Psychophysiological Indicators of Stress and Fatigue in Air Traffic Controllers: A Pilot Study
Faculty Mentor Name
Rose Danek, Andrea Irish, Kyle Wilkerson
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
This research is aimed at identifying the psychophysiological markers of stress and fatigue within the context of Air Traffic Control (ATC). In response to the recent increase in near misses at airports nationwide, as acknowledged by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there is a recognized reason to investigate the causes behind these accidents. Currently 3 of the 313 ATC facilities around the country are fully staffed, understaffing is leading to increased fatigue and stress being experienced by ATC personnel. Various other studies point to the excess stress and issues fatigue can lead to when making decisions. Due to recent events, there is reason to believe the safety aspects of ATC and pilot communication should be investigated further. The study seeks to pinpoint specific physiological markers that may explain the reason behind the increasing frequency and severity of near misses. Drawing from existing research on fatigue which highlights the efficacy of indicators like heart rate, electrodermal activity, and brain waivers, our research approach involves further research into these indicators using BIOPAC technologies. Our research will be helping to identify the physiological markers while participants engage in a simulated scenario reflective of typical air traffic control duties. This will encompass standard procedures about controlled and uncontrolled airfield clearances, issuance of traffic advisories, managing wake turbulence separation minima, interfacility and intra facility coordination, course deviation and alterations, and making altitude adjustments. Anticipated outcomes include the statically significant data illustrating an increased heart rate, increased respiration rate, changes in electrodermal activity, and notable changes in beta wave activity during periods of stress and fatigue as encountered during ATC tasks.
Psychophysiological Indicators of Stress and Fatigue in Air Traffic Controllers: A Pilot Study
This research is aimed at identifying the psychophysiological markers of stress and fatigue within the context of Air Traffic Control (ATC). In response to the recent increase in near misses at airports nationwide, as acknowledged by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there is a recognized reason to investigate the causes behind these accidents. Currently 3 of the 313 ATC facilities around the country are fully staffed, understaffing is leading to increased fatigue and stress being experienced by ATC personnel. Various other studies point to the excess stress and issues fatigue can lead to when making decisions. Due to recent events, there is reason to believe the safety aspects of ATC and pilot communication should be investigated further. The study seeks to pinpoint specific physiological markers that may explain the reason behind the increasing frequency and severity of near misses. Drawing from existing research on fatigue which highlights the efficacy of indicators like heart rate, electrodermal activity, and brain waivers, our research approach involves further research into these indicators using BIOPAC technologies. Our research will be helping to identify the physiological markers while participants engage in a simulated scenario reflective of typical air traffic control duties. This will encompass standard procedures about controlled and uncontrolled airfield clearances, issuance of traffic advisories, managing wake turbulence separation minima, interfacility and intra facility coordination, course deviation and alterations, and making altitude adjustments. Anticipated outcomes include the statically significant data illustrating an increased heart rate, increased respiration rate, changes in electrodermal activity, and notable changes in beta wave activity during periods of stress and fatigue as encountered during ATC tasks.