ATC Age Requirements

Chuck3too3 Rookie

I know that there are always rumors of the FAA pushing the age limit back or the retirement age back, but that seems like it has been a rumor every since I got into air traffic..... what I want to know is, is the age limit waiverable? Other than the pheonix twenty program (or whatever it is now) for retired military controllers, is there any other waivers you can get... such as spouse of an FAA controller or ex military but over 31.... and so on..... it just seems that if you can buy your military time back once you get in.... than aren't you essentially giving the FAA or federal government those years anyway?

atcadvocate Rookie Kentucky

I know that many fire departments (like boston) have policies like that.

Their policy states...
"You must be at least nineteen (19) years of age at the time of the application deadline and be younger than thirty-two (32) as of the application deadline. Those persons who have served on active duty in the military may add those years served to the age thirty-two (32) limit, to a maximum of four (4) years"

I believe the FAA should probably do this too.....just my opinion....If an airline pilot can land a Boeing 767 at 75 yrs old, and a heart surgeon practice at 70yrs old, why can't someone work Podunk County Local Control? If you can pass the medical and re-cert every year...then why not? By the way , I am 29, so don't think I am seeking justice, or am being biased.

ac2_usn Newcomer

I have heard from several sources today that the FAA has recently accepted applicants from outside the age limitations (notwithstanding Phoenix-20). Anyone have any information on this?

Adam Unregistered

No...I wouldn't count on that. They would be breaking some rules if they did that and it would open all sorts of doors. Now if you have been given a tentative offer prior to your 31st birthday it locks your age in, but other than that, I wouldn't count on getting hired after 31 unless like you said:

Retired military
or you were employed by the DoD prior to your 31st birthday, then transfer over.

mjohn47 Senior Member Holbrook, NY

There was a dude at the Chicago PEPC whom I think was over 31... He walked in and the HR women were like, "Can we help you?"

I chuckled a little... Good for him though. He very well may have been ex-DOD or something though so...

ac2_usn Newcomer

Rumor has it that there may be credit for previous military controlling experience for applicants over the age of 30 (aside from the Phoenix 20 program).

Currently DoD - picked up at the age of 32, 36 y/o now.

I toured an FAA facility this morning and the folks there seemed pretty certain about it. Separate from that, my wife ran into another FAA controller from a different facility who said the same thing.

Anyone have any info. ???

Regards
Papa Fatz

ac2_usn Newcomer

Thanks....thought I'd ask since the FAA was getting so short on people and taking people off the street again.

Adam Unregistered

I haven't heard anything, the union convention is coming up, there could be some news there, but again, I haven't heard a thing. A lot of little rumors like that spread around too so it's always good to try and verify like you are doing now.

Mr.Texas Mod

I hope that is the case, I have some friends serving that have missd the 31 age limit.

Shyu Senior Member www.stuckmic.com

LOL ^^^
I hope you get deleted Mr. Spammer