Temporal Management of Flight Strips in En Route Air traffic Control: A Full-Scope Simulation Test on Task Analyses Assumptions

Abstract

In en route air traffic control, task analyses assume that the planning controller detects potential problems to alleviate the radar controller's workload. Ten expert controllers were involved in a full-scope simulation study, and displacements of flight strips were analyzed as a function of the controller and as a function of the role these motor acts have in indicating problem detection, monitoring the ongoing resolution, or sending the aircraft to other control positions. Task analysis assumptions related to the ongoing resolution and to the end of problems were confirmed. But contrary to task analysis assumptions, results reveal that conflict situations are detected by the radar controller. In line with previous field observations, this striking result raises a serious problem about the validity of the putative anticipatory role attributed to the planning controller.