Becoming an air traffic controller

Question

If I go into the Air Force and then leave the Air Force after the age of 31 (or whatever the cutoff age is for becoming a civilian controller), is there a certain exception that will allow me to become a civilian controller even though I have surpassed the age limit?

Answer 1

No.  The 31 age limit is so that the FAA will get enough years out of you to justify their training.  You would still have to go through all of their training to become a civilian ATC, and while you may have a better chance at passing the course, having been a military ATC is no guarantee.  You still may not pass the FAA training.  

EDIT:  After seeing a couple of answers that said yes I did some searching and stand corrected.  This is something that has changed.  So the answer is yes, you can get a waiver for the age cutoff after the military, you won't have to go through all the training (not ok city), it will be a limited appointment (10 years to start with a possibility of extending) and you may or may not be able to get retirement (depending on how many years you are able to work), the 56 max still applies.

http://jobs.faa.gov/RetiredMilitaryAFCon...

Answer 2

the 30 year old cuttoff is for inexperienced controllers.  you  can laterally transfer to the Faa from the military,(after  your obligation is up) done all the time.

Answer 3

How to Becoming an air traffic controller

If you’re detail-oriented, are fascinated with airplanes, and are interested in a starting salary that can run close to $100,000, you might consider becoming an air traffic controller. The U.S. government plans to hire thousands of controllers in the years ahead, making it an especially promising field. Since most of the current controllers are expected to retire by 2011, there’s a real need for people who are willing to take up the air traffic control challenge. Also, because of the large number of airports around the country, if you live in a major metropolitan area, chances are there’s a need for controllers in your geographical region.

The primary responsibility of an air traffic controller is to coordinate the movement of airplanes to ensure that air traffic moves in an orderly fashion. As a result, it’s a position of tremendous responsibility, since a controller is called upon to make decisions that can literally save lives.

In order to qualify to become an air traffic controller, you need to have four years of college or three years of experience working full-time. If you have no experience in air traffic control, you’ll also need to complete a computerized eight-hour pre-employment exam.

Once hired, you’ll be attending a ten week training session, where you’ll have an opportunity to work on a simulator device which enables you to get a feel for what it’s really like to direct air traffic. more...http://tinyurl.com/6prbe7