Skip to main content

Assessing Cognitive Processing and Human Factors Challenges in NextGen Air Traffic Control Tower Team Operations

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:

Part of the book series: Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing ((AISC,volume 1207))

Abstract

Previous research of Terminal Radar Control Facilities and Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems interactions by the authors examined how combined NextGen digitized technology affects air traffic controller functions. Applying their updated SHELL model, human factors implications on the Tower Team before and after implementing NextGen technology were examined, focusing on cognitive loading and automated functions affecting each team member. A survey examined where cognitive difficulties occur when controllers are responsible for multiple screen views, remote airfields or helipads, and digitized cameras and blind spots. Scanning challenges were identified where local traffic, ground operations, and data converge onto one screen, and when attention is diverted to distant screens. Also studied were automatic aircraft handoffs and potential for missed handoffs, and, assessing changes from voice communication to text messaging for human error. Findings indicated a necessity for controllers to manage balanced tasking, vigilance pacing, and resource management.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Federal Aviation Administration: Air Traffic Control. Order JO 7110.65T, Section 10. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  2. FAA: Types of Runway Incursions Regional Totals 2018, Washington, D.C. (2018). Data faa.gov

  3. National Transportation Safety Board: Runway Collision of USAir Flight 1493, Boeing 737 and SkyWest Flight 5569 Fairchild Metroliner Los Angeles International Airport, California, February 1, 1991, NTSB/AAR-91/08 (1991)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Hawkins, F.H.: Human Factors in Flight, 2nd edn. Ashgate, Aldershot (1987)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Miller, M.D.: Aviation human factors: the SHELL model 2016 and computer/human factors analysis. Presentation to FAA Aviation Safety Conference, Honolulu (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Corver, S.C., Unger, D., Grote, G.: Predicting air traffic controller workload: trajectory uncertainty as the moderator of the indirect effect of traffic density on controller workload through traffic conflict. Hum. Factors 58, 560–573 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Miller, M., Holley, S., Mrusek, B., Weiland, L.: Change in the dark room: effects of human factors and cognitive loading issues for NextGen TRACON air traffic controllers. In: Ayaz, H. (ed.) Advances in Neuroergonomics and Cognitive Engineering, vol. 953, pp. 155–166. Springer, Cham (2019)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  8. Li, W., Kearney, P., Braithwaite, G., Lin, J.: How much is too much on monitoring tasks? Visual scan patterns of single air traffic controller performing multiple remote tower operations. Intern. J. Ind. Ergon. 67, 135–144 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Friedrich, M., Biermann, M., Gontar, P., Biella, M., Bengler, K.: The influence of task load on situation awareness and control strategy in the ATC tower environment. Cogn. Technol. Work 20(2), 205–217 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sam Holley .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Miller, M., Holley, S., Mrusek, B., Weiland, L. (2020). Assessing Cognitive Processing and Human Factors Challenges in NextGen Air Traffic Control Tower Team Operations. In: Nunes, I. (eds) Advances in Human Factors and Systems Interaction. AHFE 2020. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 1207. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-51369-6_39

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-51369-6_39

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-51368-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-51369-6

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics