Air traffic controller jobs

irish atco · 31-08-2010 10:06AM

testicle wrote: »

Can I ask what the shift pattern is?

First off, any member of SCP9 starting off will be between 18-24 months from the "live" environment. There may be changes to the staring/finishing times, by the time you go live.

The school operates on a 9.30-17.30 basis Mon-Fri.

Each of the 3 stations (Cork,dublin,Shannon) has their own shift pattern.
In the main it follows a 5 on/3 off basis.

In shannon currently, the main roster is

eg Starting on a Monday
Mon Late 1130-2115
Tue Swing(Day) 0830-1630
Wed Dog (Early) 0800-1300 and Night 1 Midnight-0830
Thu finish night 1 @ 0830 and Night 2 2100-0800
Fri finish Night 2 @ 0800
Sat/Sun/Mon off, start over again Tuesday
A few variations exist, but within the 5/3 stencil.
In dublin, they work 1 night only, and have a variety of starting times.

stdidit · 31-08-2010 11:18AM

Hi Guys,

I have also been invited to do an aptitude test

My question is, can you still be an air traffic controller if you are colour blind? It does not mention it anywhere on the site or on the application form, that I have seen, so hopefully it doesnt matter but I would hate to get through the aptitude tests and interviews and be told to go home on my first day.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Shamrock128 · 31-08-2010 11:32AM

stdidit wrote: »

Hi Guys,

I have also been invited to do an aptitude test

My question is, can you still be an air traffic controller if you are colour blind? It does not mention it anywhere on the site or on the application form, that I have seen, so hopefully it doesnt matter but I would hate to get through the aptitude tests and interviews and be told to go home on my first day.

Any insight would be appreciated.

See post 141 by Irishatco:

"The standard Ishihara test is used to detect colourblindness in the medical. This is the one with a number, depicted by a series of coloured dots, contained within a circle depicted by yet more dots of a contrasting colour.
Google it and have a look. If you cant pass that, you wont get past the medical.
Colourblindness is a major problem for anyone using our system, as all of the labels on the flights can display a wide array of colours, which each have their own relevance.
Unfortunately for some, there is no chance of anyone being issued a medical cert, if they have colourblindness.
In general, the IAA have never had so many peolpe apply for an SCP intake, and they are being extremely selective in the candidates that they will call for the various stages of the recruitment.

If anyone wants to PM me, or address a question in the open forum, at any stage during the process, then I'm only too willing to offer any assistance that I can.

Best of luck to all. "

Google "Requirements for European Class 3 Medical Certificate for Air Traffic Controllers" - it details all requirements and exceptions.

Good Luck

Al.

someday2010 · 31-08-2010 04:08PM

irish atco wrote: »

In shannon currently, the main roster is

eg Starting on a Monday
Mon Late 1130-2115
Tue Swing(Day) 0830-1630
Wed Dog (Early) 0800-1300 and Night 1 Midnight-0830
Thu finish night 1 @ 0830 and Night 2 2100-0800
Fri finish Night 2 @ 0800
Sat/Sun/Mon off, start over again Tuesday
A few variations exist, but within the 5/3 stencil.
In dublin, they work 1 night only, and have a variety of starting times.

This has turned me right off working in ATC. Those hours too anti social.

dyl10 · 31-08-2010 05:31PM

Sat my test today, was interesting. I can imagine some people will be horrfied when they turn over their paper.

I was sure one of the questions was a mistake, but I didn't see anyone complain, so I guess not.
Anyone know if the answers will be available anywhere after this stage?

Stormhawk88 · 31-08-2010 05:37PM

someday2010 wrote: »

This has turned me right off working in ATC. Those hours too anti social.

They might be a bit different to a regular 9 to 5 but at least it keeps it a small bit interesting.

Goodluck to everybody its goin to be a tough one with the amount of applications. Im doin the aptitude myself on the 6th n limerick.

mgmt · 31-08-2010 05:57PM

Looked it up about a 0.5% chance of getting a job all things being equal.

zuutroy · 31-08-2010 06:07PM

dyl10 wrote: »

Sat my test today, was interesting. I can imagine some people will be horrfied when they turn over their paper.

