Gamers are one target of the FAA’s latest air traffic control (ATC) recruitment push. [Credit: FAA]
Key Takeaways:
The FAA is launching a new recruitment campaign specifically targeting gamers for air traffic control (ATC) positions, believing their cognitive skills like quick thinking and multitasking are well-suited for the demanding role.
Despite past hiring initiatives, streamlining processes, and offering incentives, the FAA continues to face a significant shortage of controllers, with current staffing levels thousands below the required amount.
While offering competitive salaries and benefits, the ATC profession is highly stressful due to understaffing leading to long hours, and relies on antiquated technology that the FAA is simultaneously working to upgrade.
That’s how the FAA—in a flashy new video posted Friday—is pitching to gamers to put their twitchy fingers to use in the control tower in its latest air traffic control (ATC) hiring push, as it looks to address a chronic shortage of thousands of personnel.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
