Customer Reviews

Air Traffic Control Career Prep: A Comprehensive Guide to One of the Best-Paying Federal Government Careers, Including Test Preparation for the Initial ATC Exams

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

***NOTE: I wrote this in one sitting so if I ramble, that's just who I am so don't hate me for it...lol***

So...as the 25 year old son of an Air Traffic Controller, I applied in July 2007 via the open applications (as a non-CTI applicant) on the FAA's website (which I was notified of by my father). It took until December to find out that I was selected to take the AT-SAT test...my test date was Jan. 24th. I freaked and this was the only book that I could locate that seemed to have the updated tests and everything. Bought the book via Amazon and started reading.

I found the first part interesting (regarding the history of the FAA, a lot of general info) but not important as to taking the AT-SAT test. I found the "journal/diary" of a trainee that had gone to the class in Oklahoma City to be extremely interesting and informative...I will definately re-read that if I get selected for the class. The test prep for the AT-SAT is the part I was most interested in. I was never one to study for a test but I like knowing what to expect. This book did that wonderfully in explaining the format and sections of the test. I was not so much concerned with the Angles, Dials, Analogies, or Applied Math portions of the test...it showed what the problems would be like but those problems really rely on abilities you should already have (reading angles, reading dials, figuring out analogies, and doing math in your head). I was most concerned with the sections of the test that were computer programs and I wanted to know what to expect. When using the software that comes with the book, keep these things in mind....

ANGLES, DIALS, & APPLIED MATH - FAA software is much easier to use (point and click with the mouse). With the book the problems require the keyboard and the real test does not. Plus it puts a time limit on the problems and just randomly seemed to switch to the next question (too soon sometimes). **NOTE - As stated in the book, on the AT-SAT test you will not be allowed pen/pencil & scratch paper**

ANALOGIES - I gave this part it's own section because the software with the book seemed to be the worst for this section. It would switch questions way too quickly, I didn't like it and as stated before, the AT-SAT test is much easier (point and click with the mouse)

SCAN TEST - The book software works for this one...I found it extremely hard in the beginning but as I practiced it became easier. It seemed that the data blocks appeared and disappeared too quickly....AND I WAS RIGHT! On the AT-SAT the block are much easier to read, much slower, and each data block will be on the screen for 7 seconds (I believe that's the time stated). So keep in mind, book is harder than the real test....but is good practice and preparation

AT SCENARIOS TEST - At the AT-SAT test I found this to be the most fun part of the test. Differences....in the book software you tell a plane to turn and it turns more realistically (aka it doesn't just point that way, it will take a curve to go from heading North to heading East) and the planes are constantly moving. On the AT-SAT test the screen updates every 7 seconds and you have to accept new planes and you can change the direction immediately (that was a run-on...sorry). Again, the book gave me the general idea of how the test would be...and the instructions at the AT-SAT test are well done so I was very comfortable with this section as well. In my mind again, the book is harder than the real test but is good for practice and preparation.

LETTER FACTORY - Ahhh, the damn letter factory. I can only say this....the book software does not compare to the AT-SAT test in terms of quality. So again, use the book to get an idea of how it works but don't go crazy practicing and expect it to be just like that on the real test. The instructions on the AT-SAT test are exceptional for this section and they should be....it has 18 different "scenarios". Each scenario has you start placing letters into the boxes and at some time (the time was always different) it would stop and cut to the four "awareness" questions. On the AT-SAT test, sometimes it took 30 seconds to cut to the questions and sometimes it took 8 minutes. Each time you start placing letters then answer the questions is a "scenario"....and there are 18. As in the last 2 section explanations....the book is harder and different than the real test, so use it for some practice and preparation but don't become an expert because it will be different.

PERSONALITY QUESTIONS - These don't count toward your score, but there are a bunch of them.

