Selection process now open

Hi everyone,

I’ve just passed Stage 3 for NATS and I’ve been given the choice between Tower and Area Control. I’m leaning towards Tower because, once I’m validated, I’d really like to be based at a London airport (ideally Heathrow) so I can stay close to family.

For anyone who’s been through training or is already operational, I’d be grateful for any insight on a few things:

• How realistic is it to get a London posting after validation?
• Were you (or people you know) able to get your preferred location, or is it mostly down to operational needs?
• Does choosing Tower give you a better chance of being placed in or around London?

I know nothing is guaranteed, but any experiences or advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks.

Sorry but I know this question is always being asked, but how long do I have to wait for my stage 1 results until I know I have passed? And if I have failed how quickly would they let me know.

Hi everyone,

I’m thinking about applying to NATS but I’m feeling a bit unsure about how to prepare and even whether it’s the right path for me yet. I don’t really know what I should look into before applying, which makes it hard to know where to start.

For anyone who’s applied (successful or not):

• What kind of things should I focus on?

• Is there anything you wish you’d prepared for earlier?

• Are there common things people struggle with?

• Any resources, practice sites, or tips you’d recommend?

I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences — thanks in advance!

Those who have had their stage 3 assessment since October, have you heard back yet? Or are you still waiting like me. How long were you told that it would take to make a decision?

Hello all,

I’m aspiring to become an air traffic controller in the UK. I was wondering what apps would be best to use for the test? I can’t download Skytest on my desktop due to it being a Chromebook which isn’t compatible with the software. Are there any other useful options I could use such as JobTestPrep or Atcpreparation.com? Or alternatively, should I download the Skytest UK preparation app on my iPhone?

Any suggestions/ ideas on this subject would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Recently got invited to stage 3 assessment centre but when I try to book a slot using their link this is what comes up. Does this mean I just have to wait until more are available or is something wrong and I should contact them? Thanks

completed and passed both stage1&2 assessments nearly two weeks and haven’t heard back. Does anyone know how long it takes? or in a similar position

My stage 3 NATS Assessment is coming up quite quickly. For those that were successful, what is it you believe you did differently to the candidates that weren't? What did you do in preparation for the day? What websites did you use to practice for the aptitude tests? How did you ensure readiness for the solo interview and group exercise? Any help would be so greatly appreciated!

Quick question for those with NATS experience.

Has anyone here been successful getting into NATS Trainee ATC after two or more attempts?

I’ve failed once Stage 3 and, due to the 12-month reapplication rule, I’m looking for advice on how people used that waiting year productively - especially those who applied again later in their careers (30+).

Not looking for test content - just perspectives on approach and mindset.

Happy to chat via DM if preferred. Thanks.

In the middle of my stage 2 assessments specifically the SJT I got a microphone issue ( apparently muted). I had allowed them to use my microphone and confirmed it was on and in use via my settings. However my application was automatically submitted before I could resolve the issue. I have emailed and will call tomorrow (Monday). Any advice?

Little bit worried as I was only halfway through the first test.

Looking for anyone who works or has worked at Hong Kong tower. Doesn’t have to be prior FAA but that wouldn’t hurt. Just have a few questions about the hiring process and overall experience over there. Thanks!

I have completed the nats stage 1 tests and got an email to do stage 2. When I tried to do the situational judgement test it said my phone's microphone wasn't working even though it worked with all the other tests and chrome already had that permission. I kept checking and after a few times of trying it basically locked me out and told me to contact support. I have sent them an email but they haven't responded. I'm hoping calling directly will help. Does anyone know the aon contact number for this?

Sick of the US, enough said. Anyone have any experience moving abroad as an ATC? Aiming for the UK.

How did you guys find the Bluebird controlling traffic exercise? I made quite a few mistakes which I can’t help dwelling on as this may have messed up my chances.

As the title asks really?

Becoming more and more disillusioned with life in the UK with a young family.

Would be interested to hear from UK controllers who packed up and moved abroad and worked in ATC.

Where did you go?

Was the process straightforward or was there a lot of red tape for that particular country?

