Development of a Performance Criterion for Air Traffic Control Personnel Research through Air Traffic Control Simulation

This report gives the theory of an approach to objective measurement of the radar control performance of air traffic controllers, by means of air traffic control simulation exercises. A set of objective measurements developed for the NAFEC Air Traffic Control Simulation Facility is described. The relevance of this same measurement technique for either evaluating new systems (when the same or similar controller teams are functioning) or for evaluating various controller individuals or teams (when they are using the same system to control traffic) is discussed. Other applications are also described. The ability of the simulator to repeatedly present the same traffic samples is stressed as a means of accumulating comparable and normative data. The need for basic experimentation for validation of the test measurement system and to develop further knowledge and understanding of the measurements is recognized. A relatively small keystone experimental design is described and recommended as the first essential step for all possible applications. The availability of adequate numbers of controllers as subjects is recognized as the major problem to be overcome. Development of a means for transmitting tests originating in NAFEC's simulator to field sites is recommended. (Author)