Play video video games? You, too, might develop into an air site visitors controller.

Video players are in demand to assist patrol the nation’s skies.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy stated in a recent social media publish that the federal company’s recruitment marketing campaign to recruit players as air site visitors controllers has been a “game changer” for the Federal Aviation Administration.  

The FAA employed greater than 2,000 video players to coach as air site visitors controllers, assembly 94% of its hiring purpose, in keeping with the Transportation Department. Another 2,000-plus candidates are within the hiring pipeline, Duffy added. 

Why video players?

When Duffy introduced the initiative in April, he acknowledged that the Transportation Department wanted to increase its attain to recruit potential air site visitors controllers. 

“A lot of what they do playing games … is what they do …  controlling traffic in the air,” Duffy informed CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave in an interview on Tuesday at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport. 

Duffy added that many present trainees began out as players. Only about 25% of controllers maintain a conventional school diploma, whereas former controllers be aware that gaming requires most of the similar expertise that air site visitors controllers use on the job, similar to considering shortly, staying targeted and managing a number of sources of knowledge as they information greater than 80,000 flights to their locations every day. 

How a lot do controllers earn?

In 2024, the newest 12 months for which federal information is out there, the median annual wage for air site visitors controllers was $144,580. But pay varies broadly relying on a controller’s expertise and the place they work. Less skilled controllers at smaller airports earn near $60,000 a 12 months on common, in keeping with aviation consultants. 

A December report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office pointed to a significant scarcity of air site visitors controllers, warning that it might result in extra flight delays or cancellations. 

A authorities shutdown late final 12 months additionally turned some staff away from the career, as controllers — who beneath the regulation are thought of important personnel — have been compelled to work with out pay. 

Before somebody qualifies to coach on the FAA’s Air Traffic Controller Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, job candidates should bear a rigorous utility course of. Among the factors to develop into a controller are to carry U.S. citizenship, be beneath the age of 31 and go the FAA air site visitors pre-employment exams. 

Aspiring controllers should additionally go an examination that the FAA says predicts candidates’ “aptitude to be an air traffic controller.” Within every week, they’re notified if they’ve handed. 

Historically, fewer than 10% of candidates met the FAA’s necessities to work as an air site visitors controller and achieve admission to the company’s coaching program.