Resource Management in the Air Traffic Domain

This analysis of en route air traffic controller communication was part of a larger Federal Aviation Administration effort to redesign the training program for en route air traffic control. This presentation concentrates on the analysis and results of the team communications as they relate to Controller Resource Management (CRM). The team controller communication takes place between the radar controller and the radar associate controller as they perform their related tasks in the management of the sector air traffic. This study used an inductive approach to look at communication frequencies across different types of controller teams. The controller teams were manipulated by using different combinations of expert, intermediate, and novice controllers, and these teams were compared under moderate and heavier workloads while managing simulated air traffic. The team communications were coded and analyzed at the speech turn level. Observations, situational inquiry, and answers supplying information combined to make up over half of the speech turns used by the controllers in team communication. A more detailed analysis by controller position and performance identified communication frequencies for the better performing sessions. These results are interpreted in relation to a recent mental model of the en route air traffic controller and are further explained based on results of a study of live traffic team communication. The discussion explores the roles of the team members in maintaining effective CRM.

Download Full-text

Resource Management in the Highly Automated Airspace System

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/154193129303700115 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

pp. 60-62

Author(s):

Kathleen L. Mosier ◽

Earl L. Wiener ◽

Alan W. Price ◽

Robert L. Helmreich

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Resource Management ◽

Traffic Control ◽

Air Traffic Control ◽

Communication Systems ◽

Panel Member ◽

Air Traffic ◽

Communication Link ◽

Human Operators ◽

Glass Cockpit

The introduction of highly sophisticated, glass cockpit aircraft has profoundly affected the flightdeck environment, and has changed the nature of crew resource management (CRM). CRM and decision making in advanced aircraft are qualitatively different from the same processes in older fleets. Automation also alters the nature of interaction among crewmembers, and between crewmembers and Air Traffic Control (ATC) These differences would seem to necessitate special training and procedures for CRM in glass cockpits. Moreover, training for managing automation cannot be merely an added module in current CRM programs. The effects of automation pervade throughout all aspects of resource management. Coincidentally, advances in the air traffic control system are altering the modern airspace environment. In the not-too-distant future, it will be possible for ATC computers to generate or amend clearances, which the Air Traffic Manager will send to the aircraft via datalink. The aircraft FMS (flight management system) will determine whether or not the clearance may be accepted, and its effects on fuel consumption, arrival time, etc. The role of the pilot will be to accept or reject the suggested clearance. The effects of automation on operator and team processes in both of these domains, as well as on the interaction between the domains, has only begun to be defined. Some of the issues already raised in the flightdeck realm, such as diffusion of responsibility among crewmembers, the breakdown of traditional roles and responsibilities as a result of familiarity with automation, or the possibility that crewmembers will “communicate” more with the automation than with each other, may only be exacerbated by increased automation in the air-ground communication link. The goal of this panel is to present an overview of some of the issues and questions to be resolved if resource management is to be a vital construct in the highly automated airspace system. To open discussion, the first panel member will present an overview of the general issues involved in the confluence of CRM and automation. Following, an industry representative will discuss one airline's specialized program to introduce crewmembers to the glass cockpit, and guide them in the appropriate use of automation. The measurement of CRM components specifically related to crew interaction with automation will be the focus of the third panelist. The analysis of CRM issues associated with equipment design, and, in particular, with the introduction of datalink communication systems, will be the next panel topic. Lastly, possible implications for human operators of the increasing sophistication and decision-making capabilities of automated systems in the air and on the ground will be introduced. The panel chair will summarize the major points and propose questions for discussion.

Download Full-text