Great at gaming? US air traffic control wants you to apply

The US government is encouraging individuals skilled in video games to explore careers in air traffic control, aiming to resolve a persistent workforce shortage. A fresh advertising campaign by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directly invites gamers to apply for positions when the hiring period begins next week. The ad opens with the Xbox One logo before transitioning into a sequence blending images of players engaged in online games with air traffic controllers, both male and female, operating in control towers. “You’ve been training for this,” the ad states, linking gaming skills to the demands of air traffic control.

Salary and recruitment strategy

The campaign emphasizes the financial rewards, noting that air traffic controllers can earn $155,000 after three years on the job. US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy highlighted the need for the FAA to modernize its approach to attract younger candidates. He noted that the agency is targeting a demographic of young adults who possess the technical abilities required for the role.

Building on past efforts

This initiative follows a 2021 campaign under the Biden administration, which used the term “level up” to describe progress in gaming. That effort also aimed to recruit gamers for vacant air traffic control roles. The current strategy builds on that idea, framing the profession as a natural progression for those already honing skills in virtual environments.

The critical role of air traffic control

Air traffic controllers play a vital role in ensuring safe aircraft movement in and out of airports. Their responsibilities include monitoring planes and directing them to prevent collisions or other hazards. According to professional guides, the job demands rapid decision-making and advanced technical knowledge. However, staffing gaps have persisted for years, with projections indicating the shortfall will continue to rise.

Staffing challenges and union support

The FAA estimates it needs 14,663 active controllers to be fully staffed, yet it is currently 3,000 below that target. It anticipates twice as many controllers will retire by 2028. Despite this, staffing levels are at their highest in six years, though exact figures remain undisclosed. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, praised the approach, stating unions endorse recruiting gamers as long as standards are upheld.

Recent incidents underscore urgency

Several notable accidents involving air traffic control have intensified the need for new recruits. In early 2025, an army helicopter collided with a passenger jet over 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, killing two pilots. These events highlight the importance of maintaining a robust and capable workforce.

“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,” Daniels said.