Human Factors Lessons Learned in Terminal Air Traffic Control System Procurement

Abstract

The Federal Aviation Administration Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) acquisition program will replace aging terminal radar workstations and computers at 172 US airports. In 1997, human factors issues associated with this commercial off-the-shelf product emerged that spanned STARS tower, terminal, and maintenance components. Many lessons were learned from subsequent intensive human factors efforts to incorporate user requirements into the STARS equipment. This experience resulted from diverse usability assessments and controlled tests as well as the application of rapid prototyping tools. Design changes were defined and prototyped under significant time pressure using an integrated team approach. Due to the breadth and the size of the program, the lessons learned will extend to air traffic control and other system acquisitions and will be of interest to practitioners in terms of specific techniques and issues.