Cognitive Task Analysis of Expertise in Air Traffic Control

Abstract

A cognitive task analysis was performed to analyze knowledge structures, mental models, skills, and strategies of en route controllers to provide an understanding of the key cognitive components of the air traffic controller's job. This article presents the results of three procedures as they contributed to an understanding of controller expertise: paper problem solving, performance modeling, and structured problem solving. The procedures resulted in the identification of (a) 13 primary tasks, (b) a mental model representing expert controller's organization of domain knowledge, (c) three categories of controller strategies, and (d) a hierarchy of goals. These results are being used to specify the instructional content and sequencing for the new Federal Aviation Administration en route air traffic control curriculum.