Applying for an ATC role at Manchester Airport?
Manchester Airport is the UK's third busiest airport and the largest outside London. It handles over 25 million passengers per year and serves a wide mix of short-haul European, long-haul and cargo operations. NATS provides ATC at Manchester, and trainee controllers must pass the national NATS Stage 1 aptitude battery.
Manchester Airport has two runways and sits beneath some of the busiest en-route airways in the UK. Controllers manage a complex mix of domestic, European and intercontinental traffic, requiring strong spatial awareness, rapid calculation and systematic decision-making — exactly what the NATS Stage 1 tests measure.
The NATS Stage 1 battery takes approximately 75 minutes and is completed online before progression to an assessment centre. Tests cover spatial reasoning, numerical reasoning, logical reasoning and situational judgement.
ATC Practice's practice platform replicates the style and difficulty of all four Stage 1 test types with 155 questions, randomised per attempt, and full explanations to help you understand not just the correct answer but the reasoning behind it.
NATS Stage 1 preparation
What to practise before your test
Spatial Reasoning
40 questions · 20 minutes
Aircraft headings, radar bearings, and 3D spatial visualisation.
Try free demo →Numerical Reasoning
40 questions · 20 minutes
Data tables, charts, and numerical calculations under time pressure.
Try free demo →Logical Reasoning
40 questions · 20 minutes
Pattern sequences, deductions, and abstract problem solving.
Try free demo →Situational Judgement
35 questions · 25 minutes
Workplace scenarios — assess and select the most appropriate response.
Try free demo →FAQ
Common questions
What aptitude tests does NATS use for ATC recruitment?
NATS uses the Aon aptitude test battery for Stage 1 selection, covering spatial reasoning, numerical reasoning, logical reasoning, and situational judgement — all completed online in approximately 75 minutes.
How competitive is NATS ATC recruitment?
NATS ATC recruitment is highly competitive. Only a small percentage of applicants progress through all stages. Strong aptitude test performance is essential — targeted practice gives you a significant advantage.
What happens after I pay for ATC Practice?
You get instant access to all four full-length timed practice tests and the 40-question competency interview bank. Access never expires and you can retake tests as many times as you like.
Can I get a refund?
If you're not happy with the product, contact us within 7 days and we'll make it right — either by resolving the issue or issuing a full refund.
Is the NATS test the same for Manchester as for London airports?
Yes — the NATS Stage 1 aptitude battery is standardised nationally. The same tests are used regardless of the airport or ATC unit you are applying to.
What ATC salary can I expect at Manchester?
Qualified ATC officers at Manchester typically earn £48,000 to £70,000 depending on endorsements, experience, and shift patterns.
Ready to practise?
Full-length timed simulations of all four NATS aptitude tests. One payment, unlimited attempts.
Get started — £24.99