Interference Timing and Acknowledgement Response with Voice and Datalink Atc Commands

Abstract

Datalink is a text system used to send messages between ATC and pilots. There are concerns related to changes in information processing demands and responses associated with executing speech and text ATC commands. The timing of interference and the acknowledgement response on command execution performance were examined during the processing of simulated ATC commands. Verbal and central executive (CE) interference tasks were presented before or after the acknowledgement. Participants received both speech and text commands, responded by a verbal or manual acknowledgement, and set the controls in a flight simulator. Results demonstrated an advantage for a manual acknowledgement with longer messages. CE as opposed to verbal interference prior to an acknowledgement had a greater negative effect that was exacerbated in the text condition. The findings are interpreted within the context of a working memory and multiple-resource perspective and implications are discussed with regard to communication processes in aviation.