Need help with civilian job avalibility

lance Newcomer

I'm slotted to go into atc in march, the problem is that I'm 27 and want to be able to get a civilian job when I get out. I know that one has to be 31 for the FAA or serve a full 20 years. What my question is is that are there any other arc jobs out there. What are the requirements for contract jobs and is this a good move to do? Can I still get a civilian job past the age of 31

whegner Junior Member

Your options will be DoD or FCT (Contract). Due to age restrictions, you need to be hired by the FAA before your 31st birthday. While in the military, you will need to get a tower certification (CTO) with at least 52 weeks working experience to be considered for the FCT program. For DoD, it's usually a combination of a couple of factors.

First is a dual rating (Twr/RADAR), that's often a prerequisite, however I've know folks who only had RADAR tickets get hired. Second, is being in the right place at the right time...usually DoD's get direct hired from where they already work as Military controllers (not always, but often). If you are getting out of the AF and the only opening is at a Naval air station they will probably hire someone from there.

Of course, we're talking today. Who knows what it will look like seven years from now. When I left the Marine Corps in '94 there was a general hiring freeze in the FAA, DoD jobs were scarce and often not posted until filled, and the FCT program was nothing like it is today.

Hope this helps.

lance Newcomer

Thanks for the help. I've heard that contract jobs don't really make a career, is this true or can one stay contract for a long time?

whegner Junior Member

You can stay as long as you want or they'll have you.