Air Traffic Control Officer Exam

[LauraLou]

Has anyone ever done the entry exam to become an ATCO? I'm doing it next week and wondered how bad it's gonna be!

[Clanad]

Here in the U.S., the FAA Air Traffic Controller (ATC) entry exam and follow-up training can be quite frustrating for applicants with no aviation background. The test, here at least, involves multi-tasking, doing three or four things at seemingly the same time. This tests ones ability to remember a previous task while engaged in yet another. The most difficult items seemed to be (I've not taken it, but have many acquaintences that have) recogninzing the acronyms and abreviations used in aviation "lingo". I've been a pilot for many years and have to stop, during a discussion, and explain the meaning of VOR, VFR, IFR, FL250, Mach .78, Cleared direct to... etc., tho the person I'm talking to. They really are testing your adaptability to stressful situations, more than anything else. Stress is one of the reasons Controllers here in the U.S. are required to retire at 56 years of age...

Check here for FAA info, should be adaptable to the U.K.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos108.htm

Best of Luck! Blue skies and following winds!

[LauraLou]

Hey thanks for that, I feel better already as I know what your examples mean! Nice to hear from someone who knows what I'm talking about. Fingers crossed! x