Abstract
Data were obtained in an operational air traffic control (ATC) setting from seven (7) FAA Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs) for 65 air space sectors within those centers. Measures used for study analysis were obtained during 90 minute data collection sessions and included: (a) ATC system inputs in the form of time of day, facility location, air traffic volume and air traffic configurational complexity, (b) the presence of a single radar controller or a two-person controller team, (c) work activity parameters obtained as frequencies of occurrence for tasks involving communications, computer interactions, flight strip activities and handoffs, and (d) controller performance outcomes based on observed performance pressures exhibited by the controller.
A hypothesized path (causal) model incorporating the above variables was constructed and tested for its explanatory value. Computations of direct effects within the model showed generally significant linkages between work activities and traffic volume, level of traffic complexity, and controller configuration (e.g. higher levels of traffic volume and complexity, and the presence of a controller team were associated with higher levels of task activity). Most consistently significant, however, in its causal linkages to work activity was air traffic complexity. This was the dominant predictor, by far, of rated controller performance pressure when all other variables - including traffic volume - were accounted for by the analysis method. The time of day and facility location variables were erratic in their effect and difficult to interpret.
On the basis of the study results, it was recommended that further research focus on development of the application of air traffic complexity as a measurement construct of potentially unique importance; one which seems to have been little understood and generally neglected in the research literature.
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