Workload and Fatigue Assessment on Air Traffic Controller

Abstract

Workload experienced during certain work periods may cause fatigue. In Air Traffic Control work, a high air traffic rate may increase the workload and fatigue, especially during rush hour and may lead to risky situations. This study intended to estimate the value of the mental workload and fatigue of an Air Traffic Controller (ATCo) in airport X during their work period. The NASA-TLX and Samn Perelli Scale were used to quantify mental workload and fatigue. The questionnaires were distributed to ATCo and 257 questionnaires were obtained. Results showed the value of the mental load at airport X tended to be higher than other airports (average 66.53), especially for mental demand, time pressure, and effort. The value of fatigue before and after work also increased (average 1, 749 to 3, 506) included in the safe category. However, there was no convincing evidence that differences in mental load values affect the value of fatigue. These results indicated that although the workload of ATCO was relatively high, the ATCo in Airport X still can handle it and did not cause excessive fatigue.

Effects of a modified shift work organization and traffic load on air traffic controllers’ sleep and alertness during work and non-work activities

“…ATCOs reported increased on-shift fatigue and decreased alertness on shift end for the period with high traffic load. The significant increase in fatigue before and after work in ATCOs has been shown to be related to an increase in mental load (Triyanti et al, 2020). The results support the idea that controller internal factors including alertness and fatigue mediate the relationship between task demands and the workload experienced by ATCOs (Edwards et al, 2012;Loura, 2014).…”

How much workload is workload? A human neurophysiological and affective-cognitive performance measurement methodology for ATCOs

“…The work of ATCOs is of particular interest in workload studies because of three relevant characteristics: the potential to experience high levels of mental workload, the need for constant supervision of the aircraft under their responsibility and the high risk of the work performed (Triyanti et al , 2020).…”