Air Traffic Controller

[orion]

Heya, i'd love to hear if anyone has tried/and/or succeeded , and how the testing process is, and what is involved. It sounds quite similar to PERSEL, so would it be right to assume that spaces are few?

[mfraser]

Hi again!! I'd better make a disclaimer just to be clear and protect my job!! These are just my opinions and thoughts on becoming selected for ATC training, and I'm not representing Airways NZ in any official capacity. I'll try and keep it as short as possible, because in all honesty, its a lengthy process!

To start with, you should know that there is currently a shortage of Air Traffic Controllers in New Zealand and indeed worldwide. Yes, the selection process is quite competitive - but Airways runs 2 or 3 Ab Initio ATC courses per year, with between 6-12 trainees per course. So I think that puts the odds in your favour to begin with!! The testing is rigorous but is of a different nature than PERSEL.

To familiarise yourself with Airways and ATC careers, have a look at this link............
Airways NZ - ATC Careers Information

Then keep an eye on this page for Air Traffic Controller vacancies - that'll tell you when and how to apply............
Airways NZ - Career Centre

In my case, I got bored one day and rang up Ohakea Control Tower and asked if I could visit. I took them up some chocolate biscuits and just sat and observed for a couple of hours. I asked lots of questions whenever they had a spare moment to talk and fell in love with the job. I took away some literature and then made an online application. A week or two later I was invited to attend Initial Aptitude testing in one of the three main centres (AA, WN or CH) - the disclaimer being that you have to pay your own way to get there. I sat a number of written tests - each lasting about half an hour and testing various things. The tests start relatively easy and gradually become more difficult. The objective is to work as quickly and as accurately as possible - I never managed to finish any of the papers, but I seemed to be able to get about 3/4 of the way through each test with mostly correct answers.

The tests are quite varied and I'll have to rack my brain to remember them all!! One tests mental dead reckoning - you'll be given an equation and you have to select the correct answer or in its abscence, the closest approximation. One tests data checking - you're given a series of letters and numbers and you have to match them up with corresponding entries in various columns. Another checks your english comprehension - you're given a short sentence and you're asked a number of questions to establish your understanding. One tests spatial orienation - you're given a 3d picture showing 3 sides of a cube and you have to select the correct 2d picture which would correspond to the 3d image if it were folded up into a cube! One test profiles your personality and there are a couple of others but I can't quite remember what they were - its been six years after all. They'll tell you on the day if you've successfully passed the aptitude tests or not - and if you have you'll have a quick interview with an assessor where they'll ask why you want to be an ATC and what you know of the job. If they like what they hear and see, they'll invite you to attend an Assessment Centre in Christchurch which is over three days - with all expenses (Travel and accomodation) paid for by Airways.

The Assessment Centre is a bit more like PERSEL, but more relaxed. There's some computer based testing which is similar to the written tests, a solo exercise, a group exercise, another personality profile and a couple of interviews. If you pass that, then you'll be invited onto a course!!

I hope that's not too much information for one post!! What do you think?!?!

[orion]

Wow thanks that's awsome information! the only one of those tests i might have more difficulty with is the spatial orienation, i'll have to get some practice!
I've applied online yesturday and took some online personality questoniers, so now i just wait.
Are there many oppertunities to advance in rank and pay? Also, do you choose whether to work in the tower or the radar center(not sure what it's actually called), or do you get put where you get put?

Thanks for the big help!

[mfraser]

Glad to help!! Towards the end of your training the instructors will have a feel for where you would be best placed for on-the-job training (OJT). For example, some people work best under pressure and are sent to busy towers, while others show aptitude for procedural approach and might get sent to a complementary tower. You do have some say in where you want to go, but it will all depend on where the company needs controllers and if there are any training slots available at that unit - you do have to be flexible in that regard. You'll be expected to do about 2yrs at your first unit before you can get transferred elsewhere.

Typically, normal ATC career progression in NZ will see you start off in one of the regional towers (HN,TG,RO,OH,PM,NR,GS,WB,NS,DN,NV,QN). However there are occassions where new controllers get sent directly to an international tower (AA,CH,WN) , or to the Christchurch radar centre or to the Auckland Oceanic centre.

ATC pays very well and is based on the responsibility that you shoulder. Approach controllers get paid the most, then Oceanic controllers, then area radar controllers and international towers, and finally regional towers. We get regular payrises which are based on your time with Airways, and also other raises which are based on CPI plus a negotiated percentage. You can expect to earn between $50-75K in a regional tower and it just goes up and up from there!!

[orion]

heya, just a few more questions

1. how many hours a week do you work, and do you work to a roster working night shifts one week an day shifts the next?

2. What do you love most about the job?

3. what do you hate most about the job?

Thanks for all the info!

[KINGPIN]

Hello guys and girls,

I am glad that I found this thread, I am interested in applying for the ATC trainee position and there is some great information on here thanks to mfraser.

I am not the brightest star in Mathematics and was wondering if anyone know any websites that I could start practising my mathematics before I go and sit the tests please.

Thanks in advance for the advise.

[mfraser]

1. ATC hours are limited to a maximum of 7 1/2 hrs duty time per shift. Most if not all ATC rosters are based on a 4 on 2 off system. Shift times vary between units depending on their different traffic demands, but you'll normally work a cycle such as a late, evening, day and morning with at least 12hrs off between those shifts.

2. There's lots to like about a career in ATC. We get paid very well, we get a lot of leave and time off, I find Oceanic control fun and dynamic. I love aviation and really enjoy being part of the industry.

