It was IIRC 20 years as an active air traffic controller and age 55 or 25 years any age. So if they were hired in August 1981 they would have 25 years in August 2006. The real problem started when Hillary's husband put freezes on Federal hiring and also reduced staffing all across the government. As an example FSDO/GADO Inspectors were only allowed to replace one of every three they lost. The FAA filled every ATC vacancy authorized by Congress since Christ was a Corporal. ----- Original Message ----- From: <B787300@xxxxxxx> To: <AIRLINE@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Friday, June 06, 2003 9:33 PM Subject: Re: Strike by air traffic controllers looms, threatens airport operations >