Trump and FAA Look to Gamers for Solutions to Air Traffic Controller Shortage

President Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are teaming up to tackle the ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers at airports across the U.S. Their strategy? Tapping into the gaming community.

Recently, the FAA launched a recruitment campaign aimed at attracting the “next generation of air traffic controllers,” specifically targeting gamers. As part of this initiative, they released a new video ad featuring clips from popular games like Fortnite and Rocket League, challenging gamers to consider if they’re “ready for the challenge” and suggesting that their extensive gaming experience has already prepared them for the role of an air traffic controller.

A recent study highlights a significant issue: the U.S. currently has 25 percent fewer air traffic controllers than it did in 1981, while these controllers are now expected to manage three times the air traffic. This shortage has been a growing concern even before Trump took office in 2024, exacerbated by ongoing cuts to staffing and funding. To address this, the administration is shifting focus from traditional recruitment methods, like college fairs, to engage with gamers.

The FAA has noted that feedback from exit interviews indicates gaming enhances candidates’ abilities to think quickly, maintain focus, and handle complex situations.

Polling conducted by the Trump administration revealed that nearly all of the 250 new air traffic controllers identified as gamers. While the Biden administration also attempted to recruit gamers to address the shortage, Trump’s team appears more committed to this approach.

“To reach the next generation of air traffic controllers, we need to adapt,” stated Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “This campaign’s innovative communication style and focus on gaming taps into a growing demographic of young adults who possess many of the skills necessary for success in this role.”

This initiative is just another instance of the U.S. government incorporating video games into official strategies. The Trump administration has previously utilized video game themes in its messaging, referencing titles like Pokémon, Halo, and Call of Duty.