The Investigation Human-Computer Interaction on Multiple Remote Tower Operations

Abstract

The aim of current research is to develop an effective human-computer interaction framework for multiple remote tower operations. Five subject-matter experts familiar with multiple remote tower operations and human performance participated in current research. The Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) method is used to break down activities, scenarios, and tasks into single separate operations. The step by step breakdown of multiple remote tower operations included ATCO’s operational behaviors involving human-computer interaction such as interaction with EFS, OTW, RDP, and IDP during task performance were noted. Designing and managing human-computer interactions require an understanding of the principles of cognitive systems, allocation of functions and team adaptation between human operators and computer interactions. It is a holistic approach which considers distributed cognition coordination to rapidly changing situations. The human-centred design of multiple remote tower operations shall be based on a strategic, collaborative and automated concept of operations, as the associated high performance of remote tower systems in conflict detection and resolution has the potential to increase both airspace efficiency and the safety of aviation. The focus is on the human performance associated with new technology in the RTC and the supported tools used by an Air Traffic Control Officer, to ensure that these are used safely and efficiently to control aircraft both remotely and for multiple airports. The advanced technology did provide sufficient technical supports to one ATCO performing a task originally designed to be performed by several ATCOs, however, the application of this new technology also induced huge workload on the single ATCO.