Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/23436

Title

Air traffic controller competencies and selection

Author(s)

Langan-Fox, Janice;  Godfrey, Leisa

Abstract

In a world where airlines routinely operate over two million flights per month, the role of the air traffic controller (ATC) is continually increasing in importance. The principal responsibility of ATCs is to 'prevent a collision between aircraft operating in the system and to organise and expedite the flow of traffic'. In addition to providing vectoring and separation services for aircraft whilst en route, ATCs are also responsible for providing authorisation for take-off and landing operations and for acting as the primary source of information for pilots throughout the entire flight process. These individuals work in a busy and challenging environment where they are required to make precise and rapid decisions, respond effectively to changing circumstances, and, perform all tasks without error. As such, an air traffic controller's job is one that requires 'absolute precision and constant vigilance'. The task of selecting ATCs of 'the right stuff' is therefore crucial. The high cost associated with training ATCs makes trainee attrition a very expensive problem. A significant concern facing the entire aviation industry at present is the danger of worldwide ATC staffing shortages within the next two decades. These problems have significant implications for public safety, given that such shortages may result in additional demands being placed on existing controllers. Indeed, a number of recent air traffic control incidents have been blamed on staff shortages and highlight the importance of having a responsive selection system and the need for air traffic control providers to continually refine and improve their human resource selection systems. The current project will determine whether (a) ATC job competencies, need to be amended and/or new job competencies added; (b) the selection tools used to select ATC trainees align with such competencies. In this paper we will provide a complete review of the job competencies and selection procedures for Air Traffic Controllers. The work will make a strong contribution to what is a very narrow and limited research literature on this important occupational group.

Publication type

Conference paper

Research centre

Swinburne University of Technology

Source

[Proceedings] Making safety management and human factors tools happen : 2007 Intermodal Conference on Safety Management and Human Factors, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 08-09 November 2007

Publication year

2007

Keyword(s)

Air traffic controllers;  Aircraft;  ATC;  CASA;  Civil Aviation Safety Authority;  Collisions;  Job competencies;  Performance predictors;  Staff shortages

Publisher

Safety Institute of Australia

Publisher URL

http://www.conferenceworks.net.au/hfactors/