atc d2 - how 2 become...flying has long been a dream of humanity. most ancient cultures had some...

An Air Traffic Controller

The Insider’s Guide

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Orders: Please contact How2become Ltd, Suite 2, 50 Churchill Square Business Centre, Kings Hill, Kent ME19 4YU.

Telephone: (44) 0845 643 1299 - Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm. Fax: (44) 01732 525965. You can also order via the e mail address [email protected].

ISBN: 978-1-907558-18-4

First published 2010

Copyright © 2010 how2become Ltd.

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CONTENTS

IntroductIon v

chapter 1 An Introduction to the Aviation Industry 1

chapter 2 The Role of the Air Traffic Controller 5

chapter 3 More Information About Being an Air Traffic Controller 11

chapter 4 Aviation Regulatory Bodies 23

chapter 5 Training to Become an Air Traffic Controller 27

chapter 6 Finding a Job As An Air Traffic Controller 43

chapter 7 The Air Traffic Controller Application Process 57

chapter 8 The Interview Process and Sample Interview Questions 69

chapter 9 Useful Links and Resources 83

chapter 10 Sample Test Questions 89

Index 144

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INTRODUCTION

Aviation has changed the world, without a doubt. While the aviation industry might have only been in existence since the early 1900s, it has had an amazing effect on every aspect of life, from manufacturing to correspondence, from travel to business.

In fact, aviation has become such an integral part of modern life that it is impossible to imagine what life would have been like if early pioneers had not taken the steps they did. An excellent example of just how vital air travel has become to the modern world is the Iceland volcano and the tremendous difficulties the eruptions in 2010 caused.

Through the years, aviation has grown from a novelty to a necessity. During that growth, the industry has changed im-mensely. Once, flight required nothing more than a lengthy strip of relatively flat ground. However, as time went on, more and more planes took to the skies. This created a need for skilled individuals to provide some measure of control. Today, even small airports need air traffic controllers as well as advanced electronic equipment to ensure safety and or-ganisation on the tarmac.

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how2become an Air Traffic Controller: The Insider’s Guide vi

Thanks to the birth of aviation, the world is a better, more connected place. In addition, that growth has fuelled the creation of new jobs. Of course, pilots are needed. Airline cabin crew teams are necessary. Ground crews are vital. However, one of the most important positions in the industry is that of the air traffic controller. Few other individuals have such an impact on the day-to-day operations of airports around the UK (and the globe).

Today, the role of air traffic controller can be a very reward-ing one, as well as a lucrative career choice. With the right training and the right mindset, you can be a tremendous success in this field. What do you need to know to become an air traffic controller? Where do you start? This book is designed to help you understand the requirements, identify possible courses of study and even help you land a job as an air traffic controller. Whether you are venturing into the industry for the first time, or are already an experienced controller looking for additional resources, this book is for you. 78

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this guide is accurate at the time of publication. How2become Ltd and their authors cannot accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions within this guide, however caused. No responsibility for loss or damage occasioned by any person acting, or refraining from action, as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by How2become Ltd.

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CHAPTER 1AN INTRODUCTION TO

THE AvIATION INDUsTRy

Before you launch into a full exploration of the world of air-craft control, a bit of background information about aviation in general will be helpful. In this chapter, you will learn a bit more about the birth and evolution of the aviation industry, as well as how the role of air traffic controller came about in the first place.

The BIRTh oF AvIATIon

Flying has long been a dream of humanity. Most ancient cultures had some form of flying god or goddess. Folk tales and myths speak of beings trying to fly, such as Icarus and his disastrous escape from Crete, and how his flight ended when he travelled too close to the sun. However, flight was not the subject of myth and mythology alone. Great minds throughout history have tackled the problem of taking to the skies. Even the great Leonardo da Vinci sketched out plans for several different flying machines, though there is no proof

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how2become an Air Traffic Controller: The Insider’s Guide 2

that any of these were ever built, much less actually took to the skies. Gliders were invented and flown during the mid-1800s, but they were largely unsuccessful and did not have any power source. The advent of true flight did not come about until the turn of the century.

The birth of aviation had to wait until the 20th century. In the early 1900s, at a place called Kittyhawk, North Carolina, humans first took to the skies in heavier-than-air flight. The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, made this spot the birthplace of aviation with their first flight. The first powered flight in the history of the world took place on 17th December 1903 and lasted for a total of 12 seconds. The same day, the Wright brothers’ plane took to the skies three additional times. This inauspicious start heralded the entrance of humanity into the skies.

The evoLUTIon oF AvIATIon

The era before WWI was filled with possibilities. Other aviators took to the skies of the world, with many different aircraft designs. Aircraft began to take on something of their modern form during the Great War, and some of these biplanes can still be seen in aviation museums and air shows around the globe.

Between WWI and WWII, the world of aviation advanced considerably. This was the era of Charles Lindbergh, Alcock and Brown, and Amelia Earhart. By the time of WWII, aviation had evolved considerably from the early days when Alexander Graham Bell experimented with tetrahedrons and the Wright brothers managed flight for just seconds at a time. In fact, aircraft of all different types played a decisive role in WWII, both for the Allies and for the Axis.

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3Chapter 1 An Introduction to the Aviation Industry

By the time of WWII, city-to-city flight had been relatively well established in both the UK and in America, as well as many other nations around the world. In fact, the first city-to-city flight was recorded in 1910, with passenger flight beginning soon thereafter and the first municipal airport opening in 1911.

In 1914, the first scheduled airline was created, in the US state of Florida, from the city of Tampa to Saint Petersburg. The first multi-stop airline came about in 1919, with transcontinental airmail service beginning in 1920 (in America).

Throughout this entire period, the public’s view on flying was a bit less than enthusiastic, but it was wavering. Familiarity with aircraft made people more willing to take to the skies. As more people began to enjoy the convenience of flying, the need for more advanced systems, controls and better personnel on the ground grew.

The need for Air Traffic Controllers and evolution Within the Industry The exceedingly rapid growth of the aviation industry necessitated the development of controllers. In fact, air control began as early as 1919, when ICAN was developed (International Commission for Air Navigation). This body developed rules for air traffic, and procedures for the operation of airports in nations around the world.

More planes in the air meant a greater likelihood of accidents. The need for skilled personnel on the ground, in constant communication with pilots (when radio made this possible) and other control systems emerged early on.

The early air traffic control systems would be almost unrecognisable to modern day controllers. For instance, the early systems were little more than maps and blackboards, used to track the flight paths of the various aircraft from the control tower.

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In addition, there was no radio in the early days. Rather, controllers had to use a telephone to call dispatchers, airway radio operators and others. In WWII, air traffic controllers began using radio to stay in contact with pilots of aeroplanes and after the end of the war, radar came to be used to help track aircraft, replacing the “shrimp boats” and blackboards of the early days.

During the post-war years, the beginnings of modern air traffic control can be glimpsed. However, today, the systems for monitoring air traffic, as well as remaining in communication with pilots, have become far more advanced. With that being said, the growth of the aviation industry has not stopped. The need for reliable air travel from city to city, nation to nation and even around the world has not slackened at all. Rather, it has increased year after year. This has led to an incredible need for air traffic controllers interested in developing a rewarding career. 78

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CHAPTER 2THE ROlE Of THE

AIR TRAffIC CONTROllER

Before discussing education, career path development or any other aspect of getting into the field of air traffic control, a word or two should be said about the role of the controller in the airport environment. What, exactly, does an air traffic controller do, anyway?

While it might seem easy to think of an answer, chances are good that you are only half-correct. This chapter will delve into the role played by the ATC in the modern world of aviation.

AIR TRAFFIC ConTRoLLeRS (ATC) And The AIRPoRT

Air traffic controllers often work within the “tower” of an airport. Different airports have different definitions of what this tower might actually be. Small airstrips might have nothing more than an observation deck on a two-story

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building. Larger airports have a tower that it several stories tall, completely enclosed in glass. Air traffic controllers are responsible for keeping the flow of aircraft organised and monitoring incoming/outbound flights. They are also responsible for providing advice to pilots on approach, as well as for outbound flights. ATCs use a variety of tools and instruments to track inbound and outbound air traffic, including binoculars, radar and illuminated boards.

SAFeTy – RULe 1

The main reason for having air traffic controllers is to ensure safety for inbound and outbound aircraft. This means that an air traffic controller must know where aeroplanes are at any given time, as well as being able to identify which aircraft is which from a display. Illuminated displays that show identifying information are invaluable here, but the controller must still be able to take in that information, organise it and then extrapolate a plane’s position with it.

There are several positions within the realm of air traffic control. One of these is the en-route controller. Here, radar screens and computers are used to track aircraft as they approach the airport, helping to organise planes for landing.

Approach controllers guide pilots into the airport, helping them find the correct runway from several possible choices, organising aircraft into circling manoeuvres when there are several planes arriving in a short space of time, and more.

After the approach controllers have the aircraft lined up correctly, the aerodrome controllers are able to actually guide the plane in for a landing. Obviously, this is a complex job. With the number of inbound and outbound planes, most medium to large airports divide their airspace into quadrants.

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7Chapter 2 The Role of An Air Traffic Controller

Each air traffic controller is responsible for the aircraft within their quadrant.

As the aircraft nears the airport, and goes from one quadrant to another, the new air traffic controller acknowledges that they have control of the plane now, taking responsibility from the previous controller. In this way, the airspace around the airport can be easily managed and incoming/outgoing flights are kept safe.

AddITIonAL dUTIeS oF AIR TRAFFIC ConTRoLLeRS

While ensuring safety is certainly the number one duty of air traffic controllers, they have a number of other duties they must fulfil, as well. One of these is ensuring that traffic flows in and out of the airport as efficiently as possible. Failure to do so will create delays for arrivals and departures, as well as other problems. For instance, if controllers are not able to adequately route planes into and out of the airport, new arrivals forced to remain in the air can begin to run low on fuel. Additional problems arise with the arrival of even more aircraft. Without adequate organisation from controllers, aircraft cannot arrive and depart on a timely basis.

In addition, air traffic controllers need to be able to provide pilots with information about conditions at the airport. Weather is an enormously important factor in flight. High winds, rain, severe winter conditions and many other conditions can wreak havoc on takeoffs and landings. An air traffic controller needs to prepare pilots for the conditions they will face at the airport.

Finally, air traffic controllers must be able to direct aircraft from the terminal to the correct runway for takeoff. While ground equipment and personnel on the tarmac will help

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pilots move the plane out from the terminal, it is up to the air traffic controller to alert the pilot to the runway to use, as well as their takeoff order, in the case that there are departing/arriving flights before them.

Work patterns for air traffic controllers are a bit different from traditional “shift work” in other industries. Generally, the air traffic controller will be “on position” for a period of an hour and a half to two hours. They will then be given a break for a period of 30 minutes.

Generally, air traffic controllers also work rotating shifts. Midsize and large airports operate 24-hours per day, so controllers take each shift in turn, rotating through the staff until everyone has worked each shift on the schedule. Smaller airports that close for the night usually only have one or two shifts of controllers working per day. In the UK, most controllers work a schedule such as the following example:

• Monday – Morning

• Tuesday – Morning

• Wednesday – Afternoon

• Thursday – Afternoon

• Friday – Night

• Saturday – Night

• Sunday – Off

• Monday – Off

• Tuesday – Off

• Wednesday – Off

As you can see, the pattern is two morning shifts, two afternoon shifts, two night shifts and then four days off. Schedules are made well in advance (usually about a month

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9Chapter 2 The Role of An Air Traffic Controller

ahead of time), and all controllers will rotate through the various shifts.

As you can see, the role of air traffic controller is essential. These individuals help ensure that an airport operates as smoothly as possible, that flights are organised correctly and that adequate safety measures are taken. They also help provide assistance to pilots en route to their airport, by ensuring that planes arrive with enough time between them, fly at the correct altitude and at a safe distance.

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CHAPTER 3MORE INfORMATION

AbOUT bEING AN AIR TRAffIC CONTROllER

Now that you know a bit more about the role of the air traffic controller, you need to know a bit more about the career itself. What is the outlook for this career? What sort of income might you enjoy as an ATC? What sorts of training requirements do you need to enter the field? This chapter will give you a firm grounding in the basics required to determine if this is the right career choice for your needs.

WhAT PeRSonAL QUALITIeS MAke A Good ATC?

In the question of whether or not becoming an air traffic controller is the right option for you, you certainly need to consider your personal qualities. Quite a few skills, qualities and even personal interests can help make you a better candidate for this type of job position. This section will

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outline these and help you determine if you, personally, are a good fit for this career.

WoRkInG UndeR PReSSUReAs you might imagine, working as an air traffic controller will require that you are able to work well under pressure. Airports are high-stress environments, particularly larger airports and during busy travel seasons. You must be able to handle pressure well, even thrive under these conditions. For instance, London Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. The airport serves more than 180 different destinations in 90 nations across the globe. Heathrow handles 64 million passengers every year, which breaks down to more than 175,000 people coming through the airport every day.

This requires an enormous number of airplanes coming and going at all times of the day and night. An air traffic controller with this airport is responsible for ensuring that all inbound and outbound flights within a specific amount of time remain organised, on the correct approach, and with the correct amount of time and distance between them for safety. This leads to a tremendous amount of pressure for air traffic controllers. While you will only be responsible for aircraft within a certain segment of space, that number can be quite high at an airport like Heathrow. When you add the fact that you cannot make a mistake here, the pressure can certainly mount to very high levels. Those who thrive on pressure-filled situations will do best in this career.

CLeAR ThInkInG And CALMEven under the most strenuous conditions, an air traffic controller needs to maintain a clear, calm thought process. You must be able to maintain a clear picture in your mind of what needs to happen next, what aircraft are arriving, which

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13Chapter 3 More Information About Being An Air Traffic Controller

are departing and at what times. This will help ensure that you are able to focus on the job at hand, rather than worrying or stressing to the point that you become unfocused. Being able to stay calm, clear and focused is essential.

