Physiological, biochemical, and psychological responses in air traffic control personnel : comparison of the 5-day and 2-2-1 shift rotation patterns.

PDFTech ReportFAA-AM-73-22DOT/FAA/AM-73/22Air traffic controllersStress (Physiology)Stress (Psychology)BiochemistryWorking conditionsWorkloadWork environmentShiftsNight shiftsHeart rateBlood analysisUrinalysisUrinePsychological testsQuestionnairesAnxietyEmotionsAttitudesAirport control towersSleepFatigue (Physiological condition)Human subject testingHouston (Texas)Civil Aerospace Medical InstituteMelton, C.E.McKenzie, J.M.Smith, R.C.Polis, B.D.Higgins, E.A.Hoffmann, S.M.Funkhouser, G.E.Saldivar, J.T.Civil Aeromedical InstituteUnited States. Office of Aviation MedicineNTL-AVIATION-Air Traffic ControlNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Human FactorsUS Transportation CollectionStress in controllers on the straight five-day shift was determined at Houston Intercontinental Tower in 1970. In 1971 controllers on the 2-2-1 rotation were studied at the same tower. Controllers generally prefer the 2-2-1 to the straight five-day schedule because of the long week end associated with the 2-2-1. Management is concerned that the 'quick turnaround' on the 2-2-1 is a stressor that could compromise job performance.Physiological and psychological assessments showed no significant stress differences on the two schedules. On neither of the schedules did the controllers' stress levels differ from the general polulation.It was concluded that the stress differences on the two rotation patterns were too slight to be of real significance and a choice between them would have to rest on managerial considerations rather than biomedical ones