Can gaming skills translate to air traffic control? FAA bets yes amid shortage of 3,500 controllers

The Federal Aviation Administration has recruited more than 2,000 air traffic controller trainees this year by targeting video game players.

According to CBS News, the New York Post and other outlets Tuesday, the FAA hired more than 2,000 gamers as controller trainees, reaching 94 percent of its recruitment target, with more than 2,000 additional candidates still working through the hiring process.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that "in April, we launched a new campaign to recruit video gamers as air traffic controllers and supercharged the entire hiring process to bring in the best talent faster," calling the results "historic."

When the FAA launched the campaign in April, it said hardcore gamers demonstrate strong cognitive abilities — including multitasking, spatial awareness and problem-solving. A promotional video featured footage from games including Fortnite alongside the tagline "You've been training for this."

The FAA noted that only about 25 percent of its current controllers hold traditional four-year college degrees, saying the campaign targeted talented young people pursuing different career paths. As of early 2026, the agency had roughly 11,000 certified controllers — about 3,500 short of its target of 14,663.

According to the International Business Times, FAA trainees earn $22.61 an hour during training, and controllers who complete the program earn an average salary of $155,000.

Research also supports the idea that gaming skills can carry over into air traffic control work. A 2006 study found that gamers were better at tracking multiple objects simultaneously, a finding backed by a 2024 study as well.

The FAA said more than 200 million Americans play video games regularly. According to accounting firm PwC, the gaming industry generates more revenue than the film and music industries combined. Among the most widely played titles today are Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends and Grand Theft Auto, which lets players steal and fly aircraft on runways.