WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has started a new recruitment campaign focused on gamers and other young adults as it gets ready to open its yearly air traffic controller hiring window on April 17. The agency says it wants to reach people who have skills like multitasking, spatial awareness, strategy, and problem-solving. These are all abilities that match what is needed for air traffic control.
The FAA is not changing the job or making it easier to get in. Applicants still need to pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment, go through medical and security checks, finish academy training in Oklahoma City, and then spend one to three years getting on-the-job experience before they are certified. According to the agency’s hiring page, certified controllers earn more than US$155,000 on average within three years of graduating from the academy. Many applicants do not need a traditional college degree.
Ongoing staffing shortage
This campaign comes as the FAA is still working to fix a staffing shortage, which is now one of the biggest problems in the U.S. aviation system. Reuters reported on April 6 that the FAA has about 3,500 fewer fully certified controllers than it needs. A January GAO review also found that the controller workforce is about 6% smaller than it was ten years ago, even though the number of flights using the system has gone up by 10%.
FAA officials say they are making progress. In an announcement on April 10, the agency said it now has almost 11,000 controllers working and more than 4,000 trainees in the pipeline. They also mentioned a faster hiring process and better results at the academy. However, for those following aviation news, it is important to know that this recruitment effort is just one part of a bigger staffing challenge. It will not solve the problem right away.
Are you up for the challenge? Watch the recruitment video below and be sure to share your comments on our social media channels.
Featured image: Sec. Sean Duffy
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