Airspace structure, future ATC systems, and controller complexity reduction

Airspace structure is a key factor influencing controller cognitive complexity as it forms a basis for abstractions simplifying controller mental models of air traffic situations. In evaluating the feasibility of new Concepts of Operations (Con-Ops), it is important to consider the effects of changes to the structure of the system and its related impacts on controller cognitive complexity. Examples of key cognitive complexity considerations for future ATC systems are identified by examining three opportunities to modify airspace structure. A part task experiment was used to further investigate the impact of one of those opportunities on controller cognitive complexity, the introduction of time-based control. The hypothesis of structure's impact on controller complexity was supported through an innovative aircraft complexity assessment technique Benefits of time-based control were shown both in terms of controller performance and subjective complexity rating results.

Introduction

“Cognitive Complexity,” or the cognitive difficulty of controlling an air traffic situation, is a limiting factor on the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system. Future ATC systems such as NextGen [1] are proposing new techniques and Concepts of Operations (Con-Ops). As a result, the role and task of human agents (e.g. controllers, pilots) will be changed; however, the cognitive complexity of controllers is expected to continue to be a major functional limitation on the capacity of Air Traffic Control (ATC) system.