35 as a cut off is a bit low, but as said nats look to recoup some of the training costs. The current training figure of an atco in area radar has been put at a figure close to half a million, On the basis that most atco's retire at 55, this would leave the company costings of in excess of 25 thousand a year and approx 17 productive years. Its cheaper to train a pilot, and most of them are self funded! On the flipside there are plenty of people capable of making it that are over 35 and it should be raised. Age 42 is supposedly the peak. 50+ with no atc experience would be rare to validate and costings just wouldn't add up. Who defended this case, a trainee lawyer on day release?. Thats up to nats now to work around and provide a strong case.....who knows what next 50 year old wanting to join the RAF( they have age limits)
