CHARLOTTE — According to the Department of Transportation, most air traffic control towers are understaffed. To fight that trend, officials are turning to an unusual resource.
Thousands of flights and millions of lives depend on the smooth and accurate operation of the flight control system.
Now people who are gamers may get the chance to protect the flying public.
“I think that’s a great idea,” said Dr. Nyali Taylor, a passenger. “To look into a whole subset of people that are already here in the United States.”
On Friday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy encouraged gamers to apply. He believes that games have helped them develop the necessary skills for the job.
“A lot of people think that playing video games is like a waste of time, but it’s actually really stimulating for your brain,” said passenger Stiles McCauley. “I can see my son when he plays a lot of the games, especially an air traffic control game, and he’s like routing planes and making sure they don’t collide with each other. I think it’s a pretty good idea.”
Some passengers we talked to think violent games may do more harm than good. They’re concerned gamers who may be desensitized to violence may not be as careful compared to other controllers.
“I think it’s a valid point that needs to be looked at,” said Fiona Adam, a passenger.
Dr. Steven Hooper, an aviation security expert with Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, says it’s important to do a thorough background check.
“If several of them have skill sets developed through gaming, OK, maybe you have to dig a little deeper, but there is nothing without a risk no matter who you hire,” Dr. Hooper said.
He said most candidates will get weeded out during the recruiting process and that it takes years to become a controller, which is one of the reasons there is a shortage now.
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