Development, Validation, and Deployment of a Revised Air Traffic Control Color Vision Test: Incorporating Advanced Technologies and Oceanic Procedures and En Route Automation Modernization Systems
Abstract
Air traffic control specialists (ATCSs) are responsible for the safe, efficient, and orderly flow of traffic in the U.S. National Airspace System. Color is an integral element of the air traffic control environment. Color is used to communicate information to controllers about various modes or air traffic functions, including conflict alerts, aircraft control status, weather identification, and airspace identification. The Aerospace Human Factors Research Division (AAM-500) of the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute developed the Air Traffic Color Vision Test (ATCOV) to determine whether individuals with color vision deficiencies (CVDs) have adequate color vision to perform critical color-related tasks involved in air traffic control. New research was required to integrate Advanced Technologies and Oceanic Procedures (ATOP, or Ocean21) and En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) display systems into the ATCOV. The research team conducted a study to validate the addition of Ocean21 and ERAM items into ATCOV subtests. The results of this study provided evidence of the reliability and construct validity of the revised test. It also established performance norms for subjects with normal color vision on modified subtests, determined the cut scores to apply to the revised ATCOV (version 6.1), and examined the impact of testing upon a sample of CVD subjects. Color vision ability sufficient to perform duties safely remains critical to air traffic services in the National Airspace System. Evidence of content validity for ATCS duties is provided through direct sampling of form and content of critical display data. Evidence of construct validity is provided by correlation with the Colour Assessment and Diagnosis Test threshold scores, which precisely measure color vision ability. This resulted in a job sample test closely tied to critical task information communicated using color on air traffic displays. ATCOV 6.1 makes use of formats and color chromaticity deployed
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA601923
Entities
People
- Carrie Roberts
- Deborah Perry
- Kevin Gildea
- L. S. Peterson
- Nelda Milburn
- Thomas Chidester
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration