The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is recruiting gamers to fill air traffic controller positions, highlighting their video game experience as a foundation for the skills required in the role. Officials with the FAA said feedback from current controllers revealed that their ability to handle the job stems from skills learned while playing video games. Colleges now offer degrees in game development, and some, including the University of Pittsburgh, offer competitive play through e-sports clubs, which could serve as a stepping stone to a six-figure career. “I mean, it sounds pretty cool,” one student said. Around campus, students shared mixed reactions to the initiative. “Count me in,” another student said. Others expressed skepticism about the approach. “I think it really says they might be grasping for straws at this point,” one student said. The FAA emphasized that gamers already possess essential skills for air traffic control, including strategy, problem-solving, spatial awareness, multitasking, and high cognitive functions. According to the agency, approximately 65% of Americans—more than 200 million people—regularly play video games, creating a vast pool of potential candidates. “I just don’t know if there are a lot of gamers that would want to take a job that’s that high-stress because part of gaming is, is just for fun,” Pitt student Sara Kulkarni said, noting the challenge of transitioning gamers into high-stress roles. The FAA said its training program at the Air Traffic Controller Academy will quickly identify those who are not suited for the job. While a college degree is not required, the agency hopes the projected salary of more than $100,000 within the first three years will attract prepared and motivated candidates. “Certainly, I think gamers possess some skills that could be pretty sufficient,” Pitt student Aidan Kasner said. “I mean, hey, it’s making money. It’s making money. I think some people might want to do it. I have shared interests in both flying and games, I think it’s a good path,” Pitt student Andrew Gick said. The FAA’s air traffic controller application opens at midnight on April 17 and will close once 8,000 people apply.Looking for more news in your area | Subscribe to the WTAE YouTube Channel
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is recruiting gamers to fill air traffic controller positions, highlighting their video game experience as a foundation for the skills required in the role.
Officials with the FAA said feedback from current controllers revealed that their ability to handle the job stems from skills learned while playing video games.
Colleges now offer degrees in game development, and some, including the University of Pittsburgh, offer competitive play through e-sports clubs, which could serve as a stepping stone to a six-figure career.
“I mean, it sounds pretty cool,” one student said.
Around campus, students shared mixed reactions to the initiative.
“Count me in,” another student said.
Others expressed skepticism about the approach.
“I think it really says they might be grasping for straws at this point,” one student said.
The FAA emphasized that gamers already possess essential skills for air traffic control, including strategy, problem-solving, spatial awareness, multitasking, and high cognitive functions. According to the agency, approximately 65% of Americans—more than 200 million people—regularly play video games, creating a vast pool of potential candidates.
“I just don’t know if there are a lot of gamers that would want to take a job that’s that high-stress because part of gaming is, is just for fun,” Pitt student Sara Kulkarni said, noting the challenge of transitioning gamers into high-stress roles.
The FAA said its training program at the Air Traffic Controller Academy will quickly identify those who are not suited for the job. While a college degree is not required, the agency hopes the projected salary of more than $100,000 within the first three years will attract prepared and motivated candidates.
“Certainly, I think gamers possess some skills that could be pretty sufficient,” Pitt student Aidan Kasner said.
“I mean, hey, it’s making money. It’s making money. I think some people might want to do it. I have shared interests in both flying and games, I think it’s a good path,” Pitt student Andrew Gick said.
The FAA’s air traffic controller application opens at midnight on April 17 and will close once 8,000 people apply.
Looking for more news in your area | Subscribe to the WTAE YouTube Channel