FAA Bets on Gamers to Fix Sky-High Controller Shortage

The FAA is launching a recruiting push targeting video gamers to address a long-running shortage of air-traffic controllers, touting six-figure pay in a YouTube ad and arguing gaming skills like hand-eye coordination and focus translate to the job. While officials say the strategy could help as the agency remains thousands short of the roughly 14,663 fully staffed positions (about 11,000 certified today), critics warn gaming experience isn’t a substitute for training and discipline. With an 8,000-applicant cap for the new window opening April 17, the agency aims to accelerate hiring over the next few years, building on past reforms that cut onboarding time and reduced washouts but haven’t closed the gap.