Human factors in air traffic control: problems at the interfaces.

Area of Science:

• Human Factors Engineering
• Sociotechnical Systems Analysis
• Aviation Management

Background:

• Complex sociotechnical systems, such as air traffic control, rely heavily on effective human factor integration.
• Understanding the interplay between individual, system, and social elements is crucial for operational safety and efficiency.
• Existing models may not fully capture the nuanced challenges within large-scale operational environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply the triangular ISIS model to a large international air traffic control system.
• To identify and analyze human factor problems at the interfaces of individual, system impacts, and social components.
• To determine the implications of these interface problems for air traffic control system functioning.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the ISIS (Individual, System Impacts, Social) model.
• Employed focus group discussions with senior Air Traffic Controllers.
• Randomly assigned participants to small discussion groups.

Main Results:

• Identified significant human factor problems at critical interfaces within the air traffic control system.
• The majority of identified problems occurred at the Individual-System Impact and Individual-Social interfaces.
• A consistent theme emerging from discussions was the perceived need for additional interface-centered training.

Conclusions:

• The ISIS model effectively highlights key human factor challenges in air traffic control.
• Interface issues, particularly between individuals and systems/social factors, pose risks to operational integrity.
• Targeted, interface-centered training is recommended to mitigate identified human factor problems and enhance system performance.