Ed Correia Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Well, went for the ATC tests today. Shall we just say it was an interesting day. First test involved basic numeracy and time skills, basically asking things such as how far a plane travelled if it went 280km/h for 45 minutes and questions with departure and arrival times. As you were doing these questions a voice on a tape recorder would interrupt you asking all sorts of other questions with the answers to be written down. So to start off, it wasn't too bad. Next batch of test were a major pain in the arse. It was number and picture matching, but the damn thing went so quick it was not easy. The whole group there hated that one. Third test was time estimation and more pattern matching. This test we actually got to see our results (but not if they were of a pass mark), but gave you a good indication as to how you were going. I was pretty happy with this as my scores were decent compared to others. Last test took about 3 hours all up. A very basic ATC setup where you had to guide planes in to land and exit out of "gates". You had 4 practice tries before the real test, so I guess they were also seeing how well you hold up after practising for 2 hours and then attempting the real thing. I was happy with that result as well, with 97% of aircraft at their destinations in the time allowed, but I had one seperation error right in the beginning. Compared to others, I think I did OK on that one. But overall, I don't know. Well get our results back in 2-3 weeks. I went terrible in that second test and the supervisor there said that to pass is very difficult. They had 18 testing yesterday and only 6 passed. What's done is done. Did my best, now all I can do is wait. Thanks for reading. Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maurice_King Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 I hope you did well mate but don't be discouraged if you don't make the cut. ATC standards in Australia are some of the highest in the world I believe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Baumanis Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Let us know if you get any further. I imagine that it is a very interesting job, but probably very stressful. I hope you make it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyguy737 Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 I too went to be in ATC did the tests and failed, I hated that pattern match thing too I couldn't and still don't understand the relivance of it after all on a radar screen they all look the same don't they? I really wanted to work in ATC and I thought that since I already was a pilot I stood a great chance....I was wrong.....Then I thought but I do ATC from time to time on Vatsim surley that will help.......Wrong again.....Oh well guess you really have to be above the average IQ for this job. I agree that we have the highest standards and the best ATC in the world but sometimes people should be given the chance to see if they can make a great ATC controller and forget the stupid pattern thing, just train them and unless they are complete brain dead idiots they will understand very well. Training is what it should be about. You can train a monkey but he can't think very well....Hmmm I wonder if a chimp might get the pattern thingy?? Colin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Bosch Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Good luck with it Lamancha! It's one tough job you're after. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wantok Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 I hope you did well mate but don't be discouraged if you don't make the cut. ATC standards in Australia are some of the highest in the world I believe. Seconded. And those extraordinary standards, and the remarkable skills of the controllers, would be even more valuable if ASA management had to sit some kind of competence test as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Singletracker Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 would be even more valuable if ASA management had to sit some kind of competence test as well. So true Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Meiklejohn Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Good on you Ed, hope you get the offer. We're desperately short of staff (despite what AsA management spins to the media). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowRad Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Reminds me of the RAAF nav tests. We did a bunch of similar tests then at the end of each one a number of people were called out and lead away never to be seen again (kind of like survivor). We started with about forty and ended with ten.....then on to stage two. I hope you did well mate but don't be discouraged if you don't make the cut. ATC standards in Australia are some of the highest in the world I believe. I agree. ATC is bloody hard stuff. No shame either way. As a back door entry you may consider the RAAF. Not sure what the age requirements are for ATC though, but I think you are OK. Once your ROSO is over, ditch 'em and go civillian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowRad Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Oops...forgot to mention. There is excellent comp and super for your wife if you get killed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Correia Posted February 12, 2009 Author Share Posted February 12, 2009 Oops...forgot to mention. There is excellent comp and super for your wife if you get killed. My wife is supportive my career change plans, but not that supportive . I've mentioned the RAAF route, but she's not all keen on that idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Correia Posted February 17, 2009 Author Share Posted February 17, 2009 Oh happy day! Received my email today saying I have passed the tests and now on to the interviewing stages. One step closer Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wantok Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 Great stuff, Ed, congrats and best of luck with the rest of the process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
awright Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 Very well done Good luck for the interviews. Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Bosch Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 Woo Hoo! Congrats mate! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hotspot Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 Received my email today saying I have passed the tests and now on to the interviewing stages. The start of something big - congrats mate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 Congrats Ed - we'll keep our fingers crossed for you Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maurice_King Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 VATSIMÂ will never bee the same again WELL DONE . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butch Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 ED, my most heartfelt congratulations... what a legend! Exciting times indeed for you mate! Butch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Johnston Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 Good onya mate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Correia Posted May 6, 2009 Author Share Posted May 6, 2009 I thought I would update this post with my progress. I arranged a visit to Melbourne Centre and went there last week in preperation of my interview. Was there for about 2 hours and had the opportunity to chat to different controllers handling different sectors. The people there were so great, plugged in listening to all the communications and asking questions in between. It was a great chance to check it all out. I just hope I didn't get in the way. Well, went for my interview this morning. A little bit nervous, but that's to be expected. Lots of workplace scenario questions. Bit tricky at first, but it wasn't so bad towards the end. I will find out in 4 weeks if I'm successful. If so, training begins in October. Fingers crossed. Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Meiklejohn Posted May 6, 2009 Share Posted May 6, 2009 It's such a long drawn out process Ed, you wouldn't think we are short of controllers eh? Good Luck, fingers crossed for a months time... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Bosch Posted May 6, 2009 Share Posted May 6, 2009 Good luck with it Ed! My instructor is trying to organise a trip over to the tower here at YCSB for myself and Extra260, just so we can see what it looks like from the other side of the radio. I'm looking forward to it. It should be interesting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butch Posted May 6, 2009 Share Posted May 6, 2009 Great news Ed and its very good to hear that the process IS rigorous... don't want any cowboys directing traffic! Good Luck mate! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobdeVries Posted May 6, 2009 Share Posted May 6, 2009 Interesting story. Keep us posted about your progress and training if you're admitted, which I expect will happen! I've made a career change as well on my 35th to firefighter (chief) . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan The Man Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 Well done with the exam, hope all goes well with the rest of the process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest volcom1720 Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Congrats mate! You've got all my encouragment! You can do it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Correia Posted May 27, 2009 Author Share Posted May 27, 2009 :'( Didn't pass the interview. Bugger. Applications for next year close 30th June. Take two. Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butch Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 Real sorry to hear that Ed, Chin up mate, it must be like having to go through the proverbial eye of the needle. So you've done exceptionally well to get this far this time. If you really want it perseverance is certainly to your advantage. Cheers Butch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Mason Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 second times a charm Ed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 Hard luck Ed, but you'll be wiser, and better prepared for you next tilt at it, and judging by the distance you got this time, you'll be a shoe-in mate. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ja-durant Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 You will do it ,Ed jacques Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Correia Posted May 27, 2009 Author Share Posted May 27, 2009 Thanks for the encouragement. You get two cracks at it so I've got nothing to lose. Feedback from the interview was that I didn't have enough depth in my replies regarding skills & experience. I've emailed Airservices (which they invite you to do -no sour grapes here), asking more specific feedback. Next time I know what to expect & what they expect from me. Provided I pass those tests again. Like I said nothing to lose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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