Gamers face an unprecedented chance to utilize all those hours managing screens and mashing buttons as an air traffic controller. Back in April, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a new recruitment campaign designed to entice gamers into becoming air traffic controllers.
Now, the numbers are coming in, and the Federal Aviation Administration is very pleased.
According to CBS News, since launching the recruitment initiative, the FAA has hired over 2,000 gamers, which accounts for around 94% of its hiring goal. The outlet further reports that an additional 2,000 candidates are in the middle of the hiring process.
The FAA Is Recruiting Gamers To Become Air Traffic Controllers
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A retired air traffic controller turned professor of air traffic management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University categorizes the role of air traffic controller as “a good job with good benefits.” However, the FAA found itself facing a shortage that was worsened on two fronts.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office reports that the number of air traffic controllers has gone down by 6% in the last decade. Exacerbating the problem is the 10% increase in flights that depend on air traffic controllers.
This, in turn, has had a ripple effect on the rest of the air travel experience, resulting in flight delays, diversions, or cancellations.
How This New Strategy Works
Inc. writes that back in May, the FAA released a new three-part workforce strategy dedicated to navigating the impact of staffing shortages. One crucial arm of that system: expansion through hiring.
So, why gamers? According to Duffy in a CBS News interview, “a lot of what they do playing games” is also what is done “controlling traffic in the air.”
That includes managing the specific functions of multiple buttons, adapting to changes as they come, and navigating a screen full of vital information.
Looking at the numbers, Duffy calls the results “historic.”