5 USC § 3382 - Involuntary separation for retirement

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t5/s3382"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "5 USC § 3382 - Involuntary separation for retirement"
title_number: 5
title_name: "GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES"
section_number: "3382"
section_name: "Involuntary separation for retirement"
chapter_number: 33
chapter_name: "EXAMINATION, SELECTION, AND PLACEMENT"
subchapter_number: "VII"
subchapter_name: "AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS"
part_number: "III"
part_name: "EMPLOYEES"
positive_law: true
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-04-17"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Added Pub. L. 92–297, § 3(a), May 16, 1972, 86 Stat. 142; amended Pub. L. 96–347, § 1(b), Sept. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 1150.)"
---


# § 3382. Involuntary separation for retirement

An air traffic controller who is eligible for immediate retirement under section 8336 of this title may be separated involuntarily from the service if the Secretary determines that the separation of the controller is necessary in the interest of—

**(1)** aviation safety;

**(2)** the efficient control of air traffic; or

**(3)** the preservation of the physical or mental health of the controller.

Chapter 75 of this title does not apply to a determination or action under this section. Separation under this section shall not become final, without the consent of the controller, until the last day of the second month following the day the controller receives a notification of the determination by the Secretary under this section, or, if a review is requested under section 3383 of this title, the last day of the month in which a final decision is issued by a board of review under section 3383(c) of this title, whichever is later. A controller who is to be separated under this section is entitled to training under section 3381 of this title. Separation of such a controller who elects to receive training under section 3381 shall not become final until the last day of the month following the completion of his training.

---

**Source Credit**: (Added Pub. L. 92–297, § 3(a), May 16, 1972, 86 Stat. 142; amended Pub. L. 96–347, § 1(b), Sept. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 1150.)

## Editorial Notes

### References in Text

For definition of Secretary, referred to in text, see .

### Amendments

1980— in provisions preceding par. (1) substituted “Secretary determines” for “Secretary of Transportation determines”.

## Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by  effective on 90th day after , see , set out as a note under .

### Effective Date

Section effective on 90th day after , see , set out as a note under .