South-West England · NATS Air Traffic Control
Applying for an ATC role at Exeter Airport?
Exeter Airport serves the South-West peninsula and the Channel Islands, with a mix of domestic, European and general aviation traffic. ATC services follow the NATS framework, and candidates must pass the Stage 1 aptitude battery to progress.
Exeter's proximity to the Atlantic approaches and busy summer charter traffic creates a varied and interesting airspace environment. Controllers work with a mix of commercial and general aviation traffic in an area with significant weather variability.
Stage 1 of NATS recruitment is completed online before an invitation to the assessment centre. ATC Practice covers all four major test types with 155 questions and detailed explanations.
Timed practice is essential for success in Stage 1. ATC Practice's timed test mode replicates the time pressure of the real assessment, building both speed and accuracy.
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 Exeter 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