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Author Topic: From Medicine to ATC  (Read 9566 times)

Offline medik06

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From Medicine to ATC
« on: March 10, 2006, 00:57:42 UTC »
I was writting for a bit more information, basically, I am in my 3rd year of Medical School in UK but i am now thinking more and more about changing to ATC.

I am asking if there is anyone with more information(or resourses) about getting into ATC, where can  get samples of the questions or tests that you get in interviews, also what sort of questions are they likely to focus on in interviews, it sounds as if the selection process is really rigorous. I suppose i am worried, being 27 years old and having already done a previous health sciences degree and now halfway through my medical degree i decide to change, might count against me in interviews.

I have searched and read previous threads on advice on how to get into ATC (most info being for the US ATC and i want to join the UK ATC), i have also been to NATS website and a couple other websites, and read a book on ATC by Graham Duke plus i have emailed NATS and my local airport asking to visit the tower to see a controler in action to which they have declined, stating security reasons.

I would be grateful if anyone has any insight or more information, or can be reassuring.
Thanks guys
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Offline Tomato

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From Medicine to ATC
« Reply #1 on: March 10, 2006, 22:34:25 UTC »
I honestly can't help you here, especially if you're in the UK.  Just curious though - how long is your program?  If it's a 4yr program, and you're in your 3rd year, I'd just finish it off.  A friend of mine was in a similar situation (albeit completely different program/objectives), he was glad he finished it off.  :)
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Offline medik06

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From Medicine to ATC
« Reply #2 on: March 11, 2006, 01:07:34 UTC »
Hie Tomato thanks for the response bro, i was beginning to think no onw would respond

The programme is 5.5 years long so i still have 2 years to go
thanx
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Offline Glavata

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From Medicine to ATC
« Reply #3 on: March 11, 2006, 03:07:18 UTC »
How about US, what is the program here. I know there's 12 or 13 universities affiliated with the FAA but I think every program is different at each school. I actually got accepted into Embry-Riddle @ FL but was too expensive for me so I stayed home (Doing CS Degree rigght now). I too am also interested as ATC has always been my thing, what I wanted to know is if how long would it take to complete? I'm 18 right now, probably going to be done with CS degree around 22. Thanks!
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Offline medik06

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From Medicine to ATC
« Reply #4 on: March 14, 2006, 02:24:50 UTC »
Quote from: Glavata
How about US, what is the program here. I know there's 12 or 13 universities affiliated with the FAA but I think every program is different at each school. I actually got accepted into Embry-Riddle @ FL but was too expensive for me so I stayed home (Doing CS Degree rigght now). I too am also interested as ATC has always been my thing, what I wanted to know is if how long would it take to complete? I'm 18 right now, probably going to be done with CS degree around 22. Thanks!


Glavata if you use the search engine you will find a few presious posts about getting into US ATC
Hope it works out for you
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Offline Heading090

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From Medicine to ATC
« Reply #5 on: March 15, 2006, 18:00:42 UTC »
Hi Medik,

If you're a UK citizen you can try to be come an Air Traffic Controller in the UK with NATS (National Air Traffic Services). Check their website http://www.nats.co.uk and follow links for recruitment.

Also, you can be a controller at the EUROCONTROL Upper Area Control Centre in Maastricht if you're a citizen of one of 36 EUROCONTROL member states. http://www.eurocontrol.int

Be aware that the selection process in each case is very demanding and subject to age restriction. Also, note that becoming an Air Traffic Control Trainee does not mean that you'll become an Air Traffic Controller. In fact, the majority of trainees fail at verious stages of training and are terminated.

Other words - it is a big gamble. Good luck with whatever you decide.
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Offline Tomato

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From Medicine to ATC
« Reply #6 on: March 15, 2006, 18:34:06 UTC »
Ah yes... AGE.  I almost forgot about that one.  If you can, I would still consider finishing it off.  Two yeras in the span of your life isn't long at all, and is something to fall back on later on if you wanted to.  It's easier to finish up now than to "study up" and try and finish later.  If you're right at the cutoff for _wherever_ you are, then you might want to consider ATC if you are truly interested in it.

You can play computer simulation games or even go through the VATSIM controller training to see if you like it, though I'm sure it's completely different than the "real thing".  8)
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Offline medik06

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From Medicine to ATC
« Reply #7 on: March 17, 2006, 22:23:48 UTC »
Hey Tomato and Expert

Thanks for your response guys. The annoying thing is i have been trying to get organise a visit to any ATC centre and they all say no coz of security reasons and i dont know anyone in the aviation industry.. to at least speak to.
Anyway, ill get back to reading about renal disease while listening to EIDW.

thanks
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