Air Traffic Controller Retirement Age Explained The standard air traffic controller retirement age is significantly lower than many other federal employees. Most controllers must retire by the age of 56. However, they can retire as early as 50 with at least 20 years of service, or at any age with 25 years of service. These rules exist to maintain the sharpness required for this crit... https://www.federalpensionadvisors.com/post/air-traffic-controller-retirement