South-East England · NATS Air Traffic Control
Applying for an ATC role at Gatwick?
Gatwick Airport is Europe's most efficient single-runway airport, handling over 40 million passengers annually. NATS provides air traffic control services at Gatwick, and the selection process for trainee controllers is the same nationally competitive NATS process used across all UK ATC operations.
The Stage 1 aptitude battery is completed online from home before invitation to the NATS assessment centre. It comprises nine timed tests assessing spatial reasoning, numerical ability, logical thinking, attention and concentration, and reaction speed.
Gatwick's single runway is operated at extremely high frequency — controllers must manage rapid turnaround sequences and handle approach and departure traffic simultaneously. The cognitive demands of this environment are reflected in the difficulty of the NATS Stage 1 aptitude tests.
ATC Practice provides full practice coverage for all four test types that map directly to NATS Stage 1: Spatial Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning and Situational Judgement — each with 35–40 questions and detailed answer explanations.
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
Gatwick Airport — common questions
Does Gatwick ATC use the same tests as other NATS locations?
Yes — NATS operates a standardised national recruitment process. The Stage 1 aptitude battery is the same regardless of which airport or centre you are applying to work at.
What is the Gatwick ATC salary?
ATC salaries at Gatwick are competitive with other NATS-operated airports, typically ranging from £48,000 to £75,000+ for qualified controllers depending on experience and endorsements.
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 Gatwick 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