The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has significantly boosted its air traffic controller ranks, hiring more than 2,000 controllers this year and achieving 94% of its recruitment goal. This surge is attributed in part to a campaign that targeted individuals with experience in video gaming. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced the hiring milestone, stating, "We're building the strongest, sharpest workforce in aviation history."
The FAA launched a campaign in April urging gamers to apply, asserting that skills honed through video games, such as multitasking, spatial awareness, and problem-solving, are transferable to the demanding role of air traffic control. A promotional video suggested that gaming experience could be considered training for the profession.
This hiring effort comes as the FAA has faced challenges in staffing air traffic control towers, a situation exacerbated by pandemic-related layoffs. The shortage has coincided with an increase in aviation accidents and near-misses. Notable incidents include a deadly crash at LaGuardia Airport in March, where investigators are examining whether an air traffic controller's brief absence to answer a phone call may have contributed to the collision. Another incident involved an American Airlines plane colliding with a helicopter last year, with an air traffic controller reportedly handling the workload of two positions.
Research supports the FAA's approach, with studies indicating that gamers often possess enhanced abilities in tracking multiple objects simultaneously and exhibit better attentional control. The agency highlighted that a significant portion of current controllers do not hold traditional college degrees, making recruitment efforts focused on alternative career paths, such as those pursued by gamers, a strategic move.
The FAA noted that over 200 million Americans regularly play video games, an industry that generates more revenue than the film and music sectors combined. Popular games like Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, and Grand Theft Auto involve complex decision-making and rapid responses, mirroring some of the cognitive demands of air traffic control.