The Relationship between Workload and Performance in Air Traffic Control

In an air traffic environment, task demand is dynamic. However, previous research has largely considered the association of task demand and controller performance using conditions of stable task demand. Further, there is a comparatively restricted understanding of the influence of task demand transitions on workload and performance in association with different types and levels of automation that are available to controllers. This study used an air traffic control simulation to investigate the influence of task demand transitions, and two conditions of automation, on workload and efficiency-related performance. Findings showed that both the direction of the task demand variation and the amount of automation influenced the relationship between workload and performance. Findings are discussed in relation to capacity and arousal theories. Further research is needed to enhance understanding of how demand transition and workload history affects operator experience and performance, in both air traffic control and other safety-critical domains.

[1]  Heinz Erzberger,et al.  Tactical Conflict Alerting Aid for Air Traffic Controllers , 2009 .

[2]  Neville A. Stanton,et al.  Identifying Markers of Performance Decline in Air Traffic Controllers , 2016 .

[3]  Tamsyn Edwards,et al.  Task Demand Variation in Air Traffic Control: Implications for Workload, Fatigue, and Performance , 2017 .

[4]  Eric Hoffman,et al.  DELEGATION OF SEPARATION ASSURANCE TO AIRCRAFT: TOWARDS A FRAMEWORK FOR ANALYSING THE DIFFERENT CONCEPTS AND UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES , 2000 .

[5]  P A Hancock,et al.  Influence of task demand characteristics on workload and performance. , 1995, The International journal of aviation psychology.

[6]  J. G. Hollands,et al.  Engineering Psychology and Human Performance , 1984 .

[7]  Lynne Martin,et al.  Analysis of Interactive Conflict Resolution Tool Usage in a Mixed Equipage Environment , 2013 .

[8]  Shayne Loft,et al.  Modeling and Predicting Mental Workload in En Route Air Traffic Control: Critical Review and Broader Implications , 2007, Hum. Factors.

[9]  Tyler H. Shaw,et al.  Effects of warned and unwarned demand transitions on vigilance performance and stress , 2008, Anxiety, stress, and coping.

[10]  Heinz Erzberger,et al.  UNDER HIGH AIR TRAFFIC DEMAND , 2007 .

[11]  Luz-Eugenia Cox-Fuenzalida,et al.  Effect of Workload History on Task Performance , 2007, Hum. Factors.

[12]  Christopher D. Wickens,et al.  Flight to the Future: Human Factors in Air Traffic Control Edited by Christopher D. Wickens, Anne S. Mavor, & James P. McGee 1997, 368 pages, $44.95. Washington, DC: National Academy Press ISBN 0-309-05637-3 , 1997 .

[13]  J. C. Spearandio.  Variation of operator's strategies and regulating effects on workload. , 1971, Ergonomics.

[14]  Scott M. Galster,et al.  Air Traffic Controller Performance and Workload Under Mature Free Flight: Conflict Detection and Resolution of Aircraft Self-Separation , 2001 .

[15]  Michela Terenzi,et al.  Procedural errors in air traffic control: effects of traffic density, expertise, and automation. , 2006, Aviation, space, and environmental medicine.

[16]  Brian W. Moroney,et al.  Effects of Demand Transitions on Vigilance Performance and Perceived Workload , 1995 .

[17]  R. H. Mogford,et al.  The Complexity Construct in Air Traffic Control: A Review and Synthesis of the Literature. , 1995 .

[18]  Hartmut Fricke,et al.  Air traffic control complexity as workload driver , 2010 .

[19]  C. Wickens.  Engineering psychology and human performance, 2nd ed. , 1992 .