SoLve PRoBLeMS And MAke deCISIonSAir traffic controllers should be those naturally able to solve problems. They must also make decisions on their own, often quite quickly. You must be able to make your own decisions and know that they are the right decisions. Problem solving and decision-making skills are vital to being able to handle your assigned quadrant of an airport’s airspace.

GIve CLeAR SPoken InSTRUCTIonSAs an air traffic controller, you will need to remain in constant contact with the pilots under your supervision. Often, you will need to give these pilots instructions. You might need to divert them to another runway or change their flight plan. You might need to alert them to problems on the ground. Regardless, you have to be able to give clear spoken instructions to all pilots under your supervision to ensure that they are able to route their aircraft appropriately.

CoMFoRTABLe WITh TeChnoLoGyMuch of the job of an air traffic controller requires working closely with modern technology. You need to have more than just a passing acquaintance with modern technology. In fact, you need to be comfortable with computers and able to catch on to the use of new programmes quickly. The faster you pick up on new programmes, the better you will be able to handle the tools of the trade.

ABSoRB InFoRMATIon FRoM dIFFeRenT SoURCeSDuring the course of a normal workday, you will have to absorb information from a variety of different sources. You

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will need to listen to the radio and speak with pilots. You will need to watch the radar screen and you will need to listen to other controllers and your supervisors. All of this information needs to be accurately recorded in your mind. You have to be able to remember the information you are absorbing and recall it when needed.

CheCk InFoRMATIon ACCURATeLyIn your duties as an air traffic controller, you will not only need to absorb a variety of information quickly, but you will need to do so accurately. The accuracy of your information is essential to doing the job correctly, keeping the airport running smoothly and ensuring that all aircraft are on safe headings and flight paths.

The need FoR MenTAL ARIThMeTICHaving a firm understanding of arithmetic is essential to being a good air traffic controller. However, simply being good at maths is not sufficient. You must also be able to accurately calculate problems in your head. Mental arithmetic is an inextricable part of the job. Many things will need to be calculated on a regular basis, and with accuracy, including the timing of different aircraft on the same approach, altitudes of the various aircraft for which you are responsible and more.

SPATIAL ReCoGnITIon And Good vISIonYou must have good spatial vision to be an air traffic controller. This does not mean that those who need corrective lenses are not a good fit, but your vision must have good acuity and contrast sensitivity. You must also be able to recognise “cubes” of airspace and how planes interact within that space. This can be a difficult task for those unaccustomed to thinking in such a manner.

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Good ShoRT-TeRM MeMoRyMemory is an essential ingredient of the job. If you do not have a good memory, then you are not a good fit for the position. In addition to being able to remember training and other elements from the past, you must also have very good short-term memory. You need to accurately remember plane positions, altitude, flight paths and more.

A MATURe oUTLookA mature outlook is harder to quantify than some of the other requirements to become an air traffic controller. However, it is no less important than any other quality or skill. A mature outlook is vital, as the safety of those aboard the aircraft under your supervision, as well as the safety of those on the ground, depends on you.

FLexIBILITyAs with many other jobs, being flexible is an important aspect of the role. Not only will you need to be flexible in your scheduling needs, but you will need to be mentally flexible, as well. Being able to adapt to new situations, as situations change and merge, and handling emergencies all require that you have a flexible mental outlook.

TeAM WoRkeRAs an air traffic controller, you will certainly not be working alone. You will be part of an enormous team that comprises all manner of controllers, and other airport personnel. You must be able to work as part of a team. You must be able to cooperate and work effectively together to ensure safety and good organisation.

The STATe oF The IndUSTRy

Of course, prior to getting involved in the industry in any

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capacity, you will certainly want to know a bit more about the state of the industry. How many jobs are currently available? What are the prospects for job growth? How much might you potentially earn as an air traffic controller?

First, there are at least 2,500 air traffic controllers working throughout the UK. Most of those are employed by the Na-tional Air Traffic Services (NATS). Of course, there are other job openings in the industry. Airports also employ air traffic controllers directly. For those who want to look outside the civilian sector, the Royal Air Force also employs air traffic controllers.

Interestingly, the ATC industry is split between those controllers who work within a tower (at an actual airport) and those who work within a control centre. The largest air traffic centre in the world is located in the UK, at Swanwick. This centre is responsible for the airspace over England and Wales.

Another air traffic centre is located near Glasgow, Scotland. This centre controls the airspace over Scotland, as well as parts of the North Atlantic and parts of northern England.

For those interested in potential growth within the industry, there are a number of potential advancement areas for dedi-cated controllers. After spending time as an entry level ATC, you can look forward to a promotion to a senior controller or even as an operational watch supervisor.

As far as pay is concerned, there are several different pay grades of which you should be aware. First, you will start out as a sponsored trainee. During this phase of your career, you will earn about £10,000 per year. Once you move to the validation phase, your income will jump to between £15,000 and £19,000 per year. A fully-fledged air traffic controller

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earns up to £46,000 per year. For those who remain in the industry and earn promotions, a senior controller or supervisor can earn up to £80,000 per year.

GeTTInG STARTed WITh TRAInInG

Training is an essential part of becoming an air traffic con-troller. Before you ever set foot within a control tower or control centre, you will need to undergo some rather rigorous training in a college-type setting. There are several places where you can get this type of training. These include:

• National Air Traffic Services (NATS)

• BAE Systems

• Aviation Services Training and Consultancy (ASTAC)

While there are several resources for those seeking to be-come full air traffic controllers, all of them have some of the same basic requirements for new applicants. Here are the basics that you will need to know in order to enrol as a trainee.

First, you will have to be at least 18 years of age. However, understand that a full license is not granted until you are at least 20 years of age. You must also be eligible to work within the UK. For foreign nationals seeking to enter this industry, make sure that you are eligible for work in the UK before beginning your application process.

Another consideration is initial education. All trainees will need to have a firm education prior to starting any type of training programme. Five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) in-cluding English and maths are standard requirements here. If your education is not quite on par with this, remedial class-es should be taken prior to applying to become a trainee.

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For those who find the cost of these courses to be a bit onerous (they can add up to several thousand pounds), sponsorship applications are available with some training centres. This can help offset the costs of training and development and allow those funds to be repaid over time (a bit like a student loan for ongoing education).

If you would rather avoid going through one of these courses, you can apply as a trainee with a local airport. At times, small and midsize airports have openings for air traffic controller assistants, but these are by no means available all the time. In addition, most airports are seeking experienced controllers, so, while an assistant position might be available, do not count on it.

MAkInG SenSe oF TRAInInG ReQUIReMenTS

What should you expect in the area of training? What will you undergo with your training centre? How long might such training last?

First, you should understand that the initial training period varies somewhat with the different providers, but it can last several months. Sometimes, it is required that you undergo residential training, depending on the provider that you select. In fact, residential training is often the best option, as this helps eliminate some of the distractions and drawbacks found with commuting to school.

Of course, this option is not right for all applicants. You will need to check into the various training providers to determine which is the right option for you. You will find a section detailing these providers a later on within this book.

All training will combine practical exercises with classroom instruction. Classroom instruction will focus on providing

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you with the basic building blocks of knowledge (industry specific terms, how equipment is used, how to manage flight plans, etc.), while practical exercises will find you making use of computer systems and radar systems during simulations of real-life events.

Throughout all practical training exercises, your progress will be monitored by an instructor. As a note, you will be expected to pass all parts of the course in order to graduate from the training programme. The basic training programme for anyone hoping to enter the world of air traffic control should resemble the following.

The first segment of any air traffic controller training should be basic training, which should be the course ICAO 051 (or the equivalent, as some training centres use their own names). Air traffic control basic training should include the following course subjects:

• Aviation Law

• Navigation

• Meteorology

• Human Factors

• Principles of Flight

• Aircraft Performance

• Air Traffic Management

Next comes aerodrome training with the course ICAO 052. You will also need to undergo aviation training modules with actual hands-on training (OJT) at a real airport.

Aerodrome training should include the following course subjects:

• Aviation Law

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• Aerodrome Design

• Air Traffic Management

• Aerodrome Procedures

• Human Factors

• Aircraft Performance

• Aircraft Recognition

AFTeR TRAInInG

After you have completed your training, you will take the next step in your career. This is actually becoming a trainee at an airport. During this phase of the career, you will work toward becoming a licensed air traffic controller. The time required to do this varies with each student and how well he or she performs in the real world.

You will be monitored at all times on the job. An experienced assessor will be your mentor during this period, and the assessor will ensure that you are completing all segments of this training satisfactorily.

NOTE: while a medical examination is required to enter the ATC field (and even to be employed with NATS), air traffic controllers are required to undergo another medical examination every two years until they turn 40. Once the age of 40 is reached, air traffic controllers must undergo a medical examination and certification every year thereafter.

AdvAnCeMenT oPPoRTUnITIeS

Finding opportunities within the larger industry is relatively easy, as well. Air traffic controller jobs depend quite heavily on the aviation industry as a whole, and especially on

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commercial air traffic. However, commercial air travel is still booming, so you can expect to find quite a few jobs all around the UK.

NATS can offer job positions with many larger airports in the UK, as well as in air traffic control centres, such as the one at Swanwick. There are also advancement opportunities outside of the UK.

As a qualified air traffic controller, you can work at any airport around the world. With the UK air traffic controller license, you are immediately qualified to work within the EU. For those interested in moving further afield, you will have to obtain a license for the particular nation in which you want to work, though this should be relatively easy.

CAReeR oveRvIeW

Becoming an air traffic controller is an excellent option for detail-oriented people interested in working within a fast-paced job. The growth potential is excellent, and there are many options for employment even if you are interested in leaving the UK.

While you will certainly need to have a solid education to be successful in this career choice, there are quite a few providers out there that can help you out. You will also find that the trainee phase of becoming an ATC offers on-the-job training that will help ensure you are as comfortable as possible with the requirements and regular duties.

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CHAPTER 4AvIATION REGUlATORy bODIEs

Regulatory bodies provide a number of services in many different industries. The aviation industry is no different. While there are several key agencies in the aviation industry, the only regulatory body in the UK is the Civil Aviation Authority, or CAA. This body helps set safety standards, helps regulate economic matters and even provides the basis for consumer protection.

The RoLe oF The CIvIL AvIATIon AUThoRITy

The Civil Aviation Authority is an important body and provides valuable services and assistance to UK consumers, as well as to the government and business sectors. According to the CAA, their areas of expertise and authority include air safety, economic regulation, airspace regulation, consumer protection and environmental research and consultancy.

The role of the Civil Aviation Authority is vast and varied,

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indeed. This body ensures that civil aviation standards within the UK are set as high as possible, and that those goals are achieved. In addition, the Civil Aviation Authority regulates all airlines within the UK, as well as airports and NATS (National Air Traffic Services) and encourages competition and economic growth within the industry.

The CAA is also responsible for managing the ATOL scheme (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing scheme), which manages consumer issues and licenses airlines to operate within the UK. Finally, the Civil Aviation Authority also merges military and civilian interests to ensure that all airspace needs are adequately met and that no problems emerge from joint use of airspace (between military and civilian aircraft).

CAA ConSUMeR PRoTeCTIon GRoUP (CPG)

The Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for operating the CPG, or Consumer Protection Group, within the larger or-ganisation. This group has several different responsibilities to consumers throughout the UK. These responsibilities in-clude regulating the finances and fitness of travel organisers that operate within the UK.

The CPG also manages the largest consumer protection programme in the UK, ATOL. Licensing for UK airlines and enforcing European Council requirements also falls to the CPG. Finally, the CPG is also responsible for enforcing other legal requirements on behalf of consumers to ensure that airline customers are protected from avaricious companies.

CAA eConoMIC ReGULATIon GRoUP (eRG)

One of the most important subdivisions of the CAA, at least to a potential air traffic controller, is the ERG, or Economic

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25Chapter 4 Aviation Regulatory Bodies

Regulation Group. This group is responsible for managing a number of different factors in the aviation industry within the UK.

For instance, the ERG is responsible for managing and regulating all airports within the UK, as well as regulating air traffic services and airlines. It also provides advice on aviation policy, in regards to economic stability and development.

They also compile statistics and conduct surveys of the in-dustry to help pinpoint areas that need improvement. Some of the most influential areas of study here include departing pas-senger surveys, airport statistics and punctuality statistics.

In addition, the data gathered from the ERG is used to assist with traffic forecasting, as well as new air route development and competitor analysis (between airlines and other entities), and to further market understanding and economic studies of the aviation industry.

CAA SAFeTy ReGULATIon GRoUP (SRG)

The SRG, or Safety Regulation Group, of the Civil Aviation Authority is one of the most vital aspects of this regulatory body. The SRG is responsible for a number of essential things, including developing a top quality safety environment within the aviation industry in the UK and driving improvements within that industry. To do this, the SRG works hand in hand with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is responsible for the bulk of Europe.

AeRodRoMe STAndARdS

One of the more important tasks that falls to the SRG is the managing and licensing of non-military aerodromes through-

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out the UK. While most government aerodromes are military establishments, a number of aerodromes fall outside this sphere. The SRG helps to ensure that these aerodromes remain in compliance with national safety standards and that new standards are developed and implemented on a timely basis.

AIR TRAFFIC STAndARdS

The ATSD, or Air Traffic Standards Division, of the SRG is responsible for ensuring that all air traffic services in the UK are certified, licensed and follow proper safety procedures. The division is also responsible for interpreting international guidelines and applying them within the framework of the UK aviation industry.

Finally, this division is also responsible for investigating accidents within the industry, and working with the AAIB and the NTSB to determine the cause of such accidents and what might be done to prevent them in the future. Of course, the ATSD is also responsible for personnel licensing (such as air traffic controllers).

PeRSonneL LICenSInG

The SRG is directly responsible for personnel licensing through their Air Traffic Services Personnel Licensing subdivi-sion. This group is tasked with licensing air traffic controllers, flight information service officers and many other types of personnel within the industry. However, the ATSD is respon-sible for approving air traffic controller training providers, as well as enforcing proper standards across the industry.

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CHAPTER 5TRAINING TO bECOME AN

AIR TRAffIC CONTROllER

Several training programmes are available to help you be-come an air traffic controller. You will find that NATS offers a training programme, as does ASTAC and other entities. What should you know about these programmes? What should such a programme offer you, the student? This chapter will take you through the education process from start to finish.

