Scotland · NATS Air Traffic Control
Applying for an ATC role at Glasgow Airport?
Glasgow Airport is Scotland's second busiest airport, serving over 8 million passengers per year with a range of domestic, European, and transatlantic routes. NATS provides ATC services, and all trainee controller recruits must complete the national Stage 1 aptitude battery.
Glasgow Airport sits in the Glasgow TMA and coordinates closely with Edinburgh and Scottish ATCC at Prestwick. The airspace around Glasgow is complex, with proximity to Edinburgh and multiple military areas requiring careful management.
The NATS Stage 1 online aptitude tests can be completed from home and take approximately 75 minutes. They assess the core cognitive skills required for air traffic control: spatial reasoning, numerical ability, logical reasoning, and situational judgement.
ATC Practice provides practice across all four test types — 155 questions with full explanations and randomised question selection on every attempt, so you build genuine competency rather than memorising answers.
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 Glasgow 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