****CONCLUSION**** Does the software have issues? YES. Does the book have at least one type in the answers section? YES. Did I feel that the book prepared me in general in what to expect on the test? YES. Do I feel it was worth the price? EHH (Seemed expensive but it's an important test so I'll go more toward yes). Did I pass the AT-SAT test? SEE BELOW

So...if you actually read down to here, I know you want to know how I did on the test. Per the FAA...scoring above 70 is a passing score, above 85 is considered well-qualified. Not to be cocky, but my friends & girlfriend always tell me I am really smart (and I know I test well...I got a 30 on the ACT in High School on my 1st try with NO studying)....so I was really shooting for an 85 or above. I actually studied for this test, I actually went to bed early, and I was actually nervous going into the the test. But it all worked out....I ended up getting a 95.7% (and I'm hoping I get invited to Oklahoma City...I will update if I get an invite). Hopefully this helps you and best of luck if you are taking the test!!

I'm currently preparing for the AT-SAT as a non-CTI applicant and purchased this book to aid in my preparation for the exam. While this book provides the only, and therefore best, resources for preparing for this exam, so much could have been done better, particularly when it comes down to the software.

This book serves well as a informational resource. It will answer many questions for those early on in the application process, especially for those that did not complete a CTI program. Of particular interest to anyone that picks up the book would be the daily account of a former trainee as he went through his paces at the FAA Training Academy in Oklahoma City. Also provided is an account of the facility training process at a station in the Atlanta, GA area. While this provides some useful information on what facility training can be like, it wont be applicable to all who get up to facility training as each facility trains their new controllers differently.

The exam information provided in the book is decent at best. The in-book practice examples for the angles, dials, and math problems are very useful, but keep an eye out as there are a few typos, including an incorrect answer on one of the last dial problems in the book (says the VSI is set for climb when clearly its set for descend). As for the rest of the sections on the exam, only a brief explanation of the test is provided. In most cases, you wont see how long you have for each test or how many questions are on each test (the help guide on the cd has some, but not all that information.

As for the software, you'll find on the multiple choice questions that while the questions on the exam will probably be harder, the parameters on each test on the software is actually harder. The software usually asks more questions for each section than the test does, and usually offers less time per question than the test and doesnt allow you to go back to problems you didnt get the first time through (to my understanding, you can go back to previous questions on the exam provided that you are not out of time on the part you are working on). Some glaring problems with the software: the timer on the Analogy test is totally messed up. You're supposed to get 45 seconds a question, but on some questions you'll find yourself getting only 2. The math questions seem to focus more on unit conversions rather than the actual speed = distance / time questions that the test focuses on. The Letter Factory test prep is a total waste. The point of the Letter Factory portion of the AT-SAT is to test ones ability to think ahead and be aware of one's environment. It is really hard to practice this on the prep because you'll spend more time wondering why the program won't let you grab a letter you clearly clicked on. You might also notice that when it does let you grab a letter that it might give you the wrong color (I clicked on a yellow letter and got a purple one instead). Clearly nobody tested this software before it was included with the book.

All and all, this book is an okay buy. While its very informational, and is the only resource available to drill yourself on EVERY part of this test, it leaves so much to be desired. I cant see CTI graduates needing this book at all, but for those that are applying for ATC positions that have been opened to the public this will be useful.

As many have noted, the CD-ROM does have some software problems. However, this review is meant for the buyer who is interested in the AT-SAT and Air Traffic Control with minimal ATC knowledge or training. For this said person, this is the book for you. Contrary to the previous reviews, I would highly recommend this guide to a person who needs to acquaint themselves to this material.
While studying for the AT-SAT, I purchased other study books to prepare myself for the test. This book, was the eye-opener and is training me well for the test.
The book includes a thorough glossary, appendix, and explanation to the ATC career field.
Regardless of the CD-ROM's minute quirks, this study guide will equip you with the tools you need for this test! You just need a little tolerance to the stupidity of small software problems. (Which, to be realistic--occurs far less frequently than other regular computer software programs frequently used by the public.)

Book is a must buy if you intend on doing well on the AT-SAT. Granted I'm sure you could pass without it but why bother risking your career over the price of this book. Check it out. Buy this book, study it, and get yourself a decent career as an Air Traffic Controller. There are few mistakes in the book and the CD isn't the best but it does help. Try everything on the CD. Get used to using the number pad on the right of your keyboard it will help during the Scan Test. The Letter Factory doesn't work well at all but try it out so you know what to expect when you walk into the test. Here are a few other sites to help you out with the book and other stuff the test entails.

