FAA Looks to Gamers as 'Next Generation' of Air Traffic Controllers

The agency aims to tap into a growing demographic of young adults with the skills to be successful controllers.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:42pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic air traffic control tower, with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the intricate digital infrastructure. The tower is surrounded by a network of glowing fiber-optic cables, representing the complex systems that air traffic controllers must monitor and manage.Cutting-edge technology and innovative recruitment strategies aim to equip the next generation of air traffic controllers with the tools and skills needed to safely manage the nation's airspace.Oklahoma City Today

The Federal Aviation Administration is launching a new hiring campaign to recruit the 'next generation' of air traffic controllers, and they're setting their sights on video game players. The FAA says gamers often have the hard skills needed to excel as air traffic controllers and is using an 'innovative communication style' focused on gaming to attract young applicants.

Why it matters

The FAA is facing a shortage of air traffic controllers, with the workforce decreasing by 6% from 2015 to 2025 despite increased hiring efforts. The new campaign aims to tap into a pool of potential candidates with the spatial awareness, multitasking abilities, and quick decision-making skills that are crucial for the role.

The details

To become an air traffic controller, applicants must meet strict requirements including passing the Air Traffic Skills Assessment, medical exams, and security clearances. Those hired then undergo extensive training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City before gaining 1-3 years of on-the-job experience. The FAA says safety is the top priority and they need to hire the best talent to achieve the best results.

  • The annual air traffic control hiring window opens on Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • From 2017 to 2022, around 106,500 people with prior experience applied to become air traffic controllers, and about 2,300 became fully certified.

The players

Sean Duffy

Transportation Secretary, who said the campaign's focus on gaming taps into a growing demographic of young adults with the skills to be successful controllers.

Bryan Bedford

FAA Administrator, who said safety is the FAA's top priority and they need to hire top talent and equip them with world-class tools.

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What they’re saying

“This campaign's innovative communication style and focus on gaming taps into a growing demographic of young adults who have many of the hard skills it takes to be a successful controller.”

— Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary

“Safety is the FAA's top priority, and that starts with hiring top talent and equipping them with world-class tools. We need the best people, the best training, and the best tools because we expect the best results.”

— Bryan Bedford, FAA Administrator

What’s next

The FAA's annual air traffic control hiring window opens on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 12 a.m. ET. Applicants must meet strict requirements including passing the Air Traffic Skills Assessment, medical exams, and security clearances before being sent to the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City for training.

The takeaway

The FAA's new hiring campaign targeting video game players highlights the agency's efforts to address a shortage of air traffic controllers by tapping into a demographic with the spatial awareness, multitasking abilities, and quick decision-making skills needed for the role. This innovative approach aims to attract the 'next generation' of air traffic controllers and ensure the safety of the nation's airspace.