The Role of Workload for Work Organization in a Remote Tower Control Center

Moehlenbrink, Christoph; Papenfuß, Anne; Jakobi, Jörn

doi:10.2514/atcq.20.1.5

Cited by 19 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 13 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…MRTO ATCOs have to maintain the same level of performance to ensure the safety of operations but at the cost of higher cognitive loads instead of physical demand. Previous research demonstrated that low workload had a negative influence on performance as it can aggravate boredom, and high workload can result in poor performance due to stress or overload (Eggemeier, ); however, high workload might provoke a strategy shift so that the operators perform well (Moehlenbrink, Papenfuss, & Jakobi, ). The high‐density of traffic and dynamic aircraft maneuvers in terminal airspace will increase ATCO's perceived workload.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human performance assessment of a single air traffic controller conducting multiple remote tower operations

Kearney¹,

Zhang

et al. 2019

Hum Ftrs & Erg Mfg Svc

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The innovative concept of multiple remote tower operations (MRTO) can maximize cost savings by applying video panorama‐based remote tower working positions, which can facilitate fewer air traffic controllers (ATCO) to provide the air traffic services (ATS) function for more airports. Five subject‐matter experts, qualified remote tower ATCOs, participated in this research work by applying the human error template (HET) and comparing workload between physical tower operations and MRTO using NASA‐TLX (Task Load Index). The results demonstrate that augmented visualization provided sufficient technical support for a single ATCO to perform tasks originally designed to be performed by four ATCOs, however, the demands of the associated multiple tasks induced significant workload. There were significant differences in ATCOs’ mental demand, temporal demand, effort, and frustration between MRTO and physical tower operations. This innovative technology may induce human–computer interaction (HCI) issues that impact ATCO's perceived workload. This creates a need for further research on how to manage ATCO's workload in a multiple remote tower environment. This research work provided scientific evidence that MRTO can achieve the objectives of Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research program. The findings can be applied to both ATCO training design and remote tower system design.

show abstract

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human performance assessment of a single air traffic controller conducting multiple remote tower operations

Kearney¹,

Zhang

et al. 2019

Hum Ftrs & Erg Mfg Svc

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Design decisions for the work organization are based on quantitative human factors data, for example the influence of the new environment on the operators' workload (cf. [14]). …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 93%

“…Erfurt (ERF) and Braunschweig (BWE) are selected as the two airports to be simulated. Global traffic parameters are determined, like traffic load and mix (departure/arrival ratio, visual flights/instrumental flights), which are close to a realistic heavy load at both airports [14]. Furthermore, the situations of interest are defined.…”

Section: First Stepmentioning

confidence: 99%

An approach to support controller work-place design in a multi-airport environment using fast and real-time simulations

et al. 2011

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The DLR Institute of Flight Guidance is one of the leading establishments in the field of air traffic management research worldwide. Research is conducted using different simulation models. The fast time simulation tools (e.g. Simmod, AirTOp, etc.) offer the possibility to examine various aspects of the air traffic in short evaluation cycles. Especially long lasting, complex traffic flows can be well analysed with the help of these tools. In contrast to the fast time simulation tools, the real time simulation facilities operated by the Institute allow the so-called human-in-the-loop research. For instance, the Apron-and Tower Simulator (ATS) emulates the air traffic controller's working environment at the airport. Within this environment, the impact of new concepts on the controllers can be examined. The influence of different traffic scenarios, additional assistant systems, work organization and the design of workplaces on controllers' task-and workload can be researched in this way. Inside the ''Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt'' (DLR) project Remote Airport Traffic Control Center (RAiCe), an approach was developed to combine both types of the described simulation models. Therefore, the fast time simulation was enhanced with elements representing typical tasks of a controller (e.g. separation keeping or radio communication). By this approach, it was possible to preselect appropriate traffic scenarios and to determine special traffic events. At the ATS, air traffic controllers were confronted with the selected scenarios and events. Based on their performance, conclusions concerning different remote tower operation concepts were made. Within this paper, the cooperative use of fast and real time simulation is reviewed. A five step cooperative strategy is suggested to allow for efficient scenario design that enables the validation expert to design scenarios with specific traffic situations using a fast time simulation tool. Furthermore, harmonizing fast and real time simulation offers the possibility to use data of the fast time simulation as scenarios for real time simulations, and real time simulations can be used for the validation of fast time simulation models. Data of the simulations within RAiCe are introduced. The application of the cooperative use of fast and real time simulation for validation of future ATM concepts is indicated.

show abstract

“…The workplace further included a touchscreen and microphone for the radio-and telephone communication, two displays representing the approach radar and paper strips for both airports. For a more detailed description of the simulation set-up refer to Moehlenbrink, Papenfuss & Jakobi (2011).…”

Section: Procedures and Apparatusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Phenotypes of Teamwork – an Exploratory Study of Tower Controller Teams

Papenfuß

2013

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: In complex human-machine-systems often teams of operators perform the tasks. Therefore, the quality of their teamwork processes is a factor that influences the performance of the overall system. There are theoretical models that predict teamwork processes which are critical for good team performance. The work presented in this paper researches how these generic processes become apparent in the domain of air traffic tower control. A scenario was used where operators control two airports simultaneously, i.e. they have to guarantee a safe flow of traffic. Method: An exploratory study was conducted to identify teamwork processes within a team of two tower controllers. Video data from a high fidelity simulation were analyzed and combined with radio communication data. Cognitive demanding situations were analyzed and compared to identical situations worked by a single operator. Results: Teamwork processes within the tower controller teams did not become apparent in explicit verbal communication but rather within the timing of activities. All teams showed a distinct pattern of activity defined as "flexible task assignment" within this paper. This behavior allowed the teams to respond to new aircraft with less delay, compared to the single controller working the same situation. Outlook: Further examples of "real-world" teamwork behaviors should be collected to understand the influence of the specific domain on the phenotype of teamwork processes. These behaviors should be mapped to underlying cognitive processes, like team situation awareness. This knowledge might not only be of academic interest but also a helpful basis for other research field of human factors, like enabling automation to serve as a team partner.

show abstract

The Role of Workload for Work Organization in a Remote Tower Control Center

Cited by 19 publications

References 13 publications

Human performance assessment of a single air traffic controller conducting multiple remote tower operations

Human performance assessment of a single air traffic controller conducting multiple remote tower operations

An approach to support controller work-place design in a multi-airport environment using fast and real-time simulations

Phenotypes of Teamwork – an Exploratory Study of Tower Controller Teams

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About