London · NATS Air Traffic Control
Applying for an ATC role at Heathrow?
Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 70 million passengers and 470,000 aircraft movements per year. Air traffic controllers at Heathrow manage one of the most complex and high-pressure airspaces in global aviation — making the NATS selection process highly competitive.
NATS (National Air Traffic Services) provides ATC at Heathrow, and all trainee controllers must pass the Stage 1 online aptitude battery before progressing to the assessment centre. The tests cover spatial reasoning, numerical reasoning, logical reasoning and situational judgement — all of which are practiced on this platform.
The Heathrow TMA (Terminal Manoeuvring Area) is one of the most demanding ATC environments in the world. Controllers must manage simultaneous approach streams on two parallel runways while coordinating with en-route sectors above. The situational judgement and logical reasoning elements of Stage 1 are specifically designed to identify candidates capable of performing under this level of pressure.
Our practice platform covers all four Stage 1 test types with 155 questions, timed simulations and detailed explanations. Each attempt uses a randomised selection of questions so every practice session is different.
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
Heathrow Airport — common questions
What is the salary for an ATC at Heathrow?
Qualified air traffic controllers at Heathrow can earn between £80,000 and £120,000 per year, including allowances, given the complexity and responsibility of the role. Trainees are paid throughout training at approximately £23,000–£28,000.
How many stages are there in the NATS ATC selection process?
NATS uses a multi-stage process: Stage 1 is the online aptitude battery (9 tests, ~75 minutes). Stage 2 is an online situational judgement and listening comprehension test. Stage 3 is an assessment centre including further aptitude tests, group exercises and an interview.
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 Heathrow 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