Controller Proficiency

ATC requires the performance of many different tasks using the same information or different selections from the information presented. When displays, controls and workspaces are specified, it is therefore important that they be suitable for the whole range of tasks for which they will be employed, and not merely for some of them. As a consequence, they may not be optimum for any, single function but must be efficient and safe for every function. Otherwise certain functions in the operational system may be very inefficient or impossible. For example, any visual coding such as colour is likely to tasks with which it is directly compatible but hinder tasks which require the collation of information portrayed in different colours. A balance has to be struck across the various tasks, to choose codlings that help as many tasks as possible and do not seriously interfere with any task.

The controller must be able to plan the air the air traffic control, implement the plans, make decisions, solve problems and formulate predictions. To perform the essential control tasks, the controller must understand the portrayed information, whatever form it takes. The controller must remember what forms of assistance are available and know when it is appropriate to call on each. The controller must know the right course of action in all circumstances. Human Factors addresses the thinking processes that the controller must follow and the effects of equipment changes on them. If necessary, equipment or procedures must be modified to ensure that these thinking processes do not change too much or too quickly. Whenever these thinking processes must change, appropriate controller retraining is essential. This often involves revised liveware-software links.

The controller must be able to understand and assign priorities to the relevant information, to plan ahead, to make timely and appropriate decisions, to implement them and to ensure compliance with them.

The proficient controller needs to know and understand:

• how ATC is conducted;

• the meaning of all presented information;

• the tasks to be accomplished;

• the applicable rules, procedures and instruction;

• the forms and methods of communication within the system;

• how and when to use each tool provided within the workspace;

• Human Factors considerations applicable to ATC;

• the ways in which responsibility for an aircraft is accepted and handed over from one controller to the next;

• the ways in which the work of various controllers harmonizes so that they rather than impede each other;

• what changes or signs could denote system degradations or failures;

• aircraft performance characteristics and preferred maneuvering;

• other influences on flight and routes, such as weather, restricted airspace, noise abatement, etc.

Human Factor

Human error has been documented as a primary contributor to more than 70 percent of commercial airplane hull-loss accidents. While typically associated with flight operations, human error has also recently become a major concern in maintenance practices and air traffic management. Boeing human factors professionals work with engineers, pilots, and mechanics to apply the latest knowledge about the interface between human performance and commercial airplanes to help operators improve safety and efficiency in their daily operations.

The term "human factor" has grown increasingly popular as the commercial aviation industry has realized that human error, rather than mechanical failure, underlies most aviation accidents and incidents.

Despite rapid gains in technology, humans are ultimately responsible for ensuring the success and safety of the aviation industry. They must continue to be knowledgeable, flexible, dedicated, and efficient while exercising good judgment. Meanwhile, the industry continues to make major investments in training, equipment, and systems that have long-term implications. Because technology continues to evolve faster than the ability to predict how humans will interact with it, the industry can no longer depend as much on experience and intuition to guide decisions related to human performance. Instead, a sound scientific basis is necessary for assessing human performance implications in design, training, and procedures; just as developing a new wing requires sound aerodynamic engineering.