TRAInInG IS eSSenTIAL

As mentioned previously in this book, the right training is es-sential to becoming an air traffic controller. Unless you have extensive experience through the military, the only way to ensure you have the knowledge and skills to obtain your ATC license is to complete a training programme.

Training requirements vary based on the actual position that you will hold in the industry. For instance, training to be a

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tower controller requires less time than training to be an area controller. Training to be a ground controller requires less time than training for tower controller positions.

Do you get to pick the area in which you will be employed? This topic is a bit sticky. While most education providers will certainly take your desires into account, most will place you in the training programme where they see the highest demand.

For instance, currently, the UK has a higher demand for area controllers than for tower or ground controllers. Therefore, while you might prefer to be a tower controller, and you can inform your training provider of this preference, you will most likely be placed in an area controller training course.

Does this make a difference to you, the student? Yes, it does make a difference in several areas. First, as area controllers require a greater degree of knowledge and skill than tower controllers, you can expect to attend training for a longer pe-riod. Second, you can expect to pay more for this education, as you will be taking part in a more comprehensive course.

Those entering the area or terminal controller course might expect to spend between 11 months and two years in train-ing. Those entering the area of aerodrome controllers should prepare for about six months of training (depending on the training provider, of course). Finally, approach control spe-cialists will spend about 9 months in training.

Please note that not all training providers offer courses of the same duration. For instance, the figures listed above are for trainees learning with NATS. However, ASTAC offers a two-year course for all potential controllers, which results in a degree in aviation management.

In addition, quite a few trainees are quite surprised by the amount of coursework required to complete the training.

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29Chapter 5 Training to Become an Air Traffic Controller

Most students will need to spend two to three hours per night studying, as well as several hours over the weekend, in addition to regular classroom and training centre hours.

Earlier courses will require the highest amount of additional study time, due to the more theoretical nature of the ma-terial. Later courses will require somewhat less extra study time, because these are usually more hands-on in nature.

The CoST oF TRAInInG CoURSeS

As a prospective student, you will certainly need to know a bit more about the costs involved with the various train-ing programmes available to you. NATS is relatively expen-sive, but the enrolment programme offers deferred payment and education funding options for students. ASTAC is also relatively expensive (with a cost of about £27,000 total), but there are funding options here, as well.

Some students may choose to go the route of self-funding, which is certainly possible (outside of NATS). Often, this will result in a job with a non-NATS airport, though this can be rewarding, as well. While NATS supplies the bulk of air traffic controllers for the UK, there are many airports that do not work with NATS. These can be valuable options for those seeking to go a different route.

IdenTIFyInG The ToP edUCATIon PRovIdeRS

Where should you turn for your education? As having the right education is obviously essential (you cannot get a li-cense without an education), you certainly need to know what your options are for schooling. Where can you turn?

There are three primary providers of education for prospec-

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tive air traffic controllers in the UK. These are NATS, ASTAC and BAE. This section will give you more information about each of these providers, as well as detailing what use they will be in your quest for the right start to your career.

nATIonAL AIR TRAFFIC SeRvICeS (nATS)

The National Air Traffic Services, or NATS, has been men-tioned several times throughout the course of this volume. NATS is the main provider of air traffic services for the entire United Kingdom and supplies an enormous number of air traffic controllers to UK airports, as well as supplying other personnel, and technology solutions, as well. Other person-nel supplied by NATS include Air Traffic Control Engineers, as well as Air Traffic Control Services Assistants.

The service got its start in 1962, when it was originally called the National Air Traffic Control Services and was jointly op-erated by civilian and military authorities. This organisation brought together several different aspects of the UK aviation industry under a single control. In 1972, the UK Civil Aviation Authority was formed, and the NATCS became NATS as the world knows the company today.

NATS has been responsible for numerous milestones in the aviation industry. These include being the first air navigation service provider in the world to formally develop and adopt a safety management system, and signing contracts with the UK government, as well as with the BAA and other authori-ties. Another first credited to NATS is the development and deployment of the world’s first controller short-term conflict alert system and the world’s first operational multilateration based ground surveillance system, as well.

NATS is divided into two main subdivisions: NERL, or NATS

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En-Route Ltd and NATS Services Ltd. NERL controls the vast majority of airports in the UK by providing them with air traffic services. Currently, NERL also operates two control centres in the UK, one is the London Area Control Centre at Stanwick in Hampshire and the other is the Prestwick Centre in Ayrshire.

The London Area Control Centre is responsible for control-ling upper level traffic across England and Wales (up to the Scottish border) and low level traffic in Southeast England and around London. The Prestwick Centre in Ayrshire is re-sponsible for controlling air traffic over Scotland, Northern Ireland, the northern portion of England and over the North Atlantic (via the Shanwick Oceanic Control Area).

Currently, NSL (NATS Services Ltd) controls the following airports: London Heathrow Airport, London Stansted Air-port, Southampton Airport, Aberdeen Airport, Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow International Airport.

Other airports with which NSL has contracts include the fol-lowing: London Gatwick Airport, London City Airport, Lon-don Luton Airport, Cardiff International Airport, Birmingham International Airport, Bristol International Airport, Gibraltar Airport, Farnborough Airport, Manchester Airport and Bel-fast International Airport. NSL also provides partial service to London Biggin Hill Airport and Sumburgh Airport.

Currently, NATS operates a single campus, located in Bour-nemouth, at the Bournemouth Airport. The school is located at the following address:

Air Traffic Management Development Bournemouth Airport Hurn Christchurch

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Dorset BH23 6DF United Kingdom – 01202 474 085

As NATS is technically a privately held business, accep-tance to their training program does not necessarily come at any cost to prospective students. In fact, this training is the means by which the company ensures they are able to continue offering high quality air traffic controllers and other personnel to the airports they service.

Personal funding is not an option with NATS; students must be able to pass the initial screening process and the subse-quent examinations, prior to beginning the training portion. In important note is that NATS currently has a 66% success rate with students – 34% of those accepted to the training course are unable to finish successfully.

The first step for prospective air traffic controllers interested in working with NATS is to register online. The company op-erates an online registration system, which can be complet-ed relatively easily. After completion of the online registra-tion, applicants must then complete an online test.

If the applicant passes this test, then they will be sent to a three-day assessment to determine if they are suitable can-didates for the company. Applicants must be successful on Assessment Day One to be invited to Assessment Day Two. The same rule applies for Assessment Day Three – if the can-didate is not successful on the second day, he or she will not be invited to the third day.

After successfully completing all three days of assessment and testing, candidates will then have to go for a medical examination to ensure they are physically capable of per-forming the required job duties. Only 3% of applicants go on

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to the medical portion of the examination process. Security clearance will also be performed at this time, with references and background information checked by NATS personnel.

Once medical clearance and security clearance have been obtained, applicants will then be allocated to a particular training programme. It should be noted that NATS places applicants where the company has the highest need, not ac-cording to personal preference. Therefore, applicants hop-ing to work in approach may find themselves placed in area, instead.

For those students who do not make it through the as-sessment process for some reason, retesting is possible. However, you are limited to only three retests and there must be a 12-month window between all applications. Therefore, you can reapply once each year for three years, but no more than this.

For those students who gain entrance to the program, but fail an assessment during their course of study, NATS judges each incidence on a case-by-case basis. Failing an assess-ment is not necessarily grounds for termination, but the as-sessors will make that decision based on past performance and other factors. Termination is a distinct possibility here.

ASTAC InTeRnATIonAL RUdLoe CoLLeGe

ASTAC International is the second most popular provider of air traffic controller training in the UK. While this solution is not as popular as the NATS, ASTAC is certainly a force to be reckoned with in the industry. ASTAC International offers training for UK nationals, as well as for international students from countries within the EU and from around the globe.

ASTAC International gained certification from the UK Civil

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Aviation Authority (CAA) to provide education, testing and assessment of skills for prospective air traffic controllers. ASTAC offers both UKATC training and ICAO training, as well. Currently, ASTAC is accredited to provide training in the areas of aerodrome, approach procedural and approach radar for 26 different airports within the United Kingdom through the campus in Cheltenham.

Rudloe College (ASTAC International) is located within close proximity to Bath. The distance to London is about 100 miles. On site, the college offers eight classrooms, each of which can seat 24 people. There is a fixed language labo-ratory, as well as seven air traffic control simulators made by Best for students to learn with. The college also features three air traffic control simulators made by Simtac, each in its own simulator room.

In addition, students will find a dedicated library and study room on campus, as well as a recreation area and a dining room. The games room at the college offers a pool table with darts and table tennis, and vending machines are available throughout the campus.

Again, while ASTAC does not have the massive scope found with NATS, the college does offer vital training and educa-tion, and offers some paths that cannot be attained by using NATS. For instance, students are able to self-sponsor and pay their own way through the college, where NATS does not offer any education unless an applicant passes the as-sessment tests and become an employee of NATS.

ASTAC also offers a few other differences. The most com-mon way to gain entrance to ASTAC International is to be sponsored by a particular unit or company. Sponsors pay all or part of a student’s tuition, which can be quite costly. For the two-year plan offered by ASTAC, students can expect

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to pay around £27,000 all in all. However, with sponsorship, most of those costs can be offset.

Often, a student who is sponsored through school will find themselves bonded to the sponsoring company for a cer-tain amount of time. This is done to protect the investment made by the sponsoring company. In essence, sponsored students agree to work for the company for X years after graduating, in exchange for the company paying part or all of their tuition fees.

As mentioned, students can also choose to pay their own way. However, the college urges students considering self-sponsorship to arrange for employment as soon as their education has finished.

The training course for ASTAC is easily broken down into its underlying components. Like the NATS assessment period, ASTAC also requires an initial aptitude assessment to de-termine if students interested in the field of air traffic control have the qualities and character needed to be successful in this field.

After the initial assessment, students spend a week assist-ing with air traffic control, learning more about all aspects involved with ATC. These include airfield layout, airspace, operations and flight planning. Following this, students em-bark on a full five-week course of basic training. This is de-signed to satisfy the EC Core Requirements. Aviation law, human factors, aircraft performance, meteorology, profes-sional environment, management, equipment and navigation are some of the topics covered during this time.

A nine-week aerodrome control instrument course follows this, and then students undergo training in pre-approach control, approach control procedural, approach control sur-

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veillance, OJTI and other subjects of study. As a note, Rud-loe College (ASTAC International) can arrange for housing and accommodations.

Students can make use of a host family during their stud-ies, use a hotel, a bed and breakfast or they can rent an accommodation during their stay. Obviously, the different types of accommodation will be better suited to different types of students, as not all courses offered last longer than one week.

ASTAC International can be found at the following address for the UK ATC training program:

ASTAC Limited (UK) Gloucestershire Airport Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL51 6SP United Kingdom

Contact information for the ICAO training program is as follows:

ASTAC Limited (ICAO) Cecil Pashley Way Shoreham Airport West Sussex BN43 5FF United Kingdom

BAe SySTeMS CWMBRAn TRAInInG CoLLeGe

BAE Systems Cwmbran Training College dates back to 1984, when the school was established in southwest England. Originally, the school focused on teaching fighter control-

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lers and battlespace managers for the military. However, the school soon outgrew a solely military curriculum.

By 1988, BAE focused on three major areas: air traffic con-trol, air defence and electronic warfare. Today, those three main focus areas remain the same, and BAE has become one of the three top providers of ATC training in the UK.

The year 2000 marked another change for BAE Systems. The college moved to a purpose-built location in South Wales, equipped with state of the art equipment for training purposes. 2005 marked yet another expansion to another purpose built facility, as the school continued to grow and prosper. To date, the college has helped more than 2,400 students begin their careers, from more than 45 different countries around the world.

Today, BAE Systems Cwmbran Training College is accred-ited by the CAA and offers some of the highest quality air traffic controller courses in the UK. The school is setup to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to gain their student air traffic controller license, as well as to provide current ATCs with ongoing training to increase their ratings. Courses offered for ATC training range from Basic Core requirements to advanced assessment and examiners courses.

BAE Systems offers students the chance to make use of some of the most advanced simulators in the industry. Using the Modular Airspace Synthetic Environment simulator, or MASE, students are able to use the latest in radar displays, as well as in TCA (traffic collision alert) and other advanced systems. With these tools, students are able to interact with events the same way they would in real-world events.

BAE Systems can be found at the following address:

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BAE Systems Beacon House William Brown Close Llantarnam Park Cwmbran Gwent NP44 3AB

WhAT ShoULd A TRAInInG CoURSe InCLUde?

Obviously, with the differences apparent in training provid-ers for would-be air traffic controllers, understanding what courses should be offered in a training program is important. What should be offered? What are the best options for be-coming an air traffic controller?

Here are the basics. As a note, these courses were drawn from the course plan for BAE Systems Cwmbran College.

Uk ATC

BASIC CoRe• Basic 110

• Basic 110X

• Basic 210

• Basic 310

• Basic 410

• Basic 510

AeRodRoMe ConTRoL InSTRUMenT (AdI)• ADI 110

• ADI 210

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• ADI 310

• ADI 410

• ADI 510

APPRoACh ConTRoL PRoCedURAL• APP 110

• APP 210

• APP 310

• APP 410

• APP 510

APPRoACh ConTRoL SURveILLAnCe• APS 110

• APS 210

• APS 310

• APS 410

• APS 510

oJTI (on-The-JoB-TRAInInG)• OJTI 110

• OJTI 210

• OJTI 310

• OJTI 410

• OJTI 510

ALTeRnATIve MeThodS FoR TRAInInG

While the vast majority of air traffic controllers do go through training with a provider such as those listed previously, there are other ways to enter this field. While these do not neces-

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sarily get you into a position quite as quickly as working with NATS, you will find that these are excellent options for those who do not have the time or money to attend a school.

TRAInInG on The JoBFor those who do not have the time or the inclination to un-dergo training through NATS, BAE Systems or ASTAC, or for those who have been cut from the courses, the option of getting actual on-the-job training is one with considerably value. How might this type of scenario work out?

