ABSTRACT
Introduction Human Factors (HF) in air traffic control is an area that can be very challenging but also very rewarding – if successfully introduced, managed and applied to daily operations. The characteristics of the service provided by controllers working at air traffic control centers are dynamic, the workload is sometimes high and regulations regarding airspace are frequently altered. Further, traffic is also on the increase in an already very dense airspace and capacity at the airport is at its maximum level. On top of this there has been an inadequate level of staffing over a long period. The equipment is sometimes a mixture of old and new, and can contribute to operational inconsistencies. It is obvious that management must be made aware of this in order to be able to react accordingly. Can safe and efficient air traffic service (ATS) be provided in such an environment? This chapter shares some thoughts and experiences which are based on the Swedish Civil Aviation Administration’s (LFV) status concerning the Human Factors in air traffic management change process. The chapter provides an initial overview of how Human Factors has been integrated, and then focuses on two particular areas (safety culture and human-machine interface design) in more detail. Recent Changes in the Swedish ATM System LFV ATM System Change Number One In 1994 LFV started the process of modernizing its national ATC system (see Figure 18.1 and Figure 18.2). Knowledge about Human Factors and system-design was in its early stages for LFV. Thanks to insight from high-level management, two motivated air traffic controllers (ATCOs) were encouraged to carry out studies at Universities focusing on areas believed to be critical for the ATM system change process at that particular moment. The areas studied were computer science, cognitive psychology, human-computer interaction, applied economics and
ergonomics. The whole organization soon realized that Human Factors had to be included and evolving in order to keep pace with the surrounding activities. This in turn put demands on the LFV organization and management to create the prerequisites for such activities. In the early stages, Human Factors (HF) was constantly confused with Human Resources (HR) and vice versa. There was very little knowledge and awareness of HF in the organization, whereas Human Resources was already established. In order to improve this situation Human Factors was included in management training and also explained to and discussed with all air traffic controllers at their yearly summit. In the ATM system change process, a big step for LFV is the implementation of the transition to and modernization of its two major air traffic control centers during 2004. These units are located in Stockholm and Malmö. Together they comprise approximately 400 members of staff, who are in turn subject to significant changes. The 2004 Operational Concept includes changes towards a strip-less system, based on direct interaction with the flight label and online data entry.
