The Effect of Workload on Conflict Decision Making Strategies in Air Traffic Control

Abstract

The present research examined the impact of workload on the strategies that air traffic controllers use when resolving conflicts between aircraft. Sixteen experienced, en route, radar controllers managed traffic in scenarios of varying levels of workload. As predicted, the level of workload did influence conflict resolution decisions in situations where the optimal solution was more complex and imposed a greater monitoring load on the controller. Specifically, in low workload participants were more likely to adopt strategies that were efficient for the aircraft; whereas in high workload controllers were likely to select expedient, but less efficient, solutions. Additionally, three broader traffic management strategies were identified. The findings reveal how workload affects decision making in this environment and have wider implications for efficiency versus safety trade-offs in similar, dynamic domains.