Scotland · NATS Air Traffic Control
Applying for an ATC role at Edinburgh Airport?
Edinburgh Airport is Scotland's busiest airport, handling over 13 million passengers per year. ATC services are provided by NATS, and the selection process for trainee controllers follows the same rigorous national pathway as all NATS ATC roles.
Edinburgh Airport sits under the Scottish TMA, coordinated by NATS Scottish ATCC at Prestwick. Controllers at Edinburgh manage a mix of domestic, European, and transatlantic traffic, often in challenging weather conditions that require strong decision-making and situational awareness.
Stage 1 of the NATS selection process consists of nine online aptitude tests completed from home. The tests cover spatial reasoning, numerical reasoning, logical thinking and attention. Our practice platform mirrors these test types across 155 questions.
If successful at Stage 1, candidates progress to Stage 2 (online SJT and listening comprehension) before the assessment centre. Our Situational Judgement module prepares you specifically for Stage 2 as well.
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
Edinburgh Airport — common questions
Where is the NATS assessment centre for Edinburgh ATC applicants?
NATS assessment centres are conducted nationally, sometimes virtually via Microsoft Teams. The specific venue is confirmed when you are invited.
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 Edinburgh 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