Air traffic control complexity as workload driver

This paper describes an investigation into ATC complexity as a contributory factor in changes of controllers’ workload. ATC complexity, together with equipment interface and procedural demands comprise the task demands on the controller; subsequent controller activities are mediated by performance shaping factors to create workload. In order to establish a link between ATC complexity and a controller’s subjective workload, complexity factors are identified and subsequently related to workload indicators. The studied data comes from a real-time simulation using Controller-Pilot Data-Link Communication (CPDLC) technology, recently completed at EUROCONTROL CRDS in Budapest.