Aerospace Medicine Technical Reports

FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute


Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-62/3

Title and Subtitle: Problems in air traffic management: III. Implications of age for training and job performance of air traffic controllers

Report Date: February 1962

Authors: Trittes DK, Cobb BB

Abstract: The relationships between chronological age upon entry into ATC training and school and job performance were examined in five samples of air traffic controller trainees. The data confirm conclusively the existence of an inverse relationship such that the older trainees have significantly less chance than their younger classmates of either completing training or being considered a satisfactory controller. Based upon the results of this investigation it is recommended a maximum age limit be established for entry into ATC training.

Key Words: Air Traffic Controller, Training, Age Limit, Personnel Selection.

No. of Pages: 16

Last updated: Friday, June 1, 2012