Performance of color-dependent air traffic control tasks as a function of color vision deficiency.

BACKGROUND This experiment was conducted to validate the requirement for normal color vision in Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) personnel who work at en route center, terminal, and Flight Service Station (FSS) facilities. METHODS A data base was developed involving 121 individuals with normal color vision, 31 simple and 44 extreme anomalous trichromats, and 48 dichromats; both protans and deutans were included. The performance of subjects with normal color vision was compared with the performance of individuals with various classifications of color vision deficiencies on a battery of color-dependent ATCS tasks. Simulations of the ATC color tasks concerned color coding in flight progress strips (at en route centers), aircraft lights and Aviation Signal Light indicator (in tower operations), and color weather radar (at FSS's). RESULTS Errors were rare among normal trichromats. Mean errors were significantly higher at every level (degree) of color vision deficiency. Approximately 6% of color deficient subjects were able to perform ATC color tasks without error. The 6% were all from the simple anomalous trichromat category; all extreme anomalous trichromats and dichromats were prone to error on ATC tasks. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that these findings provide support for the requirement of normal color vision in the initial medical screening of ATCS personnel.