The first step is to find an airport and apply with that particu-lar unit. You will not be able to apply as an air traffic control-ler, since you do not have your license. However, you can work as an air traffic controller assistant.

This position puts you side by side with controllers on a daily basis. You will be responsible for numerous tasks related to the field of controlling, and learn from experienced control-lers while being paid.

This method can certainly take a bit more time, but you can work your way up with the airport. Once you have learned enough information from your work colleagues, you can then take the licensing exam (through the CAA). This is one of the more affordable ways to get into the field of air traffic control, though it is certainly not for all comers.

The drawbacks to this method include the fact that it can take a considerable amount of time to work your way up, and the fact that not all airports will have job openings for controllers once you are ready to apply.

TRAnSFeRRInG FRoM The MILITARyThe military (both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy) have considerable need for air traffic controllers. One way to

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get the training that you need to enter the field is to join the military as an air traffic controller. Once you have spent the required amount of time in the service, you will emerge with a sound education that can be converted to success in the civilian world.

Before you rush out and start applying with airports, though, you need to make sure that you have the civilian ATC li-cense. Check with the CAA to determine if you need to have a different license. If so, simply take the test and you should be fine.

You can then begin the process of transferring your career from the military to one in the civilian world. Of course, you might prefer to remain in the military world, as well. The demand here for air traffic controllers is very strong and seems to only grow with time. This could be a very reward-ing career move.

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CHAPTER 6fINDING A JOb As

AN AIR TRAffIC CONTROllER

Now that you know your options for education, it seems natural to cover the topic of work. Where might you find jobs? What do you need to do to locate work?

Air traffic controllers are in high demand, but that does not mean that the jobs will come to you. You will need to know where to look and how to maximize your chances of being accepted as an ATC. In this chapter, you’ll learn how to get the ball rolling and find work.

GRAdUATeS oF nATS

For those who undergo NATS training, you will not have to undergo the trouble of searching for a job. As you are already an employee of NATS, the company will place you at an airport in need of new controllers. The most common place to start out with this company is in Area Control, so

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you should certainly expect to be placed in an area control centre, rather than within a tower at an airport.

You can then work your way up the ladder to another position, over time. While working with NATS does not let you choose where you will work (in most cases), it does help you overcome the problem of searching for a job and interviewing with various airports.

BAe SySTeMS And ASTAC GRAdUATeS

If you graduated from either BAE Systems Cwmbran College or ASTAC International, you might have a sponsor who helped pay for your education. If this is the case, then you are obligated to work for that sponsor for the agreed upon amount of time.

While this certainly limits your potential employers, if you did your research when initially looking for a sponsor, you will be able to work with a company that you enjoy and respect.

For those graduates who decided to self-sponsor and pay your own way through school, the situation is a bit different. Since you have no sponsor, you have no limits on where you might work. However, while this does give you greater possibilities for employment, it can also seem quite daunting.

Where do you turn? Where do you apply? How do you apply? You’ve spent the last weeks and months learning all about air traffic control; now, how do you find a job that lets you exercise those skills?

hoW To FInd PoTenTIAL AIRPoRTS

The first step in the process is to find an airport that is hiring for air traffic controllers. How do you do this? First, you will

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45Chapter 6 Finding a Job As An Air Traffic Controller

need to locate those airports that are not contracted solely to NATS.

While these airports might accept air traffic control assistants from outside of NATS, or fill other personnel vacancies, chances are good that you will not get a job as an ATC from them. What airports are not contracted with NATS?

Currently, NATS controls the majority of the major airports within the UK, as well as the civilian area control centres. However, there are quite a few private airports in the UK, as well as those owned by local authorities/municipalities (municipal airports). These airports often do not contract through NATS, preferring to hire their own staff, instead.

It should be remembered that NATS is a service provider, rather than a controlling entity. Therefore, airports that are currently contracted through NATS can change their operations at almost any time. For instance, Liverpool Airport is an example of this. The airport was originally a NATS-controlled airport, but switched their providers late in the last century.

You have several options for getting in with a non-NATS airport. One of these is to contact the private and municipal airports within driving distance of your home and find out if they are hiring. When you go this route, be prepared to start out in a different position. Many airports (non-NATS) choose to promote air traffic controllers from within their in-house staff, rather than hiring directly from the outside. Therefore, you might be hired as an air traffic control assistant, and have to “pay your dues” until another opening becomes available.

You can also choose to go through another air traffic services provider. While NATS is certainly the largest ATSP in the UK, they are not the only game in town. What other providers

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might you find out there? Serco is perhaps the best-known competitor to NATS, and one of your better choices for employment if you decide not to go through the National Air Traffic Services.

SeRCo

Serco is a global provider of a variety of different services, including air traffic services. The company operates within the UK and has a number of contracts with airports throughout the United Kingdom. While Serco does not have the same presence as NATS, the company is not new and is well respected in the industry.

As a note, becoming an ATC with Serco can have some dramatic benefits for you. The company has extensive operations outside of the UK, so if you are able to get your UK air traffic controller license and desire to work outside the bounds of the United Kingdom, you can feasibly do that quite easily with this company.

The InTeRneT

While you might live close to several small to midsize airports, there are numerous other properties located throughout the UK. If you are willing to relocate to start your career as an air traffic controller, then you can make use of the Internet to locate airports that are hiring outside of your local area.

You will find that airports post job openings on a number of employment websites, including RedGoldfish.com and Prospects.ac.uk. Another website that offers benefits is SimplyHired.co.uk, and AgencyCentral.co.uk also has job listings for airports throughout the United Kingdom. Other

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potentially valuable websites to a job hunter include the following:

• TargetJobs.co.uk

• Indeed.co.uk

• MyJobSearch.com

• Monster.co.uk

• CareerBuilder.co.uk

You can also check out online versions of many UK newspa-pers to find job listings for qualified air traffic controllers. The Independent (Independent.co.uk) and the Telegraph (Tele-graph.co.uk) all offer airport jobs within their online pages. Of course, you can also check through the physical version of these papers, as well as any others that area published within your area. While newspapers might be a dying breed, there is still a tremendous amount of very valuable informa-tion to be found within them and job openings are certainly included there.

USeR FoRUMS

The Internet has certainly changed the ways in which people communicate and interact. User forums are simply message boards, designed to let people with like interests interact with one another. A quick search through Google, Yahoo or Bing will give you quite an impressive list of user forums dedicated to air traffic controllers and other aviation industry specialists.

Why should you bother with these boards? Actually, you will find a number of benefits here. First, the camaraderie and the willingness to help that you will find with most members

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is a good thing. You can learn an enormous amount of information from these users, ranging from sitting for interviews to testing with NATS and more.

Second, you will find that some job openings are posted in these forums, mostly from small to medium airports. This can give you an almost immediate “in” and help shorten your search for a job. Making use of ATC user forums is a good idea that can help jumpstart your career.

Here are a few examples of such forums:

StuckMic.comStuck Mic is a great place for ATC professionals to gather, and offers a wealth of different features, including a chat room, user forums, blogs, options for housing, facility guides and more. The forums are of particular interest to prospective ATCOs, as they offer a wealth of information on a variety of topics.

Forums.JetCareers.comThese are basic forums, but they offer a wide range of dif-ferent information for visitors. There are places for technical talks, general topics, posting pictures, and even a section for flight surgeons. Far more aviation professionals than just ATCOs use this site.

ThirtyThousandFeet.comThis is technically an aviation directory, with user forums attached. The website itself offers news, links and more. It also provides links to a number of other relevant websites for those interested in aviation, no matter what niche that interest might fall within.

vATSIM.netVATSIM is actually an air traffic services provider, but they

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are not as large as many others within the UK. While there is value in signing up with the company as a controller, their website offers a number of tools that can be of use to you under their ATC Links section.

ATC-network.comATC-Network offers a considerable amount of news, as well as information about courses, publications, companies and more. As a note, you must become a member to make use of this website.

LiveATC.netThis is a pretty interesting site for those interested in the world of air traffic control. Not only are these useful links and forums, but you will also find iPhone apps for control-lers, as well as live feeds from real air traffic controllers. There is even a way to find live updates on Twitter here.

Forums.FlightInfo.comFlightInfo.com is a good site for anyone who cares about the aviation industry, in any regards. There are forums dedi-cated to pilots, air traffic controllers and even special aerial acrobatics forums. Cargo, charter, corporate and even experimental/home-built aircraft have a home here.

Forums.ATCMonitor.comATCMonitor.com offers several different forums where avia-tion professionals can interact with each other, share news and learn more about the goings on in their chosen profes-sion.

PPRune.orgThis is one of the most popular of all the various forums out there. There is an enormous amount of information on this website, particularly for those interested in becoming an air

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traffic controller. You will even find a specific thread (dating back to 2007, originally) about the NATS application and assessment process.

GATCo.org (Guild of Air Traffic Control officers)GATCO (the Guild of Air Traffic Control Officers) is a “must” for any professional ATC. The guild offers a number of valu-able tools and resources for current professionals, as well as for those hoping to enter the world of air traffic control. All types of flight controllers are welcome here, including military personnel and even FISOs and fighter controllers.

AIRPoRT WeBSITeS – FIndInG A vACAnCy

In your search for employment as an air traffic controller, one of the most powerful tools at your disposal is the Internet. While user forums and job websites have been mentioned, there is one other area of interest – airport websites.

You will find that almost all airports have a website, other than very small, private airstrips. These can provide you with an incredible amount of information about potential job openings at each airport.

Here are the website addresses for some of the airports in the UK. However, this list is far from exhaustive. Check for your local airports online by name.

London heAThRoW AIRPoRT heathrowAirport.comThis is the largest and busiest airport in the UK and serves more international passengers than any other airport in the world. The Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL) serves 64 million passengers per year, with more than 170 different destinations worldwide. The airport has five terminals and

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two main parallel runways. A third main runway and a sixth terminal have been approved, but not built.

London STAnSTed AIRPoRT StanstedAirport.comStansted Airport (STN/EGSS) is the largest hub for low-cost carriers in the UK. The airport serves more than 100 desti-nations and serves almost 20 million passengers per year (ranking it third busiest in the UK).

GLASGoW AIRPoRT GlasgowAirport.comGlasgow International Airport (GLA/EGPF) handles about 7 million passengers per year, though that is slightly down from the number it handled during the 1990s. It is the eighth busiest airport in the UK and second busiest in Scotland. The airport is currently undergoing expansion and should handle 24 million passengers by the year 2030.

edInBURGh AIRPoRT edinburghAirport.comEdinburgh Airport (EDI/EGHP) is the busiest airport within Scotland. The airport serves almost 10 million passengers annually, but that number is expected to grow to 26 mil-lion in coming years. Notably, Edinburgh Airport is home to several airlines, including Ryanair and EasyJet.

ABeRdeen AIRPoRT AberdeenAirport.comAberdeen Airport (ABZ/EGPD) serves an average of about 3 million passengers per year, making it the 14th busiest airport in the UK. The airport is home to bmi Regional and Eastern Airways. Interestingly, it is also the main hub for he-licopter flights serving the oil industry in the nearby ocean. There is a single passenger terminal, but three terminals for helicopter/oil company flights.

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SoUThAMPTon AIRPoRT SouthamptonAirport.comSouthampton Airport (SOU/EGHI) ranks only 20th in terms of busyness, and serves almost 2 million passengers per year in the UK. The airport is owned by ADI Limited (BAA), and is a hub for Flybe. Interestingly, this airport has a public use aerodrome license, which means that it can be used for flying instruction, as well as for air public transport.

MAnCheSTeR AIRPoRT ManchesterAirport.co.ukManchester Airport (MAN/EGCC) is the busiest airport outside the bounds of London. The airport serves almost 19 million passengers per year, and offers nonstop service to many global destinations. The airport has two runways and three terminals, as well as a railway station on the grounds.

GATWICk AIRPoRT GatwickAirport.comLondon Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK) is the eighth larg-est airport in Europe in terms of passenger travel. It serves almost 33 million passengers every year. In addition, the airport offers a full complement of airlines, in all three major categories of flight. Interestingly, Gatwick sees a consider-able amount of charter traffic.

BeLFAST InTeRnATIonAL AIRPoRT BelfastAirport.comBelfast International Airport (BFS/EGAA) is also known as Aldergrove Airport, and serves almost 5 million passengers per year. This is the busiest airport in Northern Ireland, and the airport has a public use aerodrome license, which allows the airport to host flying instruction and air public transport. The airport shares its runways with the Alder-grove RAF installation.

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BIRMInGhAM AIRPoRT BirminghamAirport.co.ukBirmingham International Airport (BHX/EGBB) is a major hub for several airlines, including Ryanair and Monarch Air-lines. The airport is the sixth busiest in the UK, and serves almost 10 million passengers per year. This airport also has a public use aerodrome license.

BLACkPooL AIRPoRT BlackpoolInternational.comBlackpool International Airport (BLK/EGNH) was actually the first aviation site in the UK. The airport currently serves only 276,000 passengers per year. The North West Air Ambulance Service operates from here, and the airport also has a public use aerodrome license.

BRISToL InTeRnATIonAL AIRPoRT BristolAirport.co.ukThe Bristol International Airport (BRS/EGGD) serves just over 5.5 million passengers per year. It ranks as the ninth busiest airport in the UK in passenger volume. Interestingly, this airport has one of the shortest runways in the world for an international airport – just 2,011 metres.

CARdIFF AIRPoRT TBICardiffAirport.comCardiff Airport (CWL/EGFF) sees an annual passenger flow of 1.6 million. The airport is a hub for Bmibaby, but is also served by Thomas Cook Airlines and Flybe. This is the only airport within Wales that offers international flights of any kind.

eAST MIdLAndS AIRPoRT eastMidlandsAirport.comEast Midlands Airport (EMA/EGNX) serves more than 5.5

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million passengers annually, but that is mostly local traf-fic. The airport has a public use aerodrome license, which allows the airport to host flying instruction, as well as air public transport. It is also the second largest cargo airport in the UK by volume.

hUMBeRSIde AIRPoRT humbersideAirport.comHumberside Airport (HUY/EGNJ) sees an annual passenger volume of 336,000, making it the 28th busiest airport within the UK. The airport is home to five different flying clubs and is a major hub for helicopters entering the North Sea area. This airport also has a public use aerodrome license.

