31 years old for ATC

John_Mitchell

John_Mitchell

Well-Known Member
This is more of a career, than technical ATC question. I know that the there is a maximum age of 31 for ATC's, with the exception of retired military ATC's. Here is my question, I am 37 and seriously thinking of joining the National Guard. I am undecided between ATC and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator. If I choose to be an ATC, do I have to technically "retire" from the military in order to be considered to be an ATC, or does military training alone preclude the maximum age requirement? There are actually many more specifics to my situation, but hopefully the information above will give one of you ATC's enough info to give me some insight.

Thanks very much!! I would consider contacting the FAA, but I'm sure all of you know how far that would get me.
 
It's my understanding that the only way the age 31 rule is waived in relation to the military is a controller who is picked up via a DOD (Department of Defense) bid. Working for the DOD as a controller they already are 2152's and therefore can retire at 56 with a minimum of 25 years.
 
I spoke with a freind and he emailed me some info... hiring retired military above the age of 31 is via a program call the "Phoenix 20 Program".

Here are the details:

Employment of Retired Military Air Traffic Controllers

[SIZE=-1] - A joint venture between the FAA and the Department of Defense designed to improve post-military employment for military air traffic controllers went into effect October 1, 1999. Known in the military asPhoenix Controller 20 and in the FAA as the Employment of Retired Military Air Traffic Controllers, the program provides military controllers who retire from active duty the opportunity to work for the FAA even if they are over the age of 30. To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:
[/SIZE]
  1. [SIZE=-1]Be on terminal leave pending retirement from active duty military service or have retired from active duty military service on or after September 17, 1999.[/SIZE]
  2. [SIZE=-1]Have received either air traffic control specialist certification or a facility rating according to FAA standards.[/SIZE]
  3. [SIZE=-1]Meet all application, qualification and position requirements, including applicable medical and security requirements.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1] Controllers hired under this program are given time-limited appointments, meaning that their appointments will have a specific termination date attached to them. The initial appointment may be up to 10 years and may not exceed the last day of the month in which thecontroller turns age 56. Appointments can be extended for up to five years at a time.
You will be required to submit a resume or government job application form and proof of your retired status. Your application must contain certain information about your experience as an air trafficcontroller. Detailed information about what your application must contain is on the FAA web site. FAA job opportunities for air traffic controllers are posted on the FAA jobs web site.
More information on the Employment of Retired Military Air Traffic Controllers program is available on the FAA web site as well. You may also view the bid at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/
[/SIZE]
 
Fox..thanks a bunch for hunting this information down. As usual, the wonderful ATC is helping a pilot out in a bind...:-)

Seriously..thank you VERY much for scouting out this information. The age31faq's website is very helpful indeed.

Being that I will not be "active duty military", my training and time in the National Guard would not qualify me for the Phoenix Program. It looks like I will be operating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles...if I still decide to join the Guard.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top