Gamers are becoming air traffic controllers thanks to new FAA initiative

The U.S. Department of Transportation is recruiting gamers to help address the nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers, and the strategy is already showing results. The FAA launched the campaign in April, targeting young players who often possess transferable skills such as multitasking, spatial awareness, strategic thinking and rapid decision making. According to Secretary Sean Duffy, the initiative has helped the FAA reach 94 percent of its hiring goal, with over 2,000 new controllers hired and another 2,000 candidates in the pipeline. The approach is supported by research showing that action and strategy games can improve attention, spatial cognition and even performance in certain technical simulations. The military has similarly found that gamers adapt well to drone piloting. Still, gaming experience alone is not enough; applicants must pass the FAA’s selection process, complete Academy training and undergo years of supervised on‑the‑job experience. The recruitment push highlights how gaming skills can translate into real‑world, high‑responsibility professions.

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