The FAA is Seeking to Employ Gamers as Air Traffic Controllers
The FAA is encouraging gamers to transition from joysticks to radar screens.
The federal government is seeking video game players to assist in filling thousands of available air traffic control positions.
The Department of Transportation has released a new video aimed at gamers as part of an extensive hiring initiative to recruit nearly 9,000 controllers by 2028. The video challenges gamers to consider if they are ready for the role, emphasizing that although the skills may be comparable, the position is a “career” rather than a “game.”
The call for additional personnel follows multiple safety issues, notably a tragic incident at LaGuardia Airport where an aircraft collided with a firetruck on the runway. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are examining whether insufficient staffing or distractions played a role in the accident. The FAA aims to enhance safety nationwide by bringing in individuals accustomed to fast-paced settings and multitasking.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated, “This campaign’s innovative communication style and emphasis on gaming engages a burgeoning demographic of young adults who possess many of the essential skills required to excel as a controller.”
A significant advantage of this job is that it does not necessitate a college degree but still provides a competitive salary. The agency reports that by the third year of employment, controllers have the potential to earn an average salary of $155,000.
At present, there are approximately 11,000 controllers actively working, with an additional 4,000 undergoing training. The FAA intends to recruit 2,000 individuals in 2025 and will progressively raise that number annually until 2028. Duffy observed that with staffing levels at their highest in six years, “There’s never been a more exciting time to become a controller and advance into a career with a strong purpose—ensuring the safety of American families.”
New hires will attend the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City to embark on a role that involves “keeping millions of people safe every day.”
