# Video gamers alone can’t keep our skies safe

> Federal Aviation Administration recruits video gamers for air traffic controller roles but structural issues persist.
- Title: Video gamers alone can’t keep our skies safe · Seattletimes
- Summary: Federal Aviation Administration recruits video gamers for air traffic controller roles but structural issues persist. Video gamers can't resolve air traffic…
- Keywords: federal aviation administration, video gamers, air traffic controllers, attrition rate, government shutdowns, artificial intelligence, nav program, tasa gold plus, news, local, Video, gamers
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/opinion/video-gamers-alone-cant-keep-our-skies-safe
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: federal aviation administration, video gamers, air traffic controllers, attrition rate, government shutdowns, artificial intelligence, nav program, tasa gold plus, news, local
## Federal Aviation Administration recruits video gamers
The Federal Aviation Administration is recruiting video gamers for air traffic controller job openings, adding more than 2,000 recruits to the pipeline.
## Gaming skills match air traffic control needs
Skills like concentration, pattern recognition, and multitasking developed by video gamers are similar to those used in real-time air traffic management.
## High attrition rate limits effectiveness
Only 10% of applicants meet security and medical thresholds to enroll in training, despite being under 31 and U.S. citizens.
## Canada's NAV program offers alternative approach
Canada's NAV program, a private nonprofit since 1996, recruits controllers with Transport Canada as regulator but faces a 10% shortage.
## U.S. TSA Gold+ program targets privatization
The U.S. is working to grow airport security privatization through its TSA Gold+ program, similar to Canada's NAV model.
## AI could reduce controller workload
Artificial intelligence could support routine tasks to reduce controller workload without replacing human judgment during critical operations.
## Video gamers alone can't solve shortages
Recruiting video gamers alone does not address structural issues, attrition, pay, government shutdowns, or AI integration needed for long-term solutions.
## Key takeaway

Video gamers can't resolve air traffic controller shortages without addressing attrition, pay, government shutdowns, and AI integration.