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 urging individuals with gaming expertise to consider careers in air traffic control, aiming to alleviate a persistent staffing crisis. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a fresh recruitment drive, targeting gamers as potential candidates for its upcoming hiring period. A recent promotional video begins with the Xbox One logo, transitioning into scenes of gamers and air traffic controllers using computers in tandem.

The ad emphasizes the salary of $155,000 (£115,000) after three years of service, highlighting the financial incentive for applicants. US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy praised the FAA’s shift toward modern recruitment methods, noting the appeal to a younger workforce. “You’ve honed your skills for this moment,” the ad states, suggesting that gaming experience translates to the demands of air traffic control.

“Our union welcomes 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,” said Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.

The campaign mirrors a 2021 initiative under the Biden administration, which used the phrase “level up” to symbolize progress in gaming. That effort also sought to attract gamers to fill vacant positions. Air traffic control plays a vital role in ensuring aircraft safety, directing flights to prevent collisions and manage traffic around airports. Professionals in the field must balance quick decisions with technical knowledge, according to career guides.

Controller vacancies have plagued the sector for years, with shortages expected to worsen in the coming decades. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a growing gap, prompting the FAA to aim for full staffing with 14,663 active controllers. However, the agency admits it currently lacks at least 3,000 personnel and anticipates twice that number may depart by 2028. Duffy noted that staffing levels are now the highest in six years, though exact figures remain undisclosed.

Recent incidents, such as an army helicopter colliding with a passenger jet at Ronald Reagan Airport in early 2025 and an Air Canada flight crashing into a fire truck at La Guardia Airport this year, have underscored the need for a robust workforce. These events have intensified the call for fresh talent, including those with skills honed in digital environments.