West Midlands · NATS Air Traffic Control
Applying for an ATC role at Birmingham Airport?
Birmingham Airport is the UK's seventh busiest airport, handling over 12 million passengers per year. NATS provides ATC services, and all trainee controller candidates must pass the Stage 1 aptitude battery as part of the national NATS recruitment process.
Birmingham sits at the intersection of several major airways and handles a diverse traffic mix including domestic, European and long-haul routes. Controllers manage arrivals and departures within the complex London TMA extension.
Our practice tests cover all four Stage 1 test types — Spatial Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning and Situational Judgement — helping you build the speed, accuracy and clear thinking required to progress.
With 155 questions, detailed explanations, and randomised question sets on every attempt, ATC Practice provides genuine practice that improves your performance across every sitting.
What's included in ATC Practice
Spatial Reasoning
40 questions · 20 min
Numerical Reasoning
40 questions · 20 min
Logical Reasoning
40 questions · 20 min
Situational Judgement
35 questions · 25 min
NDB Direction
24 questions
Switch — Dual Task
6 rounds
About NATS Stage 1 selection
What tests are in the NATS Stage 1 aptitude assessment?
The NATS Stage 1 online assessment covers spatial reasoning, numerical reasoning, logical reasoning and situational judgement. These cognitive aptitudes are proven predictors of air traffic control training success. Candidates who practice under timed conditions perform significantly better.
How competitive is NATS air traffic controller selection?
NATS receives thousands of applications each year for a limited number of trainee places, making it one of the most competitive selection processes in UK aviation. Strong aptitude-test performance at Stage 1 is essential to progress to the assessment centre.
Do I need experience or a degree to apply?
No. NATS does not require a degree or prior aviation experience for trainee air traffic controller roles. You typically need to be 18 or over and meet GCSE requirements in maths and English, along with medical and eyesight standards. Selection is based primarily on aptitude.
What does ATC Practice include?
ATC Practice covers Spatial Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Situational Judgement, NDB Direction and a dual-task simulation — all timed, full-length and with explanations. One payment of £10 gives unlimited access with no subscription.
Start practicing for Birmingham Airport today
One payment of £10 gives you unlimited access to all the NATS Stage 1 practice simulations. No subscription, access never expires.
Get full access — £10↩ 14-day satisfaction guarantee · No subscription