FAA Launches Recruitment Drive Targeting Video Gamers to Address Air Traffic Controller Shortage

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 12:33:00 +0200

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively recruiting video gamers to help solve a significant national shortage of air traffic controllers. With thousands of vacancies threatening aviation safety, the agency, under the Trump administration, released a new YouTube advertisement using flashy graphics and highlighting six-figure salaries to attract gamers. Officials believe gamers possess valuable skills such as strong hand-eye coordination, quick decision-making under pressure, and the ability to maintain focus on multiple screens for extended periods. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the need to adapt recruiting strategies to reach younger generations who already demonstrate many of the hard skills required for the role. Recent internal polls of air traffic control academy graduates revealed that nearly all were gamers, aligning with anecdotal evidence from current controllers who often play video games during breaks. The FAA plans to prioritize gamer outreach