NATS Logical Reasoning Test: Patterns, Sequences and How to Prepare

Logical reasoning is assessed in the NATS Stage 1 aptitude battery and in the Eurocontrol FEAST selection. It tests abstract thinking — the ability to identify patterns, apply rules, and solve problems you have never seen before. This matters in ATC because controllers must rapidly assess novel situations and apply rules consistently and correctly.

What Logical Reasoning Tests Measure

Unlike numerical reasoning (which tests what you know about maths) or verbal reasoning (which tests language comprehension), logical reasoning tests measure pure reasoning ability independent of learned knowledge. It assesses how well you can:

These skills map directly to ATC: applying separation rules, detecting conflicts before they develop, and predicting where aircraft will be given current vectors.

Question Types

Abstract sequence completion — A series of shapes, symbols or figures is shown. Each item changes according to a rule (rotation, reflection, addition of elements, colour alternation). You must identify the rule and choose which option correctly continues the sequence.

Matrix reasoning — A 3×3 grid of figures is presented with one cell missing. The rows and columns follow consistent transformation rules. You must find the answer that satisfies both the row and column rules simultaneously.

Odd one out — Five or six figures are shown. Four follow a rule; one does not. You must identify which figure breaks the pattern.

Syllogisms and deductive reasoning — Less common in NATS but present in some batteries: short logical statements from which you must draw valid conclusions.

Common Patterns to Recognise

The most frequently tested transformations in abstract reasoning are:

Most questions combine two or three of these rules simultaneously. Training yourself to check each dimension systematically — shape, number, size, position, shading — prevents you from missing a rule.

How to Practice Effectively

Work through explanations, not just answers. After attempting a sequence, look at the explanation even if you got it right. Confirm your reasoning was correct, not just your answer. Candidates who understand the underlying rule are faster on similar questions later.

Develop a systematic checking habit. Before looking at the answer options, identify every attribute of each element in the sequence: its shape, size, number, position and shading. This takes practice to do quickly but prevents errors from missed rules.

Practice under timed conditions. Logical reasoning questions feel very different with 45 seconds per question than with unlimited time. Build a sense of when to move on.

Do not rely on visual intuition alone. Intuitive pattern recognition is useful but unreliable under pressure. Train yourself to verify your intuition with a logical check before committing to an answer.

The Link to ATC Aptitude

Research consistently shows that abstract reasoning ability is one of the strongest predictors of ATC training success. It's a common part of ATC aptitude testing because controller training involves learning and applying a large number of rules quickly.