Monotony in Air Traffic Control

In this article researchers describe a simulator experiment as well as a field study of air traffic control (ATC) operators and the issue of monotony. In this particular environment, monotony is construed as air traffic repetitiveness coupled with air traffic complexity. ATC operators’ levels of monotony were quantified using a number of metrics such as alertness levels corresponding to fatigue, workload, attentiveness, and concentration, as well as other performance and physiological indices. Subjective monotonous states, it was found, correspond to repetitive conditions, low dynamic density periods, and job-independent factors relating to each operator’s disposition. A recommendation is provided for a composite indicator for operator monotony that will better aid airport operators as to the state of monotony among their ATC personnel. Suggestions are also given as to how to best reduce such monotony in future development of ATC operator-environment technologies.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/10643818
• Authors:
  • Straussberger, Sonja
  • Schaefer, Dirk
• Publication Date: 2007

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 183-207
• Serial:
  • Air Traffic Control Quarterly
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Air Traffic Control Association Institute, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 1064-3818

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air traffic control; Air traffic controllers; Attention lapses; Fatigue (Physiological condition); Simulation; Workload
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01082280
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 30 2007 7:25AM