Great at gaming? US air traffic control wants you to apply
Great at Gaming? US Air Traffic Control Seeks New Applicants
The US government is urging individuals skilled in video games to consider careers in air traffic control, aiming to counter a persistent workforce shortage. To attract candidates, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a fresh advertising initiative, specifically targeting gamers for job openings set to open next week. The campaign opens with the Xbox One logo, transitioning into a sequence of scenes showing men engaged in online computer games and women and men in control towers managing their own computer systems. “You’ve been preparing for this,” the ad states.
Recruitment Strategy Targets Young Adults
The ad emphasizes the competitive salary offered to controllers, which reaches $155,000 (£115,000) after three years of service. US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy remarked in a statement that the FAA must innovate to connect with the next generation of applicants. “This demographic includes young adults who possess many of the technical abilities necessary for effective control,” he noted. The current campaign mirrors the 2021 “level up” initiative under the Biden administration, a term synonymous with progress in digital gaming. That effort also sought to draw gamers into filling vacant positions.
Crucial Role in Aviation Safety
Air traffic control is vital for ensuring the safe movement of aircraft in and out of airports. Controllers oversee and guide planes to prevent mid-air collisions and other incidents. According to professional guidance, the role entails swift decision-making under pressure and a strong grasp of technical operations. Despite this, vacancies have plagued the field for years, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasting an increase in the gap over the coming years.
The FAA reported last year that it would be fully staffed with 14,663 active controllers. At the time, the agency was short by at least 3,000 personnel and estimated that twice as many would depart by 2028. While Duffy mentioned that staffing levels are currently at their highest in six years, he omitted exact figures. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, a union representing controllers, affirmed support for the strategy. “Our union embraces innovative methods to expand the talent pool, including engaging individuals with high aptitude, as long as all entry paths uphold the strict standards of this safety-critical profession,” Daniels said.
Recent Incidents Prompt New Efforts
The push for new recruits follows several notable incidents involving air traffic control. In early 2025, an army helicopter collided with a passenger jet above 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 pilots’ lives.
