Factor interaction influences on human performance in air traffic control: the need for a multifactorial model

Area of Science:

• Human Factors in Aviation
• Air Traffic Management (ATM) Systems
• Safety Science

Background:

• Current air traffic management (ATM) safety research predominantly focuses on individual human factors.
• This single-factor approach inadequately addresses the complex, interacting causes of modern aviation incidents.
• Real-world ATM environments involve cumulative impacts from multiple human factors on performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the necessity of a multifactorial model for human performance in ATM.
• To bridge the gap between existing single-factor Human Factors approaches and the multifactorial nature of ATM incidents.
• To propose a new framework for understanding and managing incident causation.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review of Human Factors in ATM.
• Analysis of over 400 European aviation incident reports to identify causal patterns.
• A survey distributed to air traffic management professionals to gather expert insights.

Main Results:

• Literature confirms a prevailing single-factor focus in Human Factors research, contrasting with operational realities.
• Incident report analysis and expert surveys indicate that multiple human factors frequently co-occur in incident causation.
• A significant discrepancy exists between current research paradigms and the multifactorial nature of ATM incidents.

Conclusions:

• Existing Human Factors models are insufficient for the complexities of modern air traffic management.
• A multifactorial model is essential for accurately assessing and mitigating risks in ATM.
• Implementing a multifactorial approach will enhance the management of human performance and improve aviation safety.