Overview of Studies on the Cognitive Workload of the Air Traffic Controller

Abstract

Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) will be the branch that will have the most impact in the air transport system. The duty of ATCOs is to prevent the collision of airplanes in the air provided by the controllers on the ground and to overcome the possible confusion. Being exposed to a very high cognitive workload of ATCOs, which is one of the high-risk occupational groups, is important in terms of flight safety. However, it has been observed that studies on the differences in cognitive workload that may occur between experienced and inexperienced ATCO under different task difficulties are quite insufficient in literature. This study presents research studies on cognitive workload measurement methods and ATCO's cognitive workload. In this study, first of all, the importance of determining the cognitive workload and its measurement methods are explained. In addition, literature studies related to cognitive workload of ATCOs, particularly by using eye tracker are presented.