A framework for assessing the impact of performance-based navigation on air traffic controllers

The air traffic control domain is undergoing significant modernization efforts through technology and procedure enhancements. Understanding the impact of these changes and ensuring these enhancements do not unduly increase controller cognitive workload is essential for success. This research provides a framework for assessing human performance impacts and cognitive workload associated with Performance-Based Navigation for use in an operational air traffic control environment. A panel of human factors and air traffic control subject matter experts assessed a broad set of measures of cognitive workload based on sensitivity, bandwidth, diagnosticity, selectivity, interference, controller acceptance, reliability, and implementation requirements. This resulted in a set of recommended operationally-viable measures of controller cognitive workload. Additionally, a series of potential human performance impacts associated with Performance-Based Navigation were identified. The benefits and limitations of each measure are summarized along with guidance for tailoring the recommended measures based on a research objectives and operational constraints