Scotland (En-Route) · NATS Air Traffic Control
Applying for an en-route ATC role at Prestwick?
Scottish Area Control Centre (ScACC) at Prestwick manages en-route traffic over Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the busy North Atlantic track system. It is the entry and exit point for transatlantic flights to and from the UK, handling some of the most important and complex traffic flows in European aviation.
Prestwick controllers manage high-altitude en-route traffic including transatlantic crossings, domestic Scottish sectors, and military coordination in some of the UK's most active restricted airspace. The spatial reasoning and logical reasoning demands of this environment are particularly high.
As with all NATS ATC roles, the selection process begins with the Stage 1 online aptitude battery — nine tests covering spatial reasoning, numerical ability, logical reasoning and related skills, completed from home in approximately 75 minutes.
ATC Practice covers all four key Stage 1 test types with 155 questions, full explanations, and randomised selection — giving you genuine practice in the skills that NATS specifically assesses at Stage 1.
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
Scottish ATCC — Prestwick — common questions
What traffic does Scottish ATCC at Prestwick manage?
Prestwick manages en-route traffic over Scotland and Northern Ireland, including all transatlantic entry and exit traffic on the North Atlantic Organised Track System (NAT OTS), as well as domestic Scottish traffic and coordination with military units.
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 Scottish ATCC — Prestwick 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