The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is addressing long-standing staffing issues in air traffic control by recruiting video gamers. This innovative approach has led to over 2,000 individuals joining the recruitment pipeline. However, merely increasing the number of recruits does not solve the root causes of these shortages.
Skills of Video Gamers
Video gaming involves skills essential for air traffic control, such as concentration, pattern recognition, and multitasking. These align with the demands of managing multiple flights in real time. Although these skills make gamers suitable candidates, the path from recruitment to certification is taxing, affecting long-term staffing needs.
Challenges in Recruitment
Candidates must be under 31 years old, U.S. citizens, and meet strict security and medical requirements. This results in only 10% of applicants qualifying for the training program. The nature of the job demands maintaining rigorous standards, as controllers are crucial for airspace safety and face significant stress daily.
Alternative Models
Looking at Canada, the NAV program offers insights. NAV operates as a private nonprofit, with Transport Canada as its regulator. Although it still faces a 10% shortage in controllers, privatization could shield U.S. controllers from pay issues during government shutdowns. The U.S. might consider similar privatization, ensuring the government retains control over standards and training.
Role of Artificial Intelligence
Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in air traffic control could ease pressures during staff shortages. AI could handle routine tasks, like airplane ground movements and basic flight management, allowing controllers to concentrate on critical situations. While AI presents a long-term plan requiring research and testing, it holds promise for easing workloads.
Comprehensive Solutions Needed
Beyond recruiting gamers, the FAA must expand its pool of qualified candidates, offer competitive compensation, secure uninterrupted pay during government shutdowns, and introduce AI to alleviate workloads. Although video gamers contribute to the solution, these structural adjustments are crucial to resolving the issue.
Sheldon H. Jacobson, Ph.D., a professor of Computer Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, uses data-driven decision-making to inform public policy. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.