Great at gaming? US air traffic control wants you to apply
Great at gaming? US air traffic control wants you to apply
FAA targets gamers in effort to fill staffing gaps
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is launching a fresh recruitment initiative, targeting individuals skilled in video games as potential candidates for air traffic control positions. This strategy aims to counteract a persistent shortage of controllers, with the next hiring period set to commence shortly. The campaign features a video that opens with the Xbox One logo before transitioning into a sequence of scenes: young players immersed in online gaming and air traffic controllers at their stations, both men and women, focused on managing aircraft movements.
“You’ve been training for this,” the advertisement asserts, drawing a parallel between gaming proficiency and the demands of air traffic control. It emphasizes the competitive salary, which reaches $155,000 (£115,000) after three years of service.
US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy highlighted the need for modernization in attracting a younger workforce. “The FAA must evolve to engage the next generation of controllers,” he noted, underscoring the relevance of gaming skills to the job’s technical requirements. This approach aligns with the 2021 “level up” campaign under the Biden administration, which similarly sought to bridge the gap by appealing to gamers.
Role and challenges of air traffic controllers
Controllers play a vital role in ensuring the safe navigation of aircraft through airports and surrounding airspace. Their responsibilities include monitoring flights and directing them to prevent collisions and other hazards. Despite this critical function, vacancies have been a long-standing issue, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting an increase in shortages over the coming years.
The FAA reported that it would be fully staffed with 14,663 active controllers. However, at the time, the agency was already 3,000 personnel short and anticipated that double this number might depart by 2028. While staffing levels are currently at their highest in six years, specific figures were not disclosed.
Union support and recent incidents
Nick Daniels, head of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, affirmed the union’s backing of the initiative. “Our organization endorses new methods to expand the talent pool, such as engaging gamers, provided all entry paths uphold the demanding standards of this safety-critical profession,” he stated.
The push for recruitment follows several notable incidents involving air traffic control errors. In early 2025, a military helicopter collided with a passenger jet above Ronald Reagan Airport, resulting in 67 fatalities. This year, an Air Canada flight crashed into an airport fire truck at La Guardia Airport, claiming two pilots’ lives.