Duffy: Effort to recruit gamers as air traffic controllers ‘wildly successful’

The Hill
by Fiona Bork
April 17, 2026
2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

The FAA is successfully recruiting video gamers as air traffic controllers to address staffing needs.

How This Affects You

This innovative recruitment strategy aims to bolster the FAA's workforce, potentially improving air travel efficiency and safety for Americans.

AI Summary

The Federal Aviation Association (FAA) is actively recruiting video gamers to fill air traffic controller positions, an initiative Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has characterized as "wildly successful." This strategy leverages the multitasking and communication skills gamers develop, which are highly relevant to managing complex air traffic scenarios. The White House is pursuing innovative recruitment methods to address staffing needs within critical federal roles. This effort aims to bolster the FAA's workforce by tapping into a non-traditional talent pool.

What's Being Done

The FAA is actively recruiting video gamers for air traffic controller positions.

Should this be getting more attention?

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