FAA Hires 2,000+ Gamers to Be Air Traffic Controllers

A recruiting campaign launched by the Federal Aviation Administration to attract video gamers into careers as air traffic controllers has produced record-breaking results, with more than 2,000 candidates entering the hiring pipeline after the agency revamped its recruiting strategy.

The initiative, unveiled by the FAA in April 2026, targeted individuals with skills commonly developed through gaming, including rapid decision-making, multitasking, and complex problem-solving.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the campaign has set multiple FAA hiring records, including the largest number of candidates hired in a single year, surpassing 2,000. "In April, we launched a NEW CAMPAIGN to recruit video gamers as air traffic controllers, and supercharged the entire hiring process to get the BEST & BRIGHTEST in faster. The results are HISTORIC," Duffy said.

The FAA said the concept was inspired by feedback from experienced air traffic controllers already working in the profession. With approximately 25 percent of controllers holding a traditional college degree, the effort focused on reaching talented young people pursuing alternative career paths, many of whom are active in gaming. "Feedback from controller exit interviews reinforces this, with several controllers pointing to gaming as an influence on their ability to think quickly, stay focused, and manage complexity," The FAA said.

When the hiring campaign opened, applications were limited to 8,000 prospective candidates. As of Aug. 9, Duffy reported that the FAA had already achieved 94 percent of its hiring target.