminary interview for the radio officer position based in Ballygirreen next week.

I've done a lot of preparation so I feel I've covered a lot of topics but if anybody who has been through a similar process recently has any tips or is based down there and has any info that would be useful I'd really appreciate it.

I've heard conflicting reports on shift patterns, can anybody confirm the shift pattern?

The recruitment process spec sheet says the preliminary interview "is designed to determine which applicants have the basic aptitude and motivation to successfully complete the Aeronautical Radio Officer Training Programme and qualify as Aeronautical Radio Officers".

Does this mean there will be further aptitude tests given during the preliminary interview? Ie will they throw maths questions at me?

The position itself seems extremely interesting, communicating with flying machines across much of the North Atlantic and working with such interesting technology in doing so is way beyond cool. I feel I'd be well suited the the type of work and at this stage of my life completely motivated towards something that has long term security, not to mention the job itself. I also have no problem with the shift element or relocating, in fact I'd welcome it! So I feel I can tick alot of boxes except for my level of interest in general aviation. I have a basic interest in aviation but I cannot say hand on heart that I'm obsessed with it or even have a great knowledge of it outside of pop knowledge stuff. Will this be a problem? I'm not sure if they want aviation fanatics or not, although as I've said the job itself is really interesting.

Thanks.

The ATC forum would be a better place to ask this question.

Have a look at www.iaa.ie and under Quick Links select Recruitment Process For Aeronautical Radio Officers - it explains the whole process:ugh:

I have no professional involvement and am just a reasonably informed enthusiast. I'm not sure to what degree your preparation to date has involved reading up about North Atlantic flying, the track systems and communications arrangements and the system of oceanic clearances issued to aircraft. If you think that might be useful at this stage, here are a couple of sites you might want to look at:

Gander / Shanwick Oceanic - IVAO

http://www.nat-pco.org/nat/MNPSA/MNPSA_2008.pdf - there is a "communications procedures" section in this lengthy document

Hi Cosmo...

Check out this article and associated links.

Might be an idea to arrange to pop over for an afternoon for a visit; NATS permits such pre-interview visits for those who have applied for operational positions, perhaps the IAA may do likewise.

All going well, should be speaking to you on the phone in a couple of months.

Good luck.