LeedS BRAdFoRd AIRPoRT LeedsBradfordAirport.co.ukLeeds Bradford International Airport (LBA/EGNM) serves 2.5 million passengers per year. Interestingly, it is also the highest airport in England, with an elevation of almost 700 feet. This airport is also home to flight training and engi-neering organisations.

LIveRPooL John Lennon AIRPoRT LiverpoolAirport.comLiverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL/EGGP) serves approxi-mately 4.9 million passengers per year, and is one of the fastest growing airports in Europe. The airport serves local destinations, as well as international destinations through-out Europe and around the globe.

London CITy AIRPoRT LondonCityAirport.comLondon City Airport (LCY/EGLC) serves approximately 2.8 million passengers per year, and has only a single runway. The airport is designed specifically for STOL airliners. Cur-

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rently, the airport is expanding in order to accommodate growth to 8 million passengers per year.

London LUTon AIRPoRT www.London-Luton.co.ukLondon Luton Airport (LTN/EGGW) serves almost 10 mil-lion passengers per year, and is ranked as the fifth busiest airport in the UK. The airport primarily serves the UK and Europe, though there are also flights to North Africa, as well.

neWCASTLe InTeRnATIonAL AIRPoRT newcastleAirport.comNewcastle International Airport (NCL/EGNT) is the 12th busiest airport in the UK and sees 4.5 million passengers per year. The airport is majority owned (51%) by seven local authorities – Gateshead MBC, the City of Newcastle, Dur-ham County Council, North Tyneside MBC, South Tyneside MBC, Northumberland County Council and the City of Sunderland.

GLASGoW PReSTWICk InTeRnATIonAL AIRPoRT GPIA.co.ukGlasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK/EGPK) serves 1.8 million passengers per year, though the previous high was 2.4 million (in 2008). Glasgow Prestwick Airport is home to a number of no-frills, discount airlines, including Ryanair (for which the airport is a hub).

RoBIn hood AIRPoRT donCASTeR SheFFIeLd RobinhoodAirport.comRobin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield (DSA/EGCN) serves about 900,000 passengers each year, and is the second largest airport in Yorkshire, outranked only by Manchester Airport. The airport also has a public use aero-

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drome license, allowing it to host flying instruction and air public transport.

dURhAM TeeS vALLey AIRPoRT durhamTeesvalleyAirport.comDurham Tees Valley Airport (MME/EGNV) serves almost 300,000 passengers per year, but the high was almost 1 million (in 2006). While this is one of the smaller airports in the UK, it does offer a number of flights to European des-tinations.

As a note, a comprehensive list of most UK airports can be found at www.AirportGuides.co.uk/airport-list.html. This list covers airports throughout the UK and even within Ireland.

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CHAPTER 7THE AIR TRAffIC CONTROllER

APPlICATION PROCEss

The application and interview process is one of the most important parts of the entire scenario. Without the right knowledge of what to expect, you might just find that your chances of gaining employment are slimmer than they should be. This chapter will investigate the process and offer useful insights into potential scenarios.

yoUR Cv

If you are applying outside of NATS, then you will need to invest some time in getting your CV just right. As a NATS employee, you will simply be assigned to an airport after you have passed the training course. However, for those seeking to hire on at an airport without going through this company, the process is a bit different.

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InFoRMATIon To PUT on yoUR Cv

What information should you put on your CV? As with any CV, you want to make the best case possible for your employment with the airport. You need to highlight relevant skills, experience and training.

Remember, you have about 30 seconds to catch the employer’s attention here – the initial process of weeding through CVs is done fast and hard. Below, you will find a detailed list of steps to follow in order to ensure that your CV makes a positive impact from the beginning.

STeP oneThe most important step in making sure that your CV is up to par is to ensure that it highlights relevant information. If you spent a six-month stint delivering pizzas by scooter, chances are good that an employer is not going to be very interested. Therefore, make sure that all the information you include in your CV relates directly to the field of air traffic control. Of course, if you are providing a comprehensive list of past employers, you do not want gaps that span several months.

STeP TWoThe second step is to ensure that your CV is as brief and concise as possible. Do not ramble on about things. Keep your CV to a maximum length of about two pages, though a single page is preferable, if at all possible.

Two pages of information is more than enough room for you to highlight your relevant experience, education and other vital information. Keep it brief and manageable, and you will have a better chance of being selected to pass the initial weeding-out.

STeP ThReeTake note of the format and layout of your CV. This is another

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59Chapter 7 The Air Traffic Controller Application Process

important part of ensuring that you are noticed as soon as possible. What should you know about formatting and layout?

First, you need to ensure that you use conventional font styles and sizes – oddball fonts and huge font sizes will be an immediate turnoff for potential employers. You want your CV to be as readable as possible. Times New Roman and Arial are both standard fonts. Finally, make sure that all the text on your CV is in black – strange colours do not attract the kind of attention that you want.

You also need to avoid clutter on your CV. Clearly delineate all sections and order them logically. Keep relevant information within the same section – don’t “mix and match”. Keep your presentation simple and straightforward. Attempting to “spice up” your CV with flowery graphics, creative headers and other elements is a huge no-no.

STeP FoURMake sure you catch your reader’s attention with the first few sentences of your CV. Remember, the first person to look at your information will most likely be someone rather low in the hierarchy. You need to “hook” your reader and give them a reason to put your CV in the pile of “saved” forms. If you fail to do this, your information will go straight to the waste bin.

The first section of your CV should provide information about your career objectives and your background in air traffic control. This needs to be compelling, but brief. Try to avoid running longer than about four sentences at maximum.

STeP FIveHighlight your skills and qualities early on. Remember, air traffic controllers have to have a very specific set of qualities and skills in order to be successful. An employer will be

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looking for evidence of these from the outset. Give them that information immediately, in a bulleted list.

Try not to let this list run overly long, or get too detailed. About eight items should be included here, but no more if at all possible. Your list should look something like this:

• Ability to make decisions independently and resolve problems easily

• Able to work calmly in a high-pressure environment

• Able to handle emergencies in a calm manner

• Highly capable of effective verbal communication

• Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment

• Able to aggregate and comprehend information from many different sources quickly

• Good spatial awareness

• Highly developed mathematical skills

STeP SIxFor those new to the world of air traffic control, particularly those fresh out of training, you will have very little work experience to highlight in your professional background. Therefore, make sure that you place sufficient emphasis on your training.

Let the potential employer know that you have undergone rigorous training and that you have the skills that he or she is looking for in an employee. Highlight all relevant accreditations and qualifications here.

STeP SevenRemember; it’s not all about you. While your CV should be

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about you, avoid using the word “I” repetitively throughout the document. Rather, write in third person, or simply omit “I” and other personal pronouns. You also need to ensure that you list names and dates when referring to any educational experience, as well as relevant work experience.

Simply telling an employer that you have had your training is not sufficient. You need to list when and where that training occurred. The same rule applies to previous work experience – list the “when” and “where” for all entries.

An exAMPLe Cv FoR yoUR USe

Obviously, writing a solid CV is not something with which everyone is familiar. If you have never written a CV before, or simply need a bit of a refresher, here is an example of what your CV should look like when you are finished.

CUrrICULUM VITAE - ATCO (centred at the top)

PERSONAL DETAILS

Full name Date of birth Nationality Your address Telephone number Cellular phone number Email address Driving license type

EDUCATIONAL DETAILS

Degree (list the type, grade and establishment through

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which it was earned)

A - levels - GCSEs (include the subjects passed, not the actual grades you scored per course)

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

ATCO license number, ratings and type of CAA medical grade scored

Any other aviation licenses you might hold

Any other professional qualifications that would make a difference to an employer

Membership of professional bodies/societies (these need not necessarily be related to aviation, but it does help)

CAREER DETAILS

List your earliest employment first, as well as details of posts held, your responsibilities in that job and your reason for leaving. Continue down chronologically, working from the earliest position to the most recent (last).

OTHER INFORMATION

You should include achievements with various employers, as well as your ambitions and personal qualities. An employer will be particularly interested in those qualities that will make a difference in your job performance with them (ATC-related). You should also list your personal interests and any achievements/accolades that you have earned outside of the workplace of which you are particularly proud.

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SUBMITTInG yoUR Cv And/oR APPLICATIon

Most airports will only require that you submit your CV to be considered for an open position. However, some might require that you fill out and submit a formal application in conjunction with your CV. If this is the case, simply make sure that you fill out the application as completely as possible. It is permissible to use information from your CV to fill out the application, as well.

Try to be complete with the application, even if you will be including your CV with the application during submission. Some employers will look at their airport-specific application prior to perusing your CV, so this helps to ensure that you make a favourable first impression. However, in most cases, you will find that the application simply asks for most of the same information as contained in your CV, so filling it out completely should be no hardship for you.

AFTeR SUBMISSIon – WAITInG FoR An AnSWeR

In many respects, waiting for an answer to your application is the hardest part of finding a job. In order to help ensure that you do not become overly anxious, make certain that you query the employer about how long their consideration process usually takes. They should give you an answer that may range from a few days to 15 working days.

Once your application and CV have been submitted to the employer, you will need to wait for the specified period of time. If the employer does not contact you within that period, though, do not have any fears about making a follow up phone call. You might also consider making a phone call during the interim waiting period, as well. Often, this shows that you are very interested in the position, as well as passionate about your chosen career.

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The employer will give you one of two possible answers once they have finished their review process. They will tell you that a) you are wanted for an interview, that b) you were not hired. If you were selected for an interview, congratulations. If you were not chosen for an interview, make sure that you ask why they did not consider you for employment. The answers here will help you gain better insight into how to make yourself more marketable.

APPLICATIon TIPS

While your application will largely have to stand on its own merits, or the merits of your attached CV, there are a few things that you can do to increase your chances of success. The most important thing that you can do is research. You should ensure that you research the unit with which you are applying, or the company to which you are submitting your CV. Researching a unit shows that you actually care about where you are placed, that you are committed to being part of their structure and more. If possible, arrange to have a tour of the tower prior to submitting your information. Get to know some of the other controllers and controller assistants in the unit. This will help you appear more like a “real” person, rather than simply another faceless applicant.

While the ultimate decision of whether or not to take you on will be based entirely on your qualifications, getting some “face time” with the employees within the unit will only do you good. If you are submitting your CV to more than one unit, try to tour several of them (ideally, you would visit and tour any tower/unit you were considering signing up with).

You may find that an application form will need to be completed too. If this is the case, it is important that you supply as much detail as possible about how you meet

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the person specification and job description. You must try to provide examples of where you have already gained experience in a previous job that are relative to the role you are applying for. Here are a couple of examples of the type of questions you may get asked to respond to on the application form.

Q. Why do you want this post and what do you have to offer?

Q. Please provide details of the experiences you have gained so far that would beneficial to the role.

Q. What qualities do you possess that would make you a good air traffic controller?

In order to assist you in your preparation, we will now provide brief sample responses to the above questions.

Q. Why do you want this post and what do you have to offer?

I have long held a serious desire to become an air traffic controller. From an early age I have had an interest in the industry and believe that the skills, attributes and qualities are ideally matched for the role. I have been researching different organisations and positions and have carefully chosen your company due to the professionalism that you embrace. I have a tremendous amount to offer the post. To begin with, I am highly dedicated, as proven in my previous roles with other organisations. I am hard working and conscientious and am capable of learning a large amount of job relevant information. I have already proven on a number of occasions that I am able to concentrate and apply myself to a given situation. I fully understand how important the role is and would always maintain high levels of discipline and professionalism. Finally, I am flexible, adaptable and a

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brilliant team worker. If I am fortunate enough to be offered this position, I guarantee that I will be a trustworthy and dedicated employee.

Q. Please provide details of the experiences you have gained so far that would beneficial to the role.

During my life and working career to date, I have gained a large number of experiences that would be beneficial to the role. In my previous role, I was required to concentrate for long periods of time. Accuracy was an important aspect of the job and I was often required to check my own work, unsupervised. At no point did I make any errors. This was due to my understanding of the role, my conscientious attitude and high levels of professionalism. I have also gained many experiences in a team environment. In all of my previous jobs I have been required to work with many different people. At all times I would focus intently on the task required. In my previous role as a customer service call centre worker, I was required to work to very tight deadlines. During extreme pressure conditions, I would always remain calm and focused and I would never become detracted from the job in hand.

Q. What qualities do you possess that would make you a good air traffic controller?

I have many excellent qualities that would make me an excellent air traffic controller. To begin with, I am capable of working hard under pressure. I am resilient, confident and will never crumble under strenuous working conditions. I am adaptable, flexible and understand that the role will sometimes require me to work unsociable hours; this, I am prepared for. I am a great team worker and always focus on the goal of the organisation. Conversely, I am able to work on my own and can be trusted to complete a task

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without having to be constantly checked. I am a competent communicator and have an ability to get a message across to a certain audience, making sure that they fully understand the message that I am trying to portray. Finally, I always act as a good role model for any organisation that I work for. I strongly believe that an employee should do all that they can to work hard and abide by the values that are set by the company.

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CHAPTER 8THE INTERvIEw PROCEss AND sAMPlE QUEsTIONs

Now that you have passed the initial application process, you should be lined up to have your first interview. Depending on the airport or company in question, this might be the first of many interviews. However, all interviews have several things in common.

This chapter will address preparing for the interview, as well as possible scenarios and questions that you will encounter when completing your interview.

InTeRvIeW PRePARATIon

There are several things that go into proper interview preparation. Each of these is vital to providing the right first impression for the interviewer. Following these steps will help you put your best foot forward and give you a better chance of being employed as an air traffic controller.

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PLAn yoUR dAy eFFeCTIveLy

The first thing that you should do is plan your day correctly. Obviously, you will have to travel to reach the interview location. Will you need to use public transport? If so, then you need to consider delays on the roads, rail or tube. Will you be driving? If so, then you need to factor in drive time, as well as potential problems like rush hour traffic or accidents that you might encounter.

