Pilot to ATC.. too old?
 

I just turned 27 and I'm looking at alternate career paths. I'm considering ATC, but I'm not sure if I'm getting too old. I know there is some sort of age 30 cut-off; but I'm not sure exactly what that entails.

So am I too old? By the time I completed a 2yr ATC degree, I'd be 29.5 :confused:.

So do I have to get hired before 30 or how does that work?

Thanks for the input!

Don't waste your time doing a 2 year ATC program. They are hiring through direct entry. A friend of mine was hired with ZERO aviation experience. Just study for the entrance exam which is a 8 hour event. Assuming you pass you should be put into a hiring pool. Go to FAA.gov and look for a job posting that's open to "All Sources." If their isn't anything now just wait and keep checking.

If you really want to become an ATC'er your best bet is to go CTI and apply under that announcement. OTS announcements are becoming few and far between and a new one hasn't opened up in awhile.
Not sure if you have a degree already but if you do you can complete alot of the 2-yr programs in 1 year. The cut-off age is 31 and I believe once you get your TOL (Tentative Offer Letter) that freezes your age. However, Be prepared for a long wait. Alot of CTI grads are waiting 2+ years from graduation to getting a class date in OKC. There is always the exception though. Other factors are involved, your geographic preferences, AT-SAT score and networking will play a factor on how quick you get hired and where.

Good Luck