3. Hate is a strong word, but its only human that there are things that I find disagreable (Of course I have to be cautious about bagging my employer or career on a public forum)!! My biggest disappointment is that I was first posted to HN which is a REALLY busy regional tower. Despite working my proverbial off, I still only got paid as much as the controllers working at much quieter airfields - sometimes controlling 5 times less the amount of traffic! A number of controllers also take issue with this pay disparity, but in fairness it is a complicated issue. To be honest though, being at a such a busy unit makes you a really capable controller!!

I hope that helps!!

[mfraser]

QUOTE (KINGPIN @ Oct 10 2010, 09:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am not the brightest star in Mathematics and was wondering if anyone know any websites that I could start practising my mathematics before I go and sit the tests please.

Excellent - another potential recruit!!

Have a look here...... it has some sample tests which are similar to the ones you'll sit for the initial aptitude testing....... also check out the link there to the SHL website..........
Airways NZ - ATC Practise Tests

You dont' have to be a maths wiz to be a controller!!!

[orion]

If you do fail the apt. tests or assessment centre is that it, or is it possible to get another shot?

I guess you wouldn't know if you passed first time

[orion]

Just an update, i'll be attending the testing session on Monday!

mfraser, can you rememeber any specific types of questions or are they all pretty much the same as the ones on the website?

Thanks for the help again!

[mfraser]

Hey - great news!! Well done!! Where are you sitting the tests??

To answer your questions - yes, you may be asked to reapply again if you miss out on the first few attempts - providing the assessors believe you still have what it takes. As for the tests, they are pretty much exactly as you've seen on the website. Don't stress too much about them - I did no preparation before sitting mine. Just make sure you have a good rest the night before, have a good breakfast, and try to remain calm and composed throughout!!

Best of luck!!
Mat

[orion]

I believe its william pickering drive.(CHCH)

I was expecting to sit the tests in a few weeks so i could prepare more, but it's no problem as i can't wait to get started!
I guess shirt and tie will be more than ok in terms of the dress code?

[mfraser]

QUOTE (orion @ Oct 14 2010, 01:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I guess shirt and tie will be more than ok in terms of the dress code?

Tidy shirt and trousers should suffice........... no tie required.............

[irharry]

Has anyone been to the assessment centre recently?

I have it on the 6th of April, and looking for any info on it i can find!!

[Olderndirt]

A bit off topic but all this testing reminds of my days when the FAA decided to get seriously into the testing business. They sent around a bunch of their proposed entry qualification tests for new controllers to various facilities - the idea being to have the journeymen controllers take the tests and evaluate the results. Turns out most of us tested unqualified as potential controllers which they managed to overlook. This hurt a little but the paychecks kept coming .

[Ian Warren]

QUOTE (Olderndirt @ Mar 27 2011,6:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Turns out most of us tested unqualified as potential controllers which they managed to overlook. This hurt a little but the paychecks kept coming .

Thanx Dave , there go,s my paycheck and i,m bloody good at telling em to put your wheels down and yes they are if not , i no the Vectors for Victor Vhich is very handy for the screen Vor screens shots , V for victory for you and for the screenies

[Squawk1200]

QUOTE (irharry @ Mar 24 2011,9:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Has anyone been to the assessment centre recently?

I have it on the 6th of April, and looking for any info on it i can find!!

Pretty much what mfraser said in the earlier posts covers it. I did it in November last year. The assessors will tell you exactely whats expected for each particular test, so there wont be any surprises. There will be an interview, computer based testing which is based around short term memory stills and quick decision making, a basic simulation excerise, and a group excerise, what they are looking for there is communication skills rather than just completing the task at hand, so dont be quiet! I believe they usually get back to you by the following monday to tell you whether you will be offered a place on the course, I think the next course starts May sometime.
Hope this helps!

[ZK-TJL]

Nice to find A topic on ATC selection. I'd better add these are just my thoughts and opinions.....nothing more

QUOTE (mfraser @ Oct 13 2010,12:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The Assessment Centre is a bit more like PERSEL, but more relaxed.

I've passed both PERSEL and Airways selection. IMO I'd say PERSEL is far more relaxed,

Generalisations
*I found PERSEL great fun. PERSEL is about finding an officer etc.
*ATC selection on the other hand is more about mental ability, finding people that can handle pressure.

Life experience counts more in PERSEL.....the older chaps tend to beat out the young guns straight from school. But with ATC selection it's more black and white. To me, and others I work with, ATC selection is more along the lines of "If you can handle the selection process, your in"......more pressure based. The course is very hard, and these days lots of people are failing ATC courses at the training centre. In my course we lost 3 from 9. The course ahead lost about the same, the course following lost about half......The course is stressful, they need to know you've got the right stuff to make it out the other end, hence ATC selection ain't easy.

[towerguy]

3 from 9 ? must have been an easy course. we lost 7 of 12 at the college in an aborted experimental course.
Of course we didn't have the nice multi guess system then either - all long answer so you had to KNOW the answer - and ALL the answer - no guesses which might be the closest fit ;-)

[ZK-TJL]

QUOTE (towerguy @ Apr 8 2011,6:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

3 from 9 ? must have been an easy course. we lost 7 of 12 at the college in an aborted experimental course.
Of course we didn't have the nice multi guess system then either - all long answer so you had to KNOW the answer - and ALL the answer - no guesses which might be the closest fit ;-)

Mutli choice??? I don't recall any multichoice during the course. All long answers type stuff, those bloody long lists etc. The selection tests were all multi choice though. A mate of mine is on the 052 course now, I'll check and see if he has had any multi guess tests.