The point of planning your day is so that you can accomplish everything you need to do. Only you can accurately plan for your day’s schedule – take the time to make a roadmap for the big day. Make sure you arrive at the interview location early. This will give you plenty of time to relax and re-read your interview notes.

MAke yoURSeLF PReSenTABLe

One of the most important steps in making a good first impression is to make yourself presentable. You should wakeup with more than enough time to complete your personal grooming (make sure you shave/trim), shower and dress properly.

Dressing is one area that confuses many people. What should you wear to the interview? Should you wear a suit, or should you simply dress in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt? While there are no hard and fast rules concerning your dress code for the interview, you should do everything that you can to make yourself as presentable as possible. Our advice is that you always wear a smart, formal outfit. Remember, you will be acting as a role model for the organisation so start as you mean to go on.

Avoid wearing jeans and other very casual garments, as

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71Chapter 8 The Interview Process and Sample Questions

this can give the impression that you are not serious about the position. While qualifications speak far louder than your clothing, you should certainly consider your wardrobe well when planning for an interview with a potential employer.

do yoUR ReSeARCh

Where will the interview be held? Who will conduct the interview? What can you learn about those in charge of the interview process? What can you learn about the airport, unit or company with which you will be interviewing? As mentioned in the previous chapter, knowing a bit about the people behind the scenes is a good way to make a good first impression.

If possible, try to familiarise yourself with the interviewer, with the unit and with the goings on at the airport in question. This will certainly make you seem far more interested in the position and will make a better impression with the interviewer.

Also, as mentioned earlier, try to arrange for a tour of the tower or other facilities. This puts you in direct contact with the people working at the unit and will help make a favourable impression.

STUdy

Another important factor in making the best first impression is to study hard before an interview. Brush up on your course materials from your training to ensure that you have that knowledge at the forefront of your mind.

Take the time to review any information that pertains specifically to the unit or airport at which you will be

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interviewing. While large and small airports do have many similarities in processes and procedures, each has unique considerations, as well. Know these and you will be in a better position to be accepted.

You should also consider reading a bit of the Manual of Air Traffic Services Part Two. While the manual is quite lengthy, there are important topics covered here. You may have had to study this manual or something similar during your education, so these topics should not be new to you.

The InTeRvIeW PRoCeSS

Now that you have prepared as adequately as possible, it’s time to learn a bit more about your interview. The process of interviewing for the position of air traffic controller is rather different from most other interview types. The nature of the job, as well as the security clearance required to perform the job means that you can expect to undergo a battery of interviews, rather than just one.

You will also have to undergo testing to be considered for the job. However, if you have your license, you will likely not have to undergo any tests to be hired (as opposed to those applying for work with NATS). As a note, the NATS set of interviews, tests and assessments are quite lengthy, lasting three full non-consecutive days.

The MeeT And GReeT PoRTIon oF The InTeRvIeW

Ideally, you will arrive relatively early for the interview. Try to arrive about 20 minutes early, but no less than 10 minutes before the time scheduled for your meeting. Why should you bother showing up so early? There are a number of reasons for this.

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First, being there early looks good. It shows that you are willing, anxious and eager to get started. It also shows that you are punctual, something that will be required of you in a career as an air traffic controller. Second, it gives you the chance to get a feel for the place.

You will be able to read informational posters on the walls, brochures and airport information and generally be able to familiarise yourself with the airport to a greater degree. Finally, arriving early gives you the chance to check your appearance in the bathroom mirror and take care of any last minute essentials.

When you greet the interviewer, make sure that you give him or her a firm handshake, a winning smile and make eye contact. Eye contact is essential here – it helps give you the appearance of honesty, integrity and openness.

You should always make eye contact with the interviewer when you are speaking. When you are listening to what is being said, you should watch the person’s lips to help ensure you understand everything being said.

Make sure that you carry a notebook with you to the interview, with a pen. Do not use a pencil, unless it is of the mechanical type. Standard lead pencils might require sharpening, the lead might break and other problems might occur that can leave you looking less prepared than you should. With a pen or a mechanical pencil, you do not have to worry about this.

Do not be afraid to take notes during your interview. Doing so shows the interviewer that you take the position very seriously and are committed to ensuring that you have all the required information. As a note, you might consider bringing your notebook and writing implement in a briefcase. This gives the impression that you are organised, which is another

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definite plus in the interview process.

You should also prepare a list of questions to ask your interviewer and carry them with you in your briefcase. What sort of questions might you ask here? Try to tailor any questions to the airport at which you are applying. You might ask about the volume of air traffic per day. You might ask about future plans for expansion or emergency preparedness.

Finally, during the interview, try to steer clear of any negative experiences you might have had on the job. If you are forced to recount such an experience or incident, you need to highlight how it helped you to change, how you learned from it, and generally turn it into a positive thing.

InTeRvIeW QUeSTIonS FoR LICenSed AIR TRAFFIC ConTRoLLeRS

Licensed air traffic controllers will find that the interview process is not terribly gruelling, nor will it be as lengthy as the process required for those enrolling with a company like NATS. However, there will be some very specific things that an interviewer is looking for during this time. What will an interviewer want to know?

examples of how you have previously handled emergency situationsThis might be an example from your professional life, or your personal life. The important thing is to show your interviewer how you handle situations that normally engender panic in other individuals.

how well do you deal with pressure?Pressure is a constant factor in air traffic control, even on “normal” days of the year. How do you handle pressure?

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Do you thrive, or do you buckle under it? Do you long for a position where there is no pressure, or high expectations? Your interviewer needs to know that you can remain calm and poised in these situations.

how well do you work with your colleagues?The world of air traffic control is not about a single person – it is a group environment. In order to thrive in this environment, you need to be able to work well as part of a team. You need to have a team mentality, to be able to listen to your colleagues suggestions and act on sound advice or information.

how you would handle specific scenarios that might ariseNumerous scenarios can arise in the world of aviation, most of them potentially disastrous, thus the need for air traffic controllers. However, your interviewer will be very interested in just how you might handle these situations. Give accurate, honest answers here – do not try to give the answer you feel the interviewer wants to hear.

how do you deal with criticism from a superior or colleague?There will be times that your judgement is criticised by your colleagues or by a supervisor. How will you handle that criticism? This is part of being able to work well in a team environment.

What do you consider your strengths?Your strengths tell the interviewer quite a bit about you as a person, as well as your potential role within the unit. They also give the interviewer an idea of where to slot you into the rotation/line-up.

What do you consider your weaknesses?Your weak areas also play a role in determining how valuable you will be to the airport. These should be given honestly.

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Attempting to dissemble will only lead to problems down the road.

how do you intend to improve your weak areas?This is perhaps one of the most important questions asked by the interviewer. Your answers will give them an idea of how dedicated you are to becoming the best air traffic controller you can be. One possible answer here is that you intend to take ongoing training courses, professional development, or collaborate with a more experienced ATC’s.

What makes you want to stay at this particular airport?How does the interviewer know that you will stay with this airport? Why are you a good candidate for the job? What type of loyalty will you show?

Why do you want to work for this airport?Why do you want to work for this particular airport? What makes this airfield more appealing to you than another? Is it the personnel, the number of daily flights or the computer systems used here? Is there a chance for professional growth here?

What navigational aids are in place within this airport?This question is designed to test your observational powers, as well as how much research you have done on the airport. It also shows your familiarity with the various technological tools of the trade.

Which airlines operate out of this airport?Again, this question is designed to test your knowledge of the airport. By knowing which airlines operate here and answering correctly, you show that you have done basic research, rather than applying to random airports.

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Which of your qualities will be of the most benefit to our airport?This is another question designed to determine your worth to the airport, as well as to help determine your skill as an ATC. What do you feel you have to offer the airport? Why should you be part of the team, as opposed to someone else?

What made you choose to become an air traffic controller?What made you feel that becoming an air traffic controller was the right career path for you? Do you enjoy the challenge of managing multiple flights? Do you like a fast-paced environment? What was the driving reason for you to choose this career?

have you ever had an argument with a superior on the job?Arguing with a superior is never a good thing. Standing your ground on a point is acceptable, but arguing openly in front of your colleagues can have a demoralising effect.

An oveRvIeW oF The nATS PRoCeSS

As mentioned several times within this guide, going through NATS is the most common method of becoming a licensed air traffic controller in the UK. The process is relatively gruelling and requires a considerable amount of study. Preparing for the process is essential. However, not all areas of the assessments can be prepared for – some will simply require that you do your best.

Below, you will find a brief outline of the application, testing and interview process. As a note, the details of each assessment, interview and testing period change from one group of students to another. Therefore, only basic elements will be highlighted here, with a few notes on possible alternative elements that might be included. You will find

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that we have provided you with a number of sample test questions to help you prepare at the end of the guide.

STAGe oneThe first stage in the NATS application and interview process is the online registration and assessment test. You will have to provide your personal information, as well as your email contact information.

Once you have registered, you will be invited to take the online assessment test. This test will involve a personal questionnaire, as well as some information checking. Once you have successfully passed this portion, you will be invited to attend Assessment Day One at one of three locations:

• Corporate and Technical Centre at Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire

• Scottish and Oceanic Control Centre in Prestwick, Ayrshire

• NATS College of Air Traffic Control, Bournemouth Airport, Christchurch, Dorset

It should be noted that different groups will meet at different locations. The total number of students attending Assess-ment Day One courses will determine where and when you will meet.

STAGe TWoStage two is essentially the completion of Assessment Day One. The tests here will require you to complete several paper and pencil tests. A numeracy test will be one of the first taken, as will an ATC test to determine your aptitude.

Scoring highly on these first tests is important. If you do not, you will be dismissed from the course. If you do well, you

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will be given two additional tests: a logical analysis test and a spatial reasoning test. At times, a personality test is also administered at this stage. NATS will contact you within 15 working days with the results of these tests.

The ATC test is designed to test your knowledge of air traffic control in general. The numeracy test is designed to determine how skilled you are with measuring speed, time and distance. The best preparation for this test is to practice calculating compass directions, as well as speed, time and distance calculations, examples of which are provided towards the end of this guide.

The spatial reasoning test is timed, but the test is not designed to be completed during the allotted timeframe. NATS gauges accuracy and consistency more than completeness. The same rule applies to the logical analysis test.

STAGe ThReeStage three is Assessment Day Two. You will be invited to this if you have passed the tests provided to you on Assessment Day One. If you have not heard from NATS about your results within the allotted 15-day period after finishing Assessment Day One, contact the company for further instructions.

Assessment Day Two will involve computer tests. You will undergo NATS assessment tests, a FEAST test battery and the SDM test. This session will be an entire day, and will centre only on computer tests, with no written portions. The First European Air Traffic Control Selection Test (FEAST) is developed to assess whether or not you are a good fit for air traffic control, and the NATS assessment will assess your strengths, weaknesses, skills and qualities. NATS advises that you only attend this session if you are well and fully rested, as the tests will require considerable attention paid to them.

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STAGe FoURThe fourth stage of the NATS interview and assessment process is Assessment Day Three. This will be the last assessment in the process. This will also mark your first formal, structured interview with NATS human resources.

Assessment Day Three begins with a group exercise, designed to promote teamwork and to determine how well you work with others, follow instructions and retain information presented by your colleagues. Generally, the group activity is considered enjoyable. After the activity, you will be assessed by an ATCO, and you will answer questions about the experience.

The interview will most likely be conducted by two different assessors at the same time, and is based on competency. The assessors will ask a series of questions, such as, “Describe a time in your life when you acted with emotional stability. Why did you act this way? What might have happened if you had not?”

STAGe FIveThe final stage of the process to enter NATS is the medical and security check. Every air traffic controller must undergo a rigorous medical examination every two years. This will be your first. The examination is very thorough, so be prepared. It will measure everything from general health to lung capacity and more.

Only 3% of NATS applicants make it to the final stage of the process. Once the medical tests have come back positive, and the background and reference check portions of the process have been completed, NATS will inform you of where you will be assigned for training.

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The need FoR ReLoCATIon

As you might have guessed from the contents of this book, entrance to the field of air traffic control is extremely competitive. Therefore, it makes sense to do whatever it takes to give you an edge in the industry. While attaining the right education is vital, and knowing how and where to apply for positions is essential, there is one other ingredient that you will need to be successful in your bid for employment as an air traffic controller – the willingness to relocate.

Why should you relocate? First, chances are exceptionally good that the airport through which you gain employment will not be located anywhere within easy reach of your current residence. While there are numerous airports throughout the UK, not all are hiring at the same time. Second, being willing to relocate gives you an advantage over applicants who are not. This gives you a broader swathe of possible airports for which to work.

Only you will be able to determine whether relocation is feasible for you or not. However, if you are not willing to relocate, you should prepare for some extremely limited choices when it comes to employment (or even no choices at all).

In fact, most companies (particularly those who supply ATCs to airports such as NATS) will require that you be willing to relocate for work purposes. If you are not willing to do so, then many ATC service companies will simply not hire you.

ConCLUSIon

Becoming an air traffic controller is a rewarding, lucrative option. However, it is not for everyone. The information contained within this guide will help you navigate the process

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from beginning to end, and will result in you becoming a licensed air traffic controller. Whether you choose to go through NATS and work in an airport/field of their choice, get sponsorship from an airport and study with BAE or ASTAC, or pay your own way and apply with airports in the UK on your own, the information in this book will help ensure that you are able to accomplish your goals.

The air traffic services industry is growing very quickly. As airports expand their capacities, new airports are built and travellers continue to rely more and more heavily on air transport, you can expect this field to continue growing. This ensures that you are able to enter a lifelong career if you so choose, one with enormous potential for future advancement.

While you will certainly have to start out at the “bottom rung of the ladder”, the upward mobility within the air traffic services industry is immense. After spending some time as an air traffic controller, you might decide that you want to go on to become a supervisor or a watch officer. Alternatively, you might decide to become a licensed air traffic instructor. All ATC schools in the UK are in need of skilled, licensed instructors and you can make that switch quite easily, with only a modicum of further training required.

