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.
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.
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.
Ready to practise?
Full-length timed simulations of all four NATS aptitude tests. One payment, unlimited attempts.
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