TRACON Controller Weather
Information Needs:
II. Cognitive Work Analysis
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| Document Number: | DOT/FAA/CT-TN04/09 |
| Year of Publication: | 2004 |
| Authors: | Ulf Ahlstrom |
APA Reference
Ahlstrom, U. (2004). TRACON controller weather information needs: II. Cognitive work analysis(DOT/FAA/CT-TN04/09). Atlantic City International Airport, NJ: Federal Aviation Administration William J. Hughes Technical Center.
Abstract
The main purpose of the present study is to assess the Terminal Radar
Approach Control (TRACON) weather information needs. An additional objective is
to assess the flow of weather information within the TRACON environment and the
impact on controller and
pilot operations during adverse weather conditions. The study used the framework
of Cognitive Work Analysis where we included both environmental (terminal
domain) and operational (controller - pilot) constraints in the analysis
(Vicente, 1999). The Mission Need Statement for Aviation Weather (FAA, 2002)
served as the foundation for the weather-needs analysis. The Human Factors Group
assembled a group with five TRACON controllers and six airline pilots for the
collection of weather impact data. During the
group sessions, they discussed weather phenomena and the impact on controller
and pilot operations. The Human Factors specialist encouraged group members to
discuss specific real-life encounters and assessed the topics from both the
controller’s and the pilot’s
perspective. They also provided numeric (ordinal) ratings of impact from weather
phenomena when appropriate. All ratings were consensus ratings (group ratings)
that followed a detailed and complete discussion of each topic. For controller
operations, the group provided the highest impact ratings for thunderstorms,
snow and ice, and airport reconfiguration due to changing winds. For pilot
operations, The group provided the highest impact ratings for thunderstorms,
wind shear, microbursts, snow and ice, and mountain wave. The present analysis
reveals several information needs for the TRACON controller. Specifically, there
is a lack of a graphical display of weather areas with short-time forecast
capabilities at the controller workstation. For non-convective turbulence and
adverse winds, there is a shortfall in the accuracy of available tools.