You can enjoy an incredibly rewarding career that is also personally satisfying and challenging. If you love to remain challenged and hate the drudgery of a “regular” job, then this promising field is the best fit for you.

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CHAPTER 9UsEfUl lINks

A variety of information is presented within this guide, but there are many useful tools available on the Internet for your use, as well. Within this chapter, you will find a list of useful links to various authorities and resources for your needs. The links have been categorised to help you access the information you need more easily.

BACkGRoUnd InFoRMATIon ABoUT AIR TRAFFIC ConTRoL

WIkIPedIAThis is a reference for background information regarding air traffic control, its beginnings and evolution over the years. This page also offers links to other resources that can be valuable for an applicant.

IndUSTRy ReGULATInG Body

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CAA (CIvIL AvIATIon AUThoRITy) – CAA.co.uk The CAA is the single regulatory body for the aviation industry within the UK. Their website offers valuable information about the industry, laws as applied to aviation professionals, government alliances and much more.

TRAInInG oRGAnISATIonS

nATS (nATIonAL AIR TRAFFIC SeRvICeS) – nATS.co.uk NATS is the most common means of getting into the air traffic control industry. The company offers accepted applicants essential training and placement at airports that contract the company’s services.

BAe SySTeMS CWMBRAn TRAInInG CoLLeGe – CwmbranCollege.comBAE Systems Cwmbran Training College is a popular educa-tion option for aspiring air traffic controllers and has a history of working with both civilian and military personnel.

ASTAC InTeRnATIonAL – ASTAC.co.ukASTAC International is an accredited air traffic control school in the UK and offers both UK and international classes for those seeking entrance to this field. ASTAC also offers ad-vanced classes for those controllers seeking additional grades.

USeR FoRUMS

• StuckMic.com

• Forums.JetCareers.com

• ThirtyThousandFeet.com

• VATSIM.net

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85Chapter 2 The Top 10 Tips and Advice

• ATC-Network.com

• LiveATC.net

• Forums.FlightInfo.com/

• PPRuNe.org

• GATCO.org (Guild of Air Traffic Control Officers)

JoB WeBSITeS WITh ATC LISTInGS

RedGoldfish.comRedGoldfish.com offers jobs in a wide range of different in-dustries all across the UK. The site also offers resources for those seeking to make the most of their career, such as CV building tools, potential interview questions, career advance and more.

Prospects.ac.ukProspects bills itself as the “UK’s official graduate careers website”. The site offers a wide range of career options, as well as courses to further education and ‘know how’.

Simplyhired.co.ukSimplyHired is a global job search website, with a specific UK branch. The website offers almost 800,000 job listings in the UK, including jobs in the aviation industry.

AgencyCentral.co.ukAgencyCentral is one of the UK’s leading recruitment websites and gives applicants access to other recruiting agencies, as well as to job websites. The aviation industry has a considerable presence on this site.

TargetJobs.co.uk TargetJobs is one of the largest resources for UK job seekers,

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and offers access to advice, knowledge supplements and other information. The website offers aviation industry job listings, as well as a host of others.

Indeed.co.uk Indeed is another global job website that has a specific UK branch. This website offers jobs throughout the UK and Ireland, in a wide diversity of different industries and niches.

MyJobSearch.com MyJobSearch is different from others. This one aggregates the results from 514 different job websites at once, allowing job seekers to search a multitude of job listings from a single website. The site also offers advice for job hunters.

Monster.co.uk Monster is one of the largest job websites in the world, and it offers a UK specific branch, as well. Monster offers career advice, job listings, CV tools and learning resources for almost any possible career choice.

CareerBuilder.co.uk CareerBuilder provides a CV tutorial service, as well as promising to connect job seekers with a wide range of potential positions. The site also offers career advice and gives users the option to have positions that match selected criteria listed specifically for them, rather than browsing through a long list of random offers that might not meet the applicant’s criteria.

Uk AIRPoRT WeBSITeS

London heAThRoW AIRPoRTHeathrowAirport.com

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87Chapter 2 The Top 10 Tips and Advice

London STAnSTed AIRPoRTStanstedAirport.com

GLASGoW AIRPoRTGlasgowAirport.com

edInBURGh AIRPoRTEdinburghAirport.com

ABeRdeen AIRPoRTAberdeenAirport.com

SoUThAMPTon AIRPoRTSouthamptonAirport.com

MAnCheSTeR AIRPoRTManchesterAirport.co.uk

GATWICk AIRPoRTGatwickAirport.com

BeLFAST InTeRnATIonAL AIRPoRTBelfastAirport.com

BIRMInGhAM AIRPoRTBirminghamAirport.co.uk

BLACkPooL AIRPoRTBlackpoolInternational.com

BRISToL InTeRnATIonAL AIRPoRTBristolAirport.co.uk

CARdIFF AIRPoRTTBICardiffAirport.com

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eAST MIdLAndS AIRPoRTEastMidlandsAirport.com

hUMBeRSIde AIRPoRTHumbersideAirport.com

LeedS BRAdFoRd AIRPoRTLeedsBradfordAirport.co.uk

LIveRPooL John Lennon AIRPoRTLiverpoolAirport.com

London CITy AIRPoRTLondonCityAirport.com

London LUTon AIRPoRTLondon-Luton.co.uk

neWCASTLe InTeRnATIonAL AIRPoRTNewcastleAirport.com

GLASGoW PReSTWICk InTeRnATIonAL AIRPoRTGPIA.co.uk

RoBIn hood AIRPoRT donCASTeR SheFFIeLdRobinHoodAirport.com

dURhAM TeeS vALLey AIRPoRTDurhamTeesValleyAirport.com

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CHAPTER 10sAMPlE TEsT QUEsTIONs

TO HElP yOU PREPARE

During this section of your guide we have provided you with a number of different sample test questions that will allow you to prepare for the Air Traffic Controller selection process.

We have provided you the following sample tests:

Numerical reasoning test questions

Spatial reasoning test questions

Speed, distance and time test questions

There are no time limits to the tests that have been set but we do advise that you try to complete the numerical and speed, distance and time questions without the aid of a calculator. Use a blank sheet of paper to work out your answers.

If you require any further assistance with the Air Traffic Con-troller tests, then we offer a wide selection of testing books and resources at: http://www.how2become.co.uk

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SAMPLe nUMeRICAL TeST 1

Q1. 58 + ? = 87

A. 26 B. 27 C. 28 D. 29 E. 30

Answer

Q2. 101 - ? = 47

A. 51 B. 52 C. 53 D. 54 E. 55

Answer

Q3. ? + 567 = 621

A. 51 B. 52 C. 53 D. 54 E. 65

Answer

Q4. 36 x ? = 252

A. 9 B. 8 C. 7 D. 6 E. 5

Answer

Q5. 8 + 9 + 9 = 13 x ?

A. 4 B. 3 C. 2 D. 1 E. 5

Answer

Q6. (46 + 28) – 4 = ? + 45

A. 36 B. 26 C. 15 D.35 E. 25

Answer

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91Chapter 10 Sample Test Questions to Help You Prepare

Q7. 84 ÷ ? = 12 + 9

A. 2 B. 4 C. 6 D. 8 E. 3

Answer

Q8. 198 - ? = 58 x 3

A. 23 B. 48 C. 42 D. 46 E. 24

Answer

Q9. 100 ÷ 5 = 99 - ?

A. 19 B. 79 C. 89 D. 69 E. 29

Answer

Q10. 41 x 8 = 1312 ÷ ?

A. 3 B. 4 C. 5 D. 6 E. None of these

Answer

Q11. Following the pattern shown in the number sequence below, what is the missing number?

6 18 54 ? 486 1458

A. 97 B. 302 C. 249 D. 162 E. 163

Answer

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Q12. If you count from 1 to 100, how many number 5s will you pass on the way?

A. 10 B. 19 C. 11 D. 12 E. 21

Answer

Q13. 50% of 842 = ?

A. 241 B. 240 C. 420 D. 402 E. 421

Answer

Q14. 75% of 3300 = ?

A. 2745 B. 2475 C. 2455 D. 3000 E. 2905

Answer

Q15. 80% of 800 = ?

A. 860 B. 880 C. 640 D. 600 E. 680

Answer

Q16. 15% of 200 = ?

A. 45 B. 35 C. 30 D. 15 E. 7.5

Answer

Q17. 45% of 500 = ?

A. 200 B. 225 C. 240 D. 245 E. 725

Answer

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Q18. 7% of 350 = ?

A. 24.5 B. 20.5 C. 245 D. 205 E. 25.5

Answer

Q19. 9952 – 2599 = ?

A. 7535 B. 3577 C. 5733 D. 3753 E. 7353

Answer

Q20. 9 x 4.5 = ?

A. 40 B. 39.5 C. 41.5 D. 40.5 E. 42

Answer

Q21. 1888 ÷ 4 = ?

A. 422 B. 472 C. 247 D. 427 E. 224

Answer

Q22. 8665 – 856 = ?

A. 8097 B. 7808 C. 7809 D. 8079 E. 7089

Answer

Q23. 663 + 113 = ?

A. 76 B. 74 C. 775 D. 716 E. 776

Answer

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Q24. A rectangle has an area of 48cm². The length of one side is 6cm. What is the perimeter of the rectangle?

A. 24 inches B. 24cm C. 18cm D. 28cm E. 28 inches

Answer

Q25. A square has a perimeter of 36cm. What is the length of one side?

A. 81cm B. 72cm C. 18cm D. 81 metres E. 9cm

Answer

Q26. During the Air Traffic Controller Test a candidate achieves 60%. If the maximum possible score was 80, what score did the candidate achieve?

A. 60 B. 40 C. 44 D. 48 E. 50

Answer

Q27. Is 1589 divisible by 7?

A. Yes B. No

Answer

Q28. During the Air Traffic Controller Test a candidate achieves 40%. If the maximum possible score was 85, what score did the candidate achieve?

A. 34 B. 35 C. 36 D. 44 E. 45

Answer

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Q29. One side of a rectangle is 15cm. If the area of the rectangle is 255cm², what is the length of the other side?

A. 15cm B. 17cm C. 6cm D. 7cm E. 9cm

Answer

Q30. A rectangle has an area of 144cm². The length of one side is 16cm. What is the perimeter?

A. 8cm B. 16cm C. 10cm D. 12cm E. None of these.

Answer

Now that you have completed the first numerical reasoning exercise, take the time to check through your answers carefully before moving onto test 2.

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AnSWeRS To nUMeRICAL ReASonInG TeST 1

1. D

2. D

3. D

4. C

5. C

6. E

7. B

8. E

9. B

10. B

11. D

12. D

13. E

14. B

15. C

16. C

17. B

18. A

19. E

20. D

21. B

22. C

23. E

24. D

25. E

26. D

27. A

28. A

29. B

30. E

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SAMPLe nUMeRICAL ReASonInG TeST 2

Q1. Calculate 6.99 + 18.09

A. 25.08 B. 24.08 C. 24.80 D. 25.80 E. 23.08

Answer

Q2. Calculate 13.26 – 2.22

A. 11.4 B. 11.04 C. 10.04 D. 12.04 E. 11.06

Answer

Q3. Calculate 138.22 – 12.45

A. 126.77 B. 127.77 C. 152.77 D. 127.55 E. 125.77

Answer

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Q4. Calculate 4671.80 – 27.88

A. 4643.92 B. 4346.29 C. 4634.92 D. 4432.92 E. 4634.02

Answer

Q5. Calculate 278.09 + 325.80

A. 603.99 B. 630.89 C. 603.89 D. 503.89 E. 599.09

Answer

Q6. Calculate 17.1 – 9.8

A. 8.3 B. 6.3 C. 7.2 D. 7.6 E. 7.3

Answer

Q7. Calculate 5.6 x 2.2

A. 10.12 B. 10.62 C. 11.32

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D. 12.32 E. 13.22

Answer


A. 23.79 B. 23.97 C. 24.97 D. 20.7 E. 20.8

Answer

Q9. Calculate 19.8 x 3

A. 27.24 B. 59.4 C. 58.9 D. 57.4 E. 57.24

Answer


A. 88.88 B. 44.44 C. 16.16 D. 19.36 E. 8.44

Answer

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Q11. Convert 0.75 to a fraction?

A. 1/75 B. 3/4 C. 7/5 D. 2/5 E. 4/6

Answer

Q12. Jake wants to lose 10 kilograms. After 3 months he has lost ¾ of this amount. How much has lost?

A. 5 kg B. 4 kg C. 7 kg D. 7.5 kg E. 8 kg

Answer

Q13. Hayley weighs 75 kilograms. If she wants to lose 8% of her total body weight, how much does she need to lose?

A. 6kg B. 7kg C. 8kg D. 60kg E. 70kg

Answer

Q14. If r = 45 and s = 965, then s – y =

A. 290 B. 92 C. 920

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D. 930 E. 935

Answer

Q15. 15 out of 75 hospital patients have leg injuries. What percentage of patients do not have leg injuries?

A. 60 B. 20 C. 11.25 D. 12 E. 80

Answer

Q16. Alison has been keeping a record of how much she has been withdrawing from the cash point machine. Over the last 10 weeks she has withdrawn the following amounts:

£10 £20 £80 £60 £20 £10 £90 £100 £50 £30

What percentage of her withdrawals are under £60?

A. 40% B. 50% C. 60% D. 70% E. 65%

Answer

Q17. 1/5 x 2/5 = ?

A. 2/5 B. 2/25 C. 3/25

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D. 4/25 E. 2/525

Answer

Q18. 1/3 x 1/3 = ?

A. 1/9 B. 1/33 C. 1/3 D. 1/39 E. 3/4

Answer

Q19. ½ ÷ ¾ = ?

A. 2/3 B. 4/5 C. ¾ D. 7/8 E. 3/5

Answer

Q20. What is the number 55.87244 correct to three decimal places?

A. 55.873 B. 55.87 C. 55.882 D. 55.872 E. 55.883

Answer

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12

6

39

1

4

2

578

1011

5t - 20

5= 214

6t - 42

2= 1515

Q21. The clock above reads 10:10 am. How many degrees will the large (minute) hand have turned when the time reaches 11:00 am?

