Professional players can move into aviation: the U.S. government offers careers to dispatchers

Brief news

* The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation launched an advertising campaign aimed at attracting gamers to become air traffic controllers.

* On average, controllers manage about 45,000 flights per day, and the average annual salary after three years of work is $155,000.

What exactly is being advertised
The video starts with the Xbox One logo, then quickly transitions to dynamic scenes from popular video games set to techno rhythms. The slogan reads: “It’s not a game. It’s a career” – emphasizing that players have already “prepared” themselves to become controllers.

The creators of the video claim that working in aviation turns gaming enthusiasts into well‑equipped professionals. They cite testimonials from real controllers: a passion for computer games develops quick thinking, concentration, and the ability to manage complex situations—skills that are directly applicable to the job.

Why it matters
* Shortage of personnel. In the U.S., there are almost 11,000 certified controllers, which is 3,000 fewer than the target level.

* High attrition rate – about 30% of candidates do not complete training.

* Turnover and the pandemic have exacerbated the shortage.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA administrator Brian Bedford emphasize the need for adaptation: “To prepare the next generation of controllers, we must attract people with the right skills.”

Additional measures
To close the gap, authorities announced a series of bonuses and incentives:

* New financial incentives for new hires.

* Retention programs for veteran controllers to keep them on the job longer.

Thus, advertising gamers is just one step in a comprehensive strategy to address the shortage of air traffic controllers.