Great at gaming? US air traffic control wants you to apply
US Air Traffic Control Seeks Gamers to Address Staffing Crisis
The U.S. government is encouraging individuals skilled in video games to apply for air traffic controller positions, aiming to resolve a long-standing shortage in the sector. A recent ad campaign by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directly targets gamers, urging them to consider careers in aviation control as the hiring period begins next week.
Gameplay and Air Traffic Control: A New Connection
The promotional video opens with the Xbox One logo before transitioning to a sequence blending scenes of gamers playing online titles with professionals in control towers managing aircraft. The ad emphasizes, “You’ve been training for this,” linking gaming skills to the precision and focus required in air traffic control. It also highlights the competitive salary of $155,000 (£115,000) after three years of service.
US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy stated that the FAA must evolve to attract younger talent. He noted that the agency is targeting a demographic of young adults who already possess key technical and cognitive abilities needed for the role. This strategy follows a similar 2021 initiative under the Biden administration, which used the term “level up” to symbolize progress in gaming. The campaign seeks to fill vacancies by appealing to this tech-savvy group.
The Role of Air Traffic Controllers
Air traffic controllers play a vital role in ensuring aircraft safety during takeoffs, landings, and flight. Their responsibilities include monitoring planes and directing them to prevent collisions and other incidents. Professional guides describe the job as demanding quick decisions and advanced technical knowledge under pressure.
Despite efforts to attract new recruits, staffing gaps persist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of unfilled positions is expected to rise annually. The FAA previously reported that it would be fully staffed with 14,663 active controllers, but at the time, it was 3,000 below that target. Officials projected that twice as many controllers could retire by 2028.
Union Support and Recent Incidents
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, acknowledged the union’s backing for this approach. “We welcome innovative methods to broaden the applicant base, such as reaching out to gamers, provided all pathways uphold the strict standards of this critical role,” he said.
The push for new recruits comes amid high-profile accidents involving air traffic control. In early 2025, an army 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.
“Our union supports innovative approaches to expanding the candidate pool, including outreach to individuals with high-level aptitude skills such as gamers, so long as all pathways maintain the rigorous standards required of this safety-critical profession.” — Nick Daniels, National Air Traffic Controllers Association
