FAA Targets Gamers for Air Traffic Controller Recruitment Amid Staffing Crisis

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is launching a recruitment campaign aimed at gamers to address a significant shortage of air traffic controllers. Starting April 17, the FAA will accept applications as it seeks to bolster its workforce of approximately 11,000 active controllers and 4,000 trainees. The initiative, led by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, aims to attract a younger demographic with relevant technical skills. The FAA plans to modernize air traffic control technology, offering competitive salaries averaging over $155,000 after three years. With a 6% decline in the number of controllers over the past decade, the FAA is under pressure to fill vacancies exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors. Once 8,000 applications are received, the recruitment process will close, leading to assessments and training for selected candidates.

Key Details: • Applications open on April 17; 8,000 applications will close the recruitment. • Competitive salary of over $155,000 after three years of service. • Training includes paid instruction and government benefits. • FAA has hired 2,400 controllers since March but needs more to address ongoing shortages.