FAA hires video gamers for air traffic controller positions, says NATCA president

The Federal Aviation Administration announced a new recruitment drive aimed at video‑game enthusiasts, a strategy that drew praise from Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). Speaking to NewsNation, The Hill’s sister outlet, Daniels said gaming experience “absolutely” translates to the multitasking, rapid decision‑making, and situational awareness required of air traffic controllers, calling the FAA’s effort “an innovative approach to capture talent” for a workforce that has faced chronic shortages.

The FAA’s initiative, launched this week, seeks to fill more than 2,000 open controller positions by targeting players of simulation and strategy games, offering streamlined application pathways and specialized outreach events at gaming conventions. Officials note that the skill set honed in complex gaming environments aligns with the cognitive demands of air‑traffic management, and the program will pair recruits with accelerated training modules at the FAA Academy. If successful, the campaign could alleviate staffing gaps at busy hubs and improve overall flight safety, with the agency planning to assess recruitment outcomes over the next twelve months.