It remains challenging to train and position qualified individuals in these roles.
The FAA has long struggled with staffing shortages in air traffic control. The GAO reported a 6% decline in air traffic controllers over the past decade. Amidst this, the Trump administration is launching a recruitment campaign aimed at gamers, coinciding with the air traffic control hiring period starting April 17th.
Despite this initiative, the FAA still faces hurdles in training; the DOT’s OIG cites issues like a lack of qualified trainers, limited training capacity, outdated curricula, and high failure rates. An FAA video highlights esports and gaming with a promise of a $155,000 annual salary after three years, claiming that gaming prepares you for the job.
In a press release, the FAA noted that departing air traffic controllers credit gaming with enhancing their abilities to think quickly and manage complexity. The FAA’s application site promotes career advancement. This is not the first initiative targeting gamers; the Biden administration’s 2021 “Level Up” campaign also sought to recruit gamers, women, and minorities.
Securing more air traffic controllers is a priority for Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who announced plans to expedite hiring after taking office last year. That campaign concluded in March 2025, drawing over 10,000 applications and enrolling about 600 into training. The GAO mentions that attrition in the hiring process might be avoidable due to its complexity, causing applicants to secure other positions before receiving offers.
NATCA supports innovative recruitment strategies, including targeting individuals with strong aptitudes, such as gamers, as stated by NATCA president Nick Daniels.