FAA Home » HFTAC Home» Programs » TechOps Research

Technical Operations Human Factors Research Program

Updated:02:58 PM March 20, 2009

Mission

To provide practical solutions to human-centered issues in FAA Technical Operations (TechOps), formerly known as airway facilities.

Accomplishing our mission

• Identifying sponsor needs: systematic process, meeting with stakeholders
• Meeting the needs through research in 5 major areas: Design and procurement guidelines, information presentation and display, communication and coordination, error mitigation, situation awareness and human Performance
• Successfully transferring technology: briefings, technical notes and reports, CD ROM, website

The Problem

In the last 5 years, the number and type of input devices has increased dramatically. In 1996, when the HFDS was originally published, there was little talk of ergonomic split keyboards, ergonomic mice, or scrolling mouse wheels and a big concern with the mouse was that it may require training as people were not familiar with using it. As new systems are being built, acquisitions programs are seeking advice on whether to maintain the current keyboard, input device, or keypad configuration or change it. FAA acquisitions programs are looking for advice on input device selection from the HFDS

The Solution

Researchers from the Human Factors Team-Atlantic City are updating the input devices chapter to provide accurate and timely information so that informed decisions can be made.

Benefits

This updated material will have crosscutting benefits for many NAS programs. It will bring design guidance into line with current best practices and recent changes in input device availability. This project will enhance implementation of new technology. It cuts across virtually all programs with HF content.

This program conducts basic human factors research in the TechOps domain.  We examine medium- and long-term issues that affect the safety, performance, workload, and job satisfaction of the people who maintain the the National Airspace System.  We develop research methodologies and tools to evaluate new TechOps procedures and equipment.  We publish FAA standards for the design of safe, usable, and maintainable systems.  We also examine TechOps organizational concepts to maximize employee productivity, improve training methods, reduce work-related stress, and minimize errors. 

Recent Projects

• Human Factors Design Standard
• Human Factors Issues in Information Security and User Identification
• Human Factors Guidance for the Use of Handheld, Portable, and Wearable Computing Devices
• Optimal Display of Event Lists
• Status Displays for Technical Operations Systems
• Communication and Coordination at Operations Control Centers
• Technical Note CD ROM

Past Projects

• Auditory Alarms in Technical Operations

• Commands, Menus, and Function keys

• Auditory Alarm CD-ROM

• Auditory Alarms in Air Traffic Control Towers

• Error Mitigation in Operations Control Centers

• Human Error and Situation Awareness in Centralized Technical Operations

• Team Processes in Operations Control Centers

Updated: March 20, 2009 02:58 PM