Greetings!
I am a 31-y-o, who will be separating from the military in four months. I have interest in becoming an ATC, but from all the research I have done, the FAA will not hire me because I do not hold any certifications and I have reached my 31st birthday.
In the military, I was a tactical air controller. So while I have experience as an air controller, it has been more to do with tactics and often times bringing aircraft together rather than keeping them apart. However, I believe I have enough of the basic skills to successfully be an ATC.
As I said, the FAA will not hire me because of my age.
But I just read something interesting and was hoping somebody might be able to clarify for me. According to the FAA's website, "Persons who have reached their 31st birthdays may not be originally appointed to ATCS positions in FAA." So does this mean I can apply for a position as an Air Traffic Assistant, gain experience and whatever else is necessary, and then be appointed to the ATCS position? The way that statement reads, it sounds like there might be hope for me after all, the keyword obviously being originally.
Thanks in advance for any assistance that can be provided.
-Freddy