Faa air traffic controller?

Question

I am joining the navy as AC ( air traffic controller). The age limit for the faa states that they only hire up to age 31. I read the us labor website and it says nothing about what the age limit is. My question is. what if i want to go the 20 years in the navy? will i not be able to get a job when i get out @ 42?

Answer 1

31? Yikes. In Australia they'll take you up to 40. I don't know if this info is relevant for you but I know here 40 is the limit for which they will train you as a civil AC, as an AC is considered one of the most stressful jobs around (if not the most). However if you have had prior experience you can be excluded from this limit. In the case of an ex military AC it is required that you have performed at least 2 years straight  within the last 10 years.

I know that over here just getting selected for training is highly competitive let alone obtaining a paid position.

I'm sure there is probably something similar in place over there, but your best bet would be to contact someone in the industry before you commit to anything.

Answer 2

Yes you could, the 31 age limit is to start out  as as inexperienced controller.. Alot of ex-military transfer to the FAA .

Answer 3

I don't know for sure but I doubt it.  At this time the max age to be a controller is 56.  ATC is considered a young persons job.  The requirement to be hired by age 31 is so the FAA, and controllers, have a chance of getting their 25 years on the boards before mandatory retirement.   Now if they lift or raise the mandatory retirement age it might be different.

Your military service will count towards your retirement as a controller, but it doesn't count for your time on the boards for the FAA.

Answer 4

20 years is a long time to stay in the Navy dude.  If you like it that much you might as well just stay the 26 years and retire with a pension.