I was sure one of the questions was a mistake, but I didn't see anyone complain, so I guess not.
Anyone know if the answers will be available anywhere after this stage?

which one? Very much doubt answers will be published.

SeaFields · 31-08-2010 06:08PM

dyl10 wrote: »

Anyone know if the answers will be available anywhere after this stage?

Hopefully before I have to sit mine :pac:

Stormhawk88 · 31-08-2010 06:12PM

mgmt wrote: »

Looked it up about a 0.5% chance of getting a job all things being equal.

If you get past the aptitude tests and the computer tests youre good enough to get it. After that i suppose its just who they like?

raz6 · 31-08-2010 06:14PM

dyl10 wrote: »

Sat my test today, was interesting. I can imagine some people will be horrfied when they turn over their paper.

I was sure one of the questions was a mistake, but I didn't see anyone complain, so I guess not.
Anyone know if the answers will be available anywhere after this stage?

Care to elaborate just a little bit!??

urajoke · 31-08-2010 06:26PM

dyl10 wrote: »

Sat my test today, was interesting. I can imagine some people will be horrfied when they turn over their paper.

I was sure one of the questions was a mistake, but I didn't see anyone complain, so I guess not.
Anyone know if the answers will be available anywhere after this stage?

No chance. Only IAA HR will EVER know the results of these tests. The first you will know is if you get a call back for next stage.

Just as an aside. Anyone who gets a job expect to be Shannon based for many years. Current plans for staffing are that all new students will get rated in a Shannon rating (High Level). The only staff that will get to go to Dublin/Cork will be anyone who is currently transfer listed i.e. current ATCO's former military and anyone from previous SCP classes 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 who want to move to Dublin/Cork, only when all these people have been facilitated will any of SCP 9+ get moved. Basically expect to be in Shannon for at least 7+ years. Don't let this put you off many people have adapted to life in the west quite well and enjoy it so much they never want a move.

The roster may seem antisocial but believe me it certainly is not.

urajoke · 31-08-2010 06:35PM

Stormhawk88 wrote: »

If you get past the aptitude tests and the computer tests youre good enough to get it. After that i suppose its just who they like?

Eh no your not. That's only one part of it. The next stage is to find out if your a psycho. Have any speech impediment that may not allow you communicate and to see whether your personality is going to let you be a team player.

Then after two interviews the first is a get to know you the second is the weeder and WILL test you, will you be offered a position on the course.

When you get the offer the REAL RECRUITMENT process starts the next two years is like one very long interview. Expect to go through at least 50+ exams ALL of which require a minimum 70% to pass.

Stormhawk88 · 31-08-2010 06:53PM

urajoke wrote: »

Eh no your not. That's only one part of it. The next stage is to find out if your a psycho. Have any speech impediment that may not allow you communicate and to see whether your personality is going to let you be a team player.

Then after two interviews the first is a get to know you the second is the weeder and WILL test you, will you be offered a position on the course.

When you get the offer the REAL RECRUITMENT process starts the next two years is like one very long interview. Expect to go through at least 50+ exams ALL of which require a minimum 70% to pass.

Thanks for correctin me i didnt know there was 2 interviews i thought there was only one kinda make or break. Interview and the medical.

urajoke · 31-08-2010 07:25PM

Stormhawk88 wrote: »

Thanks for correctin me i didnt know there was 2 interviews i thought there was only one kinda make or break. Interview and the medical.

Two aptitudes, two interviews and one medical. Do not go in spouting on about how much about Aviation you know that's a big no no expect to be GRILLED about this it could even form the basis for your interview and ultimately trip you up. Simply say yes you have a passing interest in Aviation.

They want quick sharp thinkers who can make the CORRECT decision in a split second, multitask and control well over a dozen aircraft per sector for several hours without losing concentration and discipline.

IF you get an interview go out of your way to get your ass into either Shannon/Dublin or Cork ATC. Its an eye opener. Try an go in when its busy i.e. Shannon from 10am till 3pm for the Westbound flow and Dublin/Cork try and get in for a few hours as traffic patterns can be very dynamic and not the same each day.

