Great at gaming? US air traffic control wants you to apply
Great at gaming? US air traffic control wants you to apply
The US government is encouraging individuals with gaming experience to pursue careers as air traffic controllers, aiming to resolve a staffing crisis in the aviation sector. To attract applicants, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a new recruitment campaign that directly appeals to gamers. The initiative includes a video ad that opens with the Xbox One logo before transitioning into a sequence showing players engaged in various online games alongside air traffic controllers monitoring their screens.
According to the FAA, the strategy targets “a rising group of young adults who possess many of the technical competencies required for this role,” as stated by US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. The campaign mirrors the 2021 “level up” initiative under the Biden administration, which used gaming terminology to connect with a broader audience. The ad emphasizes the competitive salary offered, noting that experienced controllers earn approximately $155,000 (£115,000) after three years on the job.
Staffing Challenges and Safety Concerns
The FAA’s recruitment drive follows a series of notable aviation incidents linked to air traffic control. 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, killing two pilots. These events have underscored the urgency of addressing staffing gaps, which have persisted for years.
While air traffic control is vital for ensuring aircraft safety, the profession has faced significant challenges. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the shortage will worsen in the coming years, with the FAA projecting it would need 14,663 active controllers to be fully staffed. However, it currently lacks at least 3,000 personnel and expects twice that number to retire by 2028. Despite these concerns, the FAA reports staffing levels are at their highest in six years, though exact figures were not disclosed.
Union Support for the Shift
Support for the new approach has come from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, which represents FAA controllers. Its president, Nick Daniels, stated that the union backs efforts to expand the applicant pool, including reaching out to individuals with high aptitude skills like gamers. “As long as all pathways uphold the strict standards of this safety-critical profession, we welcome innovative methods,” Daniels said.
“You’ve been training for this,” the ad states, highlighting the perceived link between gaming and the precision needed in air traffic control. The campaign seeks to bridge the gap between digital skills and the demands of aviation management, leveraging the popularity of gaming to engage a new demographic of potential candidates.
