Great at gaming? US air traffic control wants you to apply
Great at gaming? US air traffic control wants you to apply
The U.S. government has encouraged individuals skilled in video games to consider careers as air traffic controllers, aiming to alleviate a persistent workforce shortage in the sector. To attract applicants, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched a new advertising initiative, explicitly inviting gamers to apply when the hiring period begins next week.
Ad Campaign Targets Gamers
The campaign’s video opens with the Xbox One logo, followed by a sequence blending images of gamers engaged in online play with air traffic controllers operating from their towers. The ad emphasizes that gamers are already honing the skills necessary for the role, stating, “You’ve been training for this.” It also highlights the financial compensation, noting that controllers earn $155,000 after three years of service.
“The FAA must evolve to connect with the next generation of controllers,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “This demographic includes young adults who possess many of the technical abilities needed for success in the field.”
Previous Efforts Mirror New Strategy
The current approach aligns with the “level up” campaign introduced in 2021 under the Biden administration, a term popularized by electronic gaming. That initiative similarly targeted gamers to fill vacant positions. Air traffic control remains vital for ensuring aircraft safety, with controllers tasked with directing planes to prevent mid-air collisions and other incidents.
Staffing Challenges Persist
Despite recent efforts, the profession faces ongoing vacancies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the gap will widen annually for the coming years. The FAA previously stated it aimed to reach full staffing with 14,663 active controllers but noted it was at least 3,000 below that target. By 2028, it anticipates twice as many controllers may leave their roles.
Nick Daniels, head of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, a labor union, endorsed the recruitment strategy. “We support innovative methods to expand the talent pool,” he said, “as long as all pathways uphold the rigorous standards essential for this safety-critical job.”
Incidents Spur Recruitment Drive
The push for new hires follows high-profile aviation accidents linked to air traffic control. In early 2025, a military helicopter collided with a passenger jet over Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington, DC, resulting in 67 fatalities. This year, an Air Canada flight crashed into an airport fire truck at La Guardia Airport in New York, claiming two pilot lives.
