Gamers Recruited as Air Traffic Controllers

US government launches campaign to attract video gamers to crucial aviation career

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:04pm

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A highly detailed, neon-lit 3D illustration of a futuristic air traffic control tower, with glowing radar screens, pulsing data streams, and intricate digital infrastructure, conveying the complex, high-tech nature of modern aviation management.Cutting-edge technology and lightning-fast reflexes are essential for the high-stakes world of air traffic control, a career path now being actively recruited from the ranks of skilled video gamers.Oklahoma City Today

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Department have launched a new campaign targeting video gamers for air traffic controller jobs, touting average salaries of $155,000 after three years and claiming that gaming skills like quick thinking and managing complex situations translate well to the crucial aviation role.

Why it matters

The US government has long struggled with a shortage of air traffic controllers, with attrition, the COVID-19 pandemic, and government shutdowns all contributing to declining numbers over time. This unconventional recruitment tactic aims to tap into a new pool of potential candidates with skills that may be well-suited for the job.

The details

In a video that opens with the Xbox One logo and features flashing graphics from popular video games paired with hard techno beats, the government tells gamers they've been training to be air traffic controllers all along. The campaign highlights the importance of the role, which on average handles 45,000 flights per day, and the lucrative salaries. According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, this untraditional approach is necessary to reach the next generation of air traffic controllers.

  • The campaign was launched on Friday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Sean Duffy

U.S. Transportation Secretary.

Bryan Bedford

FAA Administrator.

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What they’re saying

“To reach the next generation of air traffic controllers, we need to adapt.”

— Sean Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary

What’s next

The government hopes this campaign will help reduce the 30% washout rate at the air traffic control training academy in Oklahoma City and attract more qualified candidates to the crucial aviation role.

The takeaway

This unconventional recruitment strategy highlights the government's efforts to think outside the box and tap into new pools of potential talent, like video gamers, to address the longstanding shortage of air traffic controllers in the United States.