Stormhawk88 · 31-08-2010 07:42PM

urajoke wrote: »

Two aptitudes, two interviews and one medical. Do not go in spouting on about how much about Aviation you know that's a big no no expect to be GRILLED about this it could even form the basis for your interview and ultimately trip you up. Simply say yes you have a passing interest in Aviation.

They want quick sharp thinkers who can make the CORRECT decision in a split second, multitask and control well over a dozen aircraft per sector for several hours without losing concentration and discipline.

IF you get an interview go out of your way to get your ass into either Shannon/Dublin or Cork ATC. Its an eye opener. Try an go in when its busy i.e. Shannon from 10am till 3pm for the Westbound flow and Dublin/Cork try and get in for a few hours as traffic patterns can be very dynamic and not the same each day.

Thanks thats a great help. Il try get into shannon if i get an interview. Will they be quoting what you put down on your application form though. Im just out of an aircraft mech apprenticeship so they might expect me to know a little more maybe when it comes to air legislation. Just wondering?

someday2010 · 31-08-2010 08:43PM

Id say worry about passing the first aptitiude test first!

Stormhawk88 · 31-08-2010 08:53PM

Yup well thats the plan anyway!

urajoke · 31-08-2010 10:17PM

Hence me saying:

urajoke wrote: »

IF you get an interview.

One step at a time folk's no point in thinking about the future till it comes, there are over 4100 other people also going for these 25 places.

Yes they will ask about your previous work in Aviation but I doubt they will ask about legislation. More what your role was, what you learned, did you have any interaction with ATC or the IAA etc.

Can't help with the aptitude sorry folks that's a very individual thing. There will be lots of maths asked, stuff with shapes and whats next in pattern etc.

mgmt · 31-08-2010 10:36PM

i wonder how many will proceed to the computer apptitude test out of the 4100?

monkeypants · 01-09-2010 08:46AM

dyl10 wrote: »

Sat my test today, was interesting. I can imagine some people will be horrfied when they turn over their paper.

Sat mine yesterday and I know exactly what you mean. :eek:

mgmt · 01-09-2010 10:20AM

Please keep the test details under wraps. As the IAA said, "it is a competitive process", and I want to limit the amount of competition I face:D

monkeypants · 01-09-2010 11:10AM

mgmt wrote: »

Please keep the test details under wraps. As the IAA said, "it is a competitive process", and I want to limit the amount of competition I face:D

Agreed. Good luck to everyone though!

John_Mc · 01-09-2010 11:22AM

Yeah I have to say, I found it tough. Some of the stuff was just crazy :eek:

stripe3 · 01-09-2010 02:49PM

Have mine next Monday. Any one any tips?

zig · 01-09-2010 03:04PM

lol at people trying to get tips, why would you reduce your own chances of getting it, this isnt the weakest link

stripe3 · 01-09-2010 03:18PM

Ha, true i suppose...but karma might come into it too!!

Blade Slapper · 01-09-2010 04:35PM

mgmt wrote: »

Please keep the test details under wraps. As the IAA said, "it is a competitive process", and I want to limit the amount of competition I face:D

What a sap. Will ya go way with yer rantings. Team player right there, people.

I hope you don't get the job, good luck to the rest involved.

John_Mc · 01-09-2010 04:38PM

Blade Slapper wrote: »

What a sap. Will ya go way with yer rantings. Team player right there, people.

I hope you don't get the job, good luck to the rest involved.

He's absolutely right - why would anyone give you tips when you are direct competition?

Everyone else obviously agrees because I don't see any information being posted.

Goodluck in the test, you're going to need it.

Jim236 · 01-09-2010 04:38PM

Blade Slapper wrote: »

What a sap. Will ya go way with yer rantings. Team player right there, people.

I hope you don't get the job, good luck to the rest involved.

To be fair, why would you want to give an advantage to people you're competing with for the same job? Its not about being a 'team player', its about getting the job...

Air traffic controller jobs

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