Impact of Operating Context on the Use of Structure in Air Traffic Controller Cognitive Processes
Name
186_ATM_2003_final.pdf
Size
889.71 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
4633e95f9e8f277d1a6d6b1fced2e595
Author(s)
Davison, H. J.
Histon, J. M.
Ragnarsdottir, M. D.
Major, L. M.
Hansman, R. J.
Date Issued
June 23, 2003
Citation
5th Eurocontrol / FAA ATM R&D Seminar, Budapest, Hungary
Abstract
This paper investigates the influence of structure on air traffic controllers’ cognitive processes in the TRACON, En Route, and Oceanic environments. Radar data and voice command analyses were conducted to support hypotheses generated through observations and interviews conducted at the various facilities. Three general types of structure-based abstractions (standard flows, groupings, and critical points) have been identified as being used in each context, though the details of their application varied in accordance with the constraints of the particular operational environment. Projection emerged as a key cognitive process aided by the structure-based abstractions, and there appears to be a significant difference between how time-based versus spatial-based projection is performed by controllers. It is recommended that consideration be given to the value provided by the structure-based abstractions to the controller as well as to maintain consistency between the type (time or spatial) of information support provided to the controller.
Subjects
air transportation
air traffic control
Cognition
Projection
Persistent DSpace Link
