Initial Effect of Electronic Flight Strips on Air Traffic Controllers’ Performance

Mykyta Zhyla, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Presented during Concurrent Session 10A: Air Traffic Management

Abstract

Paper Flight Progress Strips is an efficient communication tool for controllers to keep track of flights and put down necessary remarks. However, new technologies bring a major update in ATC Towers by replacing paper strips with electronic version. The FAA accounted for many factors while recreating design, adding automation, and improving usability. Additional key factor, that appears to be left out, is human factors aspect. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify how quickly air traffic controllers can get used to the new FPS environment after using paper strips for years.

The primary research was conducted using survey that was sent out to experienced senior ATC students. Secondary research was conducted through database searches and information gathering.

The major outcomes of the research were benefits and flaws of EFS, as well as adaptation period and improvement recommendations. The identified benefits are improved writing capabilities, easier strip transfer, user-friendly design, efficient strips organization, less noise in the control environment. The flaws are loss of situational awareness, automation imperfections, inconsistent strip organization, reduced teamwork, and poor ergonomics. The survey also found that the mean adaptation time was 1-2 weeks. A few recommendations on time period reduction included better training, improved ergonomics, and additional practice.

The switch from paper strips to electronic strips might have a tremendous impact on the initial efficiency of controllers. Knowing how good controllers can adapt to the new system has a huge influence on what training practices the FAA should implement to improve the adaptation period.

 
Mar 4th, 10:45 AM Mar 4th, 12:15 PM

Initial Effect of Electronic Flight Strips on Air Traffic Controllers’ Performance

Mori Hosseini Student Union Events Center (Bldg #610) – Rooms 165 B/C

Paper Flight Progress Strips is an efficient communication tool for controllers to keep track of flights and put down necessary remarks. However, new technologies bring a major update in ATC Towers by replacing paper strips with electronic version. The FAA accounted for many factors while recreating design, adding automation, and improving usability. Additional key factor, that appears to be left out, is human factors aspect. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify how quickly air traffic controllers can get used to the new FPS environment after using paper strips for years.

The primary research was conducted using survey that was sent out to experienced senior ATC students. Secondary research was conducted through database searches and information gathering.

The major outcomes of the research were benefits and flaws of EFS, as well as adaptation period and improvement recommendations. The identified benefits are improved writing capabilities, easier strip transfer, user-friendly design, efficient strips organization, less noise in the control environment. The flaws are loss of situational awareness, automation imperfections, inconsistent strip organization, reduced teamwork, and poor ergonomics. The survey also found that the mean adaptation time was 1-2 weeks. A few recommendations on time period reduction included better training, improved ergonomics, and additional practice.

The switch from paper strips to electronic strips might have a tremendous impact on the initial efficiency of controllers. Knowing how good controllers can adapt to the new system has a huge influence on what training practices the FAA should implement to improve the adaptation period.