1. http://forums.jetcareers.com/air-traffic-control/67879-at-sat-math-prep-download.html
2. http://forums.jetcareers.com/air-traffic-control/61485-atsat-questions.html
3. http://forums.jetcareers.com/application-process-pubnat-at-sat-geo-prefs-annoucements/68240-everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-the-at-sat.html
4. http://www.atccti.com/atsat.html
5. http://forums.jetcareers.com/air-traffic-control/61975-the-at-sat-test.html
6. http://www.asa2fly.com/Air-Traffic-Control-Career-Prep-P714_product1.aspx

Link #6 is a product update to the software that comes with the CD.

70-85 on the AT-SAT is "qualified'
Over 85 is "well-qualified"
I studied this book and those links and got a 92.5. It would've been a higher score I believe but I got flustered and crashed several planes on the ATC Scenarios. I believe this book helped me out and I feel it can do the same for you.

Good Luck Everyone!

Steven

This is a very big help if taking the AT-SAT test. The general idea of the practice tests are very close to the real thing. The real test to me was a little bit easier than the practice. The letter factory, scan test and the controller simuators were easier because of the FAA probably spent a lot more money on the programing than the writers of the book. But over all it is a big help to give you an idea what to expect. I just got my score and I made a 93. So If you are going to take this test I highly recomend this book.

The book is very informative. The practice test software, that is included, helps to familiarize you with the AT-SAT test. The actual test is much easier. I do feel that this book and software prepared me for the actual test... I scored a 98 on the test.

All I can say is that the practice sets and cd-rom thoroughly prepared me for the AT-SAT. I received my book two and a half weeks before the test, and it prepared me so well that I ended with a test score above 95%. So thanks to Patrick Mattson I will soon be on my way to Oklahoma city and hopefully a very wonderful career in air traffic control!!!

I skimmed over the book a week before taking the test. The content is interesting, but not a great test-prep. The software is a little buggy. However, the ATC simulator on the CD is far more difficult than the actual test.
The result: I scored a 100 on the test. I'm currently waiting to be contacted for an interview.
Overall, I'm very glad I purchased this book+CD.

I just took the AT-SAT exam on 3/14 and got my score back on Friday: 92% (well Qualified). I must say that the CD offered with this book helped tremendously, especially the Letter Factor and ATST sections. Now, as others have stated, there are a lot of bugs in the game. For one, the Dials section never worked and the time allotment for many timed sections were really fast. This is NOT the cast on the exam. On the exam, you have an allotment to complete the section and each individual question within those sections are self-paced, just be mindful of the total time remaining. The Letter Factor and ATST on the cd are good because they give you an understanding of what to expect. The Letter Factory on the exam is slower paced as well as the ATST, but this is good that the cd is a bit faster than the actual test b/c once you're there, it's like a piece of cake. This doesn't mean certain content isn't more challenging on the AT-SAT exam. For one, on this cd, the ATST portion, each aircraft you must guide is continuous and fast. On the exam, it's slower and broken up by about seven second delays. It's easier to manage on the actual exam. I just wanted to share these with you b/c I thought the cd and book were helpful in preparing for the exam. I highly recommend it, even with the bugs.

I think I am glad to have this book and software, as it seems to be the only one out there that includes AT-SAT material and offers practice test software. I wish there were more detail covering some of the test sections, something like a "helpful hints" or "tips" section would be useful. A section like this could answer what seems to be obvious FAQ's that arise when you start using the test software. With the Air Traffic Scenarios I am left wondering could the test really be so difficult or is the software acting up? In addition, there are many typos in the book; some of these errors seem to be with the answers to questions, this is quite frustrating. The software has a lot of quirks but seems to be useful for the most part. As mentioned in a previous review the timer on the Analogies sometimes gives you about 2 seconds to answer a question. Its a killer when you can't grab the letters on the Letter Factory that you want, seems to be another programming problem. In the end, the book is useful. However, if I were the author I would be embarrassed to have released a book with so many editing mistakes and a software program that seems to have been designed by someone in their first year at a technical college.