Recruitment & Selection: Prepare for the FEAST Air Traffic Controller Tests

Becoming an air traffic controller in Europe starts with a rigorous selection process. For many candidates, a key milestone is passing the FEAST™ (First European Air Traffic Controller Selection Test), which assesses cognitive abilities, multi-tasking, attention, and decision-making under pressure. This article explains what the process looks like, how the official preparation platform works, and how to build a study plan that sets you up for success.

What Is FEAST and Why It Matters

FEAST is widely used by European ANSPs (air navigation service providers) to evaluate whether candidates have the core aptitudes to succeed in ATC training and operations. It focuses on skills you will rely on every day in the tower or area control: situational awareness, workload management, memory, and communication.

Official FEAST Training Platform (EUROCONTROL)

EUROCONTROL provides an official, free training platform where applicants can familiarise themselves with tasks inspired by FEAST Phase I. The practice tests are not identical to the real selection battery, but they follow the same concepts and principles so you can understand the format and demands before test day. Access requires a personal account, acceptance of the Terms & Conditions (including IP and non-commercial use), and meeting basic technical requirements.

Technical Requirements for FEAST Practice

• Use a laptop or a tablet (smartphones are not recommended).
• Modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge) with JavaScript and cookies enabled.
• Stable internet connection.
• Minimum screen resolution around 1024×768.
• Keyboard and mouse/touchpad; speakers or a headset for audio tasks.

Note: FEAST practice is done at home on your device. The official FEAST test is always taken at an authorised test centre.

Typical Selection Flow

1. Application screening: eligibility (nationality, education level, age, language).
2. Testing: FEAST batteries (often Phase I cognitive, followed by additional phases or organisational tests).
3. Interview & group exercises: communication, teamwork, and motivation.
4. Medical fitness: meeting ATC medical standards.
5. Security clearance: national authority background checks where required.

Build a High-Impact Study Routine

1) Familiarisation and Baseline

Start on the official training platform to discover task types, timing, and the level of attention switching required. Track your early scores to set a baseline and identify weak areas.

2) Cognitive Skills, Every Day

• Working memory: n-back style drills, digit/letter span, mental tracking.
• Attention switching: timed dual-task exercises; practise ignoring irrelevant stimuli.
• Spatial reasoning: mental rotation, relative positioning, simple vector logic.

3) Aviation English & Comms

Even before training school, sharpen clear, concise English under time pressure. Practise read-backs, prioritising key information and brevity.

4) Test-Day Readiness

• Environment: quiet room, reliable device, stable internet (as per technical requirements).
• Timing: simulate full runs to build stamina; use breaks strategically.
• Mindset: focus on accuracy first, then controlled speed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Training only “what you like” and neglecting your weak areas.
• Over-relying on speed at the expense of accuracy and prioritisation.
• Skipping practice in realistic conditions (device, timing, distractions).

Support to Help You Succeed

We offer a comprehensive support guide to help aspiring ATCOs prepare effectively for FEAST and subsequent selection stages. Inside, you’ll find structured study plans, practice frameworks for working memory and attention switching, and interview checklists tailored to European ANSP hiring.

Get the ATC Support Guide →

Next Steps

• Set up your account on the official FEAST training platform and read the FAQ.
• Create a 4–6 week plan mixing official familiarisation with targeted cognitive drills.
• Read our articles on Training & Certification and Salaries & Career to map out the full journey.

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