Trump Administration Targets Gamers for Air Traffic Controller Roles
The Trump administration is looking to tap into a largely overlooked demographic: adult video gamers. On Friday, a federal agency released a video that kicks off in the familiar style of an Xbox game.
It starts with a striking message: “It’s not a game. It’s a career.” After showcasing a series of brief gaming clips, the screen raises the question, “Are you ready for a challenge?”
The message continues, hinting that this could be an exciting calling for gamers. An air traffic controller sits in front of a computer, ensuring the safe takeoff and landing of airplanes, all while the music of a remix of Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ 2009 hit “Heads Will Roll” plays in the background.
The ad clearly states, “Become an air traffic controller.” The upbeat tone of the recruiter emphasizes that this position involves a serious commitment. The video encourages potential applicants with an enticing offer: not just keeping “millions of people safe” daily but also earning a substantial income.
The video claims that air traffic controllers can achieve an “average salary” of around “$155,000 per year after three years” in the role.
This push to recruit gamers aligns with the administration’s plans for the Department of Transportation and the FAA as Trump aims for a second term in 2025. Interestingly, this comes amid reports from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about grounded planes potentially due to outdated technologies like floppy disks.
Additionally, an investigation into the FAA’s hiring practices revealed that the agency considered applicants with various disabilities, which includes conditions such as “hearing and vision impairments, limb loss, severe intellectual disabilities,” and others. This seems counterintuitive to Duffy’s prior comments about their current systems being ineffective.
Last September, Duffy announced the recruitment of over 2,000 new air traffic controllers, with a target of hiring at least 8,900 controllers by 2028.
“To engage the next generation of air traffic controllers, we have to adapt our methods,” Duffy mentioned regarding their shift toward marketing to gamers. He highlighted how this campaign’s innovative approach connects well with young individuals who possess the necessary skills for success in these roles.
As of 2025, the FAA employs around 13,000 air traffic controllers in over 300 locations across the U.S., with about 10,600 classified as “certified professional controllers,” according to the Office of Inspector General.
