Eight Air Traffic Controllers (four experienced practicing controllers and four trainee controllers) carried out four simulation exercises (one low, three high traffic load) using a TRACON II ATC Simulator during one afternoon, the morning being used for familiarization and initial training. Performance during each exercise was recorded. A self-assessment questionnaire for fatigue and a sample of saliva was taken for cortisol analysis before and after each experimental session. The NASA-TLX was completed after each exercise. Experienced controllers more affected by the task, and learned more efficiently. The methods under investigation are now being transferred to full-scale Real-Time simulations.
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