engleski

Mental Workload in Air Traffic Control: Complexity score

In this paper we present our perspective on some key issues regarding current trends in Air Traffic Management (ATM) as well as potential benefits. It is necessary to understand the abilities of controllers and to identify the “safe” limits of workload. One of the key factors contributing to these limits is air traffic complexity. The consensus view among the Air Traffic Control (ATC) research and operational communities [1] is that complexity drives controller workload, which in turn is thought to ultimately limit sector capacity. ATC complexity, together with equipment interface and procedural demands comprise the task demands on the controller. Controller workload is the activities, both mental and physical, which result from handling air traffic. It is difficult to measure complexity of different sectors using a single complexity metric. We believe that ATC complexity metrics for assessing the controllers workload can never be adequately expressed only using computing metrics to calculate the controllers workload but we should add human factor in this equation. This paper proposes a method of computing sector complexity score taking into consideration human factors. Today sector complexity is mainly empirically assessed which creates uneven workload distribution among sectors in the same Area Control Centre (ACC). This could lead to a situation of overload or even under load. There is a positive correlation between workload and operational errors, at least for high levels of workload ; however, under load can be equally hazardous, low traffic load may result in boredom and reduced alertness, which affect ability to handle emergencies. Sector complexity score should integrate objective task variables and human factors associated with them. The results of this research provide improved metrics for future decisions and better tools for an optimal airspace configuration and possibly adjustment to sector capacities, evaluation of ATM productivity, bench marking of cost effectiveness, assessment of the impact of new tools and procedures.

complexity score; human factors; air traffic control.

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