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, to address a chronic shortage of air traffic controllers (ATCs), believing their cognitive skills like multitasking and quick thinking are beneficial for the role.
Despite previous hiring pushes and streamlining processes, the FAA remains thousands of controllers short of its staffing goals, leading to current ATCs working long hours under stressful conditions with some outdated technology.
The application window opens mid-April, offering potential recruits, including gamers, a career path with significant pay and incentives after a rigorous training program, although a high percentage of trainees typically fail or burn out.
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.
