Pilot to ATC.. too old?

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05-31-2010, 06:08 AM

KiloAlpha

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Thread Starter

Joined APC: Nov 2005

Position: AA A320

Posts: 1,624

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

.

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

Thanks for the input!

05-31-2010, 08:10 AM

stbloc

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Joined APC: Dec 2007

Posts: 618

Quote:

Originally Posted by KiloAlpha

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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.

05-31-2010, 10:14 AM

kls81

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Joined APC: Jan 2007

Posts: 144

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