Validation of Air Traffic Controller Workload Models

Abstract

During the past several years, computer models have been developed for off-site estimation of controller's workload. The inputs to these models are audio and digital data normally recorded at an Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). This report summarized the results of a study to validate the models at the Chicago ARTCC. For validation purposes, two additional estimates of workload were used. One estimate consisted of journeyman controllers observing peer controllers during actual operations and assigning workload ratings. A second estimate of workload was obtained from a survey of controllers based on past experiences working the sectors. During this time, audio and digital data were collected and then processed off-line for inputs to the controller workload models. The models were then used to estimate controller workload. A high degree of correlation was found between the model's estimated workloads and controller's estimates of workload. Based on this validation study, it is concluded that the models can be used to provide an index of controller workload and as a prediction of controller workload as a function of traffic.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1979
Accession Number
ADA075660

Entities

People

  • A. Robertson
  • J. Richards
  • M. Grossberg

Organizations

  • John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Traffic
  • Altitude
  • Computer Programs
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Reduction
  • Databases
  • Digital Data
  • Field Tests
  • Flight Paths
  • Information Science
  • Measurement
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Regression Analysis
  • Statistics
  • Surveys
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Time Intervals

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.