Stress in air traffic controllers: Comparison of two air route traffic control centers on different shift rotation patterns

Abstract

Abstract : Stress in 23 air traffic controllers (ATCS) at Atlanta Air Route Traffic Control Center (ATL) on the straight 5-day shift rotation schedule was compared with stress in 23 ATCS's on the 2-2-1 shift rotation schedule at Fort Worth Air Route Traffic Control Center (FTW). Stress in six other FTW ATCS's on the 5-day schedule was compared to stress in their 23 cohorts on the 2-2-1 schedule. Stress estimates were made from urinary levels of 17-ketogenic steroids (st), epinephrine (e), and norepinephrine (ne).