What Happened
New Hiring Campaign Seeks Younger Applicants With Gaming Skills
The FAA is launching a new hiring campaign targeting gamers as potential air traffic controllers, aiming to address a staffing shortfall across the US air traffic system. The campaign, which opens April 17, 2026, and runs through April 27, uses language from gaming culture to attract younger applicants. According to US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the FAA, the goal is to leverage the skills gamers develop, such as focus and quick decision-making, to fill entry-level controller positions. The agency is seeking 8,000 applications and emphasizes that applicants must meet the same eligibility standards as other candidates. This initiative was first reported by AeroTime.