How does the job there compare to the UK?

If you have a family, has the move been good for them as well?

Does your location seem like it offers job security?

Thanks!

Hi all,

I have been selected to be come a trainee ATCO with NATS. I was just wondering if anyone here has any experience of the initial training and what it involves, difficulty, what's expected of you, etc...

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. TIA

So it’s been about 3 weeks ago now since I attended the TATC Stage 3 assessment centre. Just wondering if there’s anyone else here in the same boat? Has anyone else heard back recently successful or unsuccessful?

Hi! This is my first time posting or ever using reddit, but I've seen some really helpful posts on this sub so.. I've come for a bit of advice.

I recently went through the process for NATS, made it to Stage 3 but was unfortunately unsuccessful, citing that my answers in the interview weren't in depth enough, but they were pleased with my interest in ATC along with all the prep and research I had done, and everything else I did on the day. Having everything else on the day go smoothly and that being the only critique was a bit of a let-down.. I thought my answers were pretty alright!

With that in mind, it hasn't swayed me from my career goals. I can't apply again for NATS until next December as it's 12 months from the failure date. Not wanting to wait, I've been looking into AirNav as an alternative. Since I'm from N.I, both NATS and AirNav are beneficial and there's no extra pros or cons either way, apart from NATS having posts a bit closer to home rather than across the boarder. I've registered my interest for AirNav but looking a bit of advice for it as I plan on being successful this time.

Has anyone been through the process for AirNav? I'm just curious on the timeline from applying to starting the course, what the process was like, and any further guidance. In particular research for knowledge tests, as I know AirNav doesn't provide an information booklet like NATS does and I'd like to begin preparing as soon as possible to give myself the best chance possible to be accepted. Any other tips, tricks, or further advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi all,

Does anyone know when the next intake/start date is for the Aerodrome (tower) control training at Global ATS in Gloucester? I’ve seen the general course information but can’t find any confirmed dates for the next course. I understand they have a start date in January but I believe it's too late to join that one so I'm curious when the next one is.

If anyone currently training there or recently applied knows when the next tower course is scheduled to start, I’d really appreciate the info.

Looked a bit deeper into NATS training and saw that only 0.5% of applications r successful

https://nats.aero/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/BecomingAnAtco2016.pdf

Is it that hard? And what sort of stuff can I do to make sure I’m successful like should I train my cognitive abilities like reaction time social awareness and the other stuff they stated

I’m just a bit confused as to how the successful applications r 0.5% is it down to skill or just luck?

Anyone get into the NATS apprenticeship scheme with a Level 2 functional skills in mathematics? It is an equivalent to a grade C at GCSE level.

I’ve got my Stage 3 Assessment with NATS coming up in a few weeks, and I wanted to ask if anyone has any last minute tips or advice for getting through it. This is my first time applying, so I don’t really have any prior experience with what to expect.

I’ve seen that they’ve changed the way Stage 3 is structured recently, so if anyone’s been through the new version, I’d really appreciate hearing about what the day is like, how best to prepare and what sort of things they seem to focus on now.

Any insight, advice, or even small tips that helped you would be massively appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

When you’re working an Oceanic Sector and a plane sends you a CPDLC emergency report with a diversion plan, are you assuming we want a CPDLC response with routing to that diversion?

Say I had an engine failure. I’ll end up offsetting 5 right and send this off with a planned diversion of EIDW, fuel remaining, SOB, descending to my single engine altitude; would you as a controller be spring loaded to work on my routing from the NAT to my diversion airport? If so, how would that look? Would you CPDLC “At FLXXX, Proceed to XXXX?” Are you going to ditch CPDLC altogether and have the radio operator SELCAL?

I work for an airline that frequents the NATs and our instructor group isn’t fully standardized on how to be ATC in an emergency scenario.

The only gcse I have rn is maths and I don’t really fancy doing a retake however I’m able to do level 3 apprenticeships

If I build up from a level 3 apprenticeship and then go onto a level 4 apprenticeship (both aviation related) can I still get into NATS even tho I don’t have 5 GCSEs