Applying for an ATC role at Bristol Airport?
Bristol Airport is the South-West's busiest airport, handling over 8 million passengers per year. NATS provides ATC services and trainee controller recruitment follows the same national aptitude test pathway as all NATS locations.
Bristol's airspace connects with Cardiff and Exeter to the west, while coordinating with London ATCC above. Controllers manage a busy mix of domestic, charter and European scheduled traffic.
Stage 1 of NATS recruitment is completed online from home and takes approximately 75 minutes. It covers nine tests across spatial reasoning, numerical ability, logical thinking and related cognitive skills.
ATC Practice provides targeted practice for all four key test types with full explanations and randomised questions — the most effective way to build confidence and accuracy before your assessment.
NATS Stage 1 preparation
What to practise before your test
Spatial Reasoning
40 questions · 20 minutes
Aircraft headings, radar bearings, and 3D spatial visualisation.
Try free demo →Numerical Reasoning
40 questions · 20 minutes
Data tables, charts, and numerical calculations under time pressure.
Try free demo →Logical Reasoning
40 questions · 20 minutes
Pattern sequences, deductions, and abstract problem solving.
Try free demo →Situational Judgement
35 questions · 25 minutes
Workplace scenarios — assess and select the most appropriate response.
Try free demo →FAQ
Common questions
What aptitude tests does NATS use for ATC recruitment?
NATS uses the Aon aptitude test battery for Stage 1 selection, covering spatial reasoning, numerical reasoning, logical reasoning, and situational judgement — all completed online in approximately 75 minutes.
How competitive is NATS ATC recruitment?
NATS ATC recruitment is highly competitive. Only a small percentage of applicants progress through all stages. Strong aptitude test performance is essential — targeted practice gives you a significant advantage.
What happens after I pay for ATC Practice?
You get instant access to all four full-length timed practice tests and the 40-question competency interview bank. Access never expires and you can retake tests as many times as you like.
Can I get a refund?
If you're not happy with the product, contact us within 7 days and we'll make it right — either by resolving the issue or issuing a full refund.
Ready to practise?
Full-length timed simulations of all four NATS aptitude tests. One payment, unlimited attempts.
Get started — £24.99