The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is banking on gamers in its new air traffic controller recruitment campaign, as the agency tries to address a long-standing shortage of air traffic controllers across the country.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is banking on gamers in its new air traffic controller recruitment campaign, as the agency tries to address a long-standing shortage of air traffic controllers across the country.
The FAA has launched a recruitment campaign targeting video game fans, including a YouTube ad that showcases the profession through a dynamic montage and promises six-figure salaries. The move is part of the FAA's efforts to fill thousands of vacant positions that lawmakers say are negatively impacting air safety, Dexerto reports .
🚨👀 Watch this…
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) April 10, 2026
YOU can be the future of air traffic control
It's not a GAME, it's a CAREER
Applications open April 17th at Midnight @FAANews pic.twitter.com/JVpgCIeF58
Officials say gamers are ideal for this job because they are able to process information quickly, maintain concentration for long periods of time, and make decisions under high pressure.
Transport Minister Sean Duffy said: "To attract the next generation of air traffic controllers, we must adapt. Focusing our recruitment efforts on gamers allows us to tap into a growing demographic of young people who already possess many of the hard skills needed to be successful controllers."
The hiring spree comes amid a significant shortage of certified controllers that the FAA continues to grapple with. As of early 2026, the agency has more than 11,000 fully certified controllers nationwide, still well short of the 14,663 positions previously defined as full-time.
Recruiting gamers is seen as one way to speed up hiring. FAA officials say many current controllers already have gaming experience, and internal surveys show that nearly all recent academy graduates identify as gamers.
Aviation consultant Michael O'Donnell said that gaming experience can provide a useful foundation but is no substitute for other key traits.
"When you hire someone who has game experience, especially in air traffic control, they have an advantage," he said. "They come with a certain skill set. But it's no substitute for ability, discipline or decision-making under pressure."
The agency is now shifting its strategy to prioritize reaching gamers over more traditional recruiting channels like college fairs. Officials note that only about 25% of dispatchers have a traditional college degree.