A. 180º B. 250º C. 270º D. 300º E. 320º

Answer


A. 360º B. 380º C. 400º D. 460º E. 480º

Answer

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12

6

39

1

4

2

578

1011

5t - 20

5= 214

6t - 42

2= 1515


A. 342º B. 340º C. 322º D. 312º E. 307º

Answer

Q24. The clock above reads 10:10 am. How many degrees will the small (hour) hand have turned when the time reaches 8:10 pm?

A. 60º B. 300º C. 360º D. 180º E. 270º

Answer

Q25. The clock above reads 10:10 am. How many degrees will the small (hour) hand have turned when the time reaches 11:10 pm?

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A. 305º B. 390º C. 360º D. 180º E. 270º

Answer

Q26. The clock below reads 10:10 am. How many degrees will the small (hour) hand have turned when the time reaches 13:10 pm?

A. 45º B. 30º C. 15º D. 180º E. 90º

Answer

Q27. The Fire Service reports the following number and type of fires in a 12 month period:

Car fires 100

Chimney fires 200

House fires 50

Derelict building fires 350

Rubbish fires 300

What percentage of fires were chimney fires?

A. 10% B. 15%

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C. 20% D. 25% E. 30%

Answer

Q28. The Fire Service reports the following number and type of fires in a 12 month period:

Car fires 200

Chimney fires 100

House fires 350

Derelict building fires 150

Rubbish fires 200

What percentage of fires were derelict building fires?

A. 10% B. 15% C. 20% D. 25% E. 30%

Answer

Q29. 1200 x 0.4 = ?

A. 560 B. 440 C. 990 D. 330 E. 480

Answer

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Q30. 760 x 0.2 = ?

A. 125 B. 122 C. 152 D. 142 E. 150

Answer

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AnSWeRS To nUMeRICAL ReASonInG TeST 2

1. A

2. B

3. E

4. A

5. C

6. E

7. D

8. B

9. B

10. D

11. B

12. D

13. A

14. C

15. E

16. C

17. B

18. A

19. A

20. D

21. D

22. E

23. A

24. B

25. B

26. E

27. C

28. B

29. E

30. C

Once you are satisfied with your answers, move on to the next set of sample tests, spatial reasoning.

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SPATIAL ReASonInG TeST

During the Air Traffic Controller Test you will be required to undertake a spatial reasoning test.

The definition of spatial reasoning is as follows:

‘The ability to interpret and make drawings from mental images and visualise movement or change in those images.’

Let’s now take a look at a sample spatial reasoning test question.

SamplE quESTiON

Take a look at the following 3 shapes. Note the letters on the side of each shape:

a

a

b

b

sample question

question 1

a

b b

a

A B

C D

Join all of the 3 shapes together with the corresponding letters to make the following shape:

a

a

b

b

sample question

question 1

a

b b

a

A B

C D

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During the spatial reasoning exercise that now follows your task is to look at the given shapes and decide which of the examples matches the shape when joined together by the corresponding letters. You have 3 minutes to answer the 8 questions.

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SPATIAL ReASonInG TeST - exeRCISe 1

quESTiON 1

a

a

b

b

sample question

question 1

a

b b

a

A B

C D

Answer

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quESTiON 2

a

b

b

a

A B

C D

question 2

Answer

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quESTiON 3

a

b b

a

A B

C D

Answer

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quESTiON 4

ab

ba

BA

C D

Answer

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quESTiON 5

c b

A B

C D

c

b

Answer

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quESTiON 6

c

A B

C D

c

a

a

a

Answer

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quESTiON 7

c

A B

C D

c

a a a

Answer

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quESTiON 8

c

A B

C D

c

d

a

a

c c

Answer

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Now that you have completed the exercise take the time to work through your answers carefully.

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AnSWeRS To SPATIAL ReASonInG TeST 1

1. C

2. B

3. C

4. D

5. A

6. A

7. B

8. C

Once you are satisfied with your answers, move onto spatial reasoning test 2

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SAMPLe SPATIAL ReASonInG TeST 2

quESTiON 1

reasoning exercise 2

samples

is to as is to?

A. B. C. D.

Which of the following shapes comes next in the sequence?

A. B. C. D.


A. B. C. D.

Question 1

Answer

quESTiON 2


A. B. C. D.

Question 2


A. B. C. D.

Question 3

Question 4A. B. C. D.

is to as is to?

Answer

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quESTiON 3


A. B. C. D.

Question 2


A. B. C. D.

Question 3


is to as is to?

Answer

quESTiON 4


A. B. C. D.

Question 2


A. B. C. D.

Question 3


is to as is to?

Answer

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quESTiON 5


is to as is to?

is to as is to?

A. B. C. D.

Question 6

Question 7Which of the following shapes comes next in the sequence?

A. B. C. D.

E. None of these

Answer

quESTiON 6


A. B. C. D.


A. B. C. D.

E. None of these

Question 6

Answer

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quESTiON 7


is to as is to?

is to as is to?

A. B. C. D.

Question 6


A. B. C. D.

E. None of these Answer

quESTiON 8


A. B. C. D.

E. None of these

Question 8


A. B. C. D.

E. None of these

Question 9

is to as is to?

A. B. C. D.

Question 10

E. None of these

Answer

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quESTiON 9


A. B. C. D.

E. None of these

Question 8


A. B. C. D.

E. None of these

Question 9

is to as is to?

A. B. C. D.

Question 10

E. None of these

Answer

quESTiON 10


A. B. C. D.

E. None of these

Question 8


A. B. C. D.

E. None of these

Question 9

is to as is to?

A. B. C. D.

Question 10

E. None of these

Answer

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quESTiON 1 1


A. B. C. D.


A. B. C. D.

is to as is to?

A. B. C. D.

Question 11

Question 12

Question 13

Answer

quESTiON 12


A. B. C. D.


A. B. C. D.

is to as is to?

A. B. C. D.

Question 11

Question 12

Question 13

Answer

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quESTiON 13


A. B. C. D.


A. B. C. D.

is to as is to?

A. B. C. D.

Question 11

Question 12

Question 13

Answer

quESTiON 14


A. B. C. D.

Question 14

Question 16

Question 15


A. B. C. D.

A. B. C. D.

is to as is to?

Answer

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quESTiON 15


A. B. C. D.

Question 14

Question 16

Question 15


A. B. C. D.

A. B. C. D.

is to as is to?

Answer

quESTiON 16


A. B. C. D.

Question 14

Question 16

Question 15


A. B. C. D.

A. B. C. D.

is to as is to?

Answer

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quESTiON 17


A. B. C. D.

Question 17

A. B. C. D.

Which of the following shapes comes next in the sequence? Question 18

A. B. C. D.


Answer

quESTiON 18


A. B. C. D.

Question 17

A. B. C. D.


A. B. C. D.


Answer

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quESTiON 19


A. B. C. D.

Question 17

A. B. C. D.


A. B. C. D.


Answer

quESTiON 20


is to as is to?

Answer

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Now that you have completed reasoning exercise 2 take the time to work through the answers, carefully checking to see which if any, you got wrong.

AnSWeRS To ReASonInG exeRCISe 2

1. A

2. C

3. D

4. C

5. C

6. B

7. E

8. A

9. D

10. E

11. D

12. C

13. C

14. A

15. B

16. C

17. D

18. C

19. C

20. D

Once you are satisfied with your answers, move on to the final section of the tests, speed, distance and time.

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SPeed, dISTAnCe, TIMe

Accuracy and agility in speed, distance, and time calculations will help you perform well during the Air traffic Controller selection process. The following information will assist you in understanding how to tackle these types of question.

When trying to solve these problems it is important to consider three variables: speed, distance and time. Try not to get too worried as two of these variables will always be known. The easiest way to solve these equations is to use the following formulas:

D

S T

Speed = Distance

Time

Distance

Speed

Distance = Speed x Time

Time =

The triangular diagram above is ideal for helping you to remember the formula. Simply place your finger over the variable you are trying to discover, you will then see the equation required.

For example if you wanted to obtain the time, placing your finger on ‘T’ would show that you would need to divide distance (D) by speed (S).

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Let’s now work through some examples:

1. A train travels 60 miles in 3 hours. What is the train’s speed?

Formula: Speed = distance ÷ time

Speed = 60 ÷ 3 = 20 mph

2. A car is travelling at 30 mph for 70 minutes. What is the distance travelled?

With this problem it is important to remember to work in minutes!

So, 30 mph = 0.5 miles per minute (30 ÷ 60)

70 (minutes) × 0.5 = 35 miles

You can use the formula but you need to convert the minutes into hours and remember that 0.1 = 1/10 of 60 minutes:

Formula: Distance = speed × time

Distance = 30 × 1.1666r (1 hour 10 mins) = 35

3. A tank is driving at 48 mph over 60 miles. How long was it driving for?

Formula: Time =distance ÷ speed

Time = 60 ÷ 48 = 1 hour 15 minutes

Take these steps

I. You know that 48 mph = 48 miles in 60 minutes.

II. The difference between 60 and 48 is 12, which is ¼ of 48.

III. You can then take ¼ of 60, which gives 15 minutes, and add that to 60 minutes = 75 minutes.

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IV. Then convert to hours = 1 hour 15 minutes for the answer!

OR

Take these steps

I. You know that 48 mph = 0.8 miles per minute.

II. 60 ÷ 0.8 = 75 minutes.

III. Convert into hours = 1 hour 15 minutes.

Once you understand how to calculate speed, distance and time, take your time to work through the following 30 sample test question.

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SAMPLe SPeed, dISTAnCe And TIMe TeST

(Give all distances and speeds in whole numbers)

Q1. You are travelling at 28mph for 75 minutes. How far do you travel?

Answer

Q2. You travel 15 miles in half an hour. What speed are you travelling at?

Answer

Q3. You travel 33 miles at a constant speed of 55mph. How long are you travelling for?

Answer

Q4. You are travelling at 75 mph for 1 and half hours. How far do you travel?

Answer

Q5. You travel 61 miles in 1 hour and 5 minutes. What speed are you travelling at?

Answer

Q6. You travel 90 miles at a constant speed of 30 mph. How long are you travelling for?

Answer

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Q7. You are travelling at 70mph for 125 minutes. How far do you travel?

Answer

Q8. You travel 2.5 miles in 5 minutes. What speed are you travelling at?

Answer

Q9. You travel 75 miles at a constant speed of 45mph. How long are you travelling for?

Answer

Q10. You are travelling at 59 mph for quarter of an hour. How far do you travel?

Answer

Q11. You travel 325 miles in 4 hours and 6 minutes. What speed are you travelling at?

Answer

Q12. You travel 38 miles at 45 mph. How long are you travelling for?

Answer

Q13. You are travelling at 80 mph for 15 minutes. How far do you travel?

Answer

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Q14. You travel 63 miles in 56 minutes. What speed are you travelling at?

Answer


Answer

Q16. You are travelling at 65 mph for one hour and 10 minutes. How far do you travel?

Answer

Q17. You travel 120 miles in two hours. What speed are you travelling at?

Answer


Answer

Q19. You are travelling at 40 mph for half an hour. How far do you travel?

Answer

Q20. You travel 80 miles in 105 minutes. What speed are you travelling at?

Answer

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Answer


Answer

Q23. You travel 16 miles in quarter of an hour. What speed are you travelling at?

Answer


Answer


Answer

Q26. You travel 75 miles in one and half hours. What speed are you travelling at?

Answer

Q27. You travel 1 mile at 60 mph. How long are you travelling for?

Answer

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Q28. You are travelling at 50 mph for 2 and half hours. How far do you travel?

Answer

Q29. You travel 100 miles in 1 hour and 55 minutes. What speed are you travelling at?

Answer


Answer

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AnSWeRS To SPeed, dISTAnCe And TIMe TeST

1. 35 miles

2. 30 mph

3. 36 mins

4. 112.5 miles

5. 56 mph

6. 3 hours

7. 146 miles

8. 30 mph

9. 1hour 40 minutes

10. 15 miles

11. 79 mph

12. 51 mins

13. 20 miles

14. 68 mph

15. 22 minutes

16. 76 miles

17. 60mph

18. 1hours 36 mins

19. 20 miles

20. 46mph

21. 30 mins

22. 2 miles

23. 64mph

24. 1 hours 5 mins

25. 5 miles

26. 50mph

27. 1 minute

28. 125 miles

29. 52 mph

30. 7 hours 30 minutes

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A FeW FInAL WoRdS

You have now reached the end of the guide and no doubt you will be ready to start preparing for the Air Traffic Controller selection process. Just before you go off and start on your preparation, consider the following.

The majority of candidates who pass the selection process have a number of common attributes. These are as follows:

1. They believe in themselves.The first factor is self-belief. Regardless of what anyone tells you, you can become an Air Traffic Controller. Just like any job of this nature, you have to be prepared to work hard in order to be successful. Make sure you have the self-belief to pass the selection process and fill your mind with positive thoughts.

2. They prepare fully.The second factor is preparation. Those people who achieve in life prepare fully for every eventuality and that is what you must do when you apply to become an Air traffic Controller. Work very hard and especially concentrate on your weak areas.

3. They persevere.Perseverance is a fantastic word. Everybody comes across obstacles or setbacks in their life, but it is what you do about those setbacks that is important. If you fail at something, then ask yourself ‘why’ you have failed. This will allow you to improve for next time and if you keep improving and trying, success will eventually follow. Apply this same method of thinking when you apply to become an Air Traffic Cintroller.

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4. They are self-motivated.How much do you want this job? Do you want it, or do you really want it?

When you apply to join an organisation as an ATC you should want it more than anything in the world. Your levels of self-motivation will shine through during the assessments. For the weeks and months leading up to the selection pro-cess, be motivated as best you can and always keep your fitness levels up as this will serve to increase your levels of motivation.

Work hard, stay focused and be what you want…

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visit www.how2become.co.uk to find more titles and courses that will help you to pass the Air Traffic Controller selection process, including:

• Online Testing.

• 1-Day courses.

• Interview books and DVD’s

• Psychometric testing books and CD’s.

www.how2become.co.uk

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