Integrating Human Factors Issues in Technology Readliness Levels for Air Traffic Control Research

Phases of concept exploration and development in air traffic control research are coordinated between the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration using Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Objectives, outputs, and exit criteria for these TRLs tend to be defined at a higher level. More detailed human factors guidance was developed using a small cadre of human factors practitioners and researchers who assessed the relevance of twenty-three human factors issues for each TRL. Results showed increasing importance for the highest rated issues as a research capability matures across the TRLs, and an increasing number of issues are important at the higher TRLs. The findings argue for early involvement of human factors at lower TRLs, and that implementing offices should engage with researchers earlier than currently prescribed.