Task Demand Variation in Air Traffic Control: Implications for Workload, Fatigue, and Performance

In air traffic control, task demand and workload have important implications for the safety and efficiency of air traffic, and remain dominant considerations. Within air traffic control, task demand is dynamic. However, research on demand transitions and associated controller perception and performance is limited. This study used an air traffic control simulation to investigate the effect of task demand transitions, and the direction of those transitions, on workload, fatigue and efficiency performance. A change in task demand appeared to affect both workload and fatigue ratings, although not necessarily performance. In addition, participants' workload and fatigue ratings in equivalent task demand periods appeared to change depending on the demand period preceding the time of the current ratings. Further research is needed to enhance understanding of demand transition and workload history effects on operator experience and performance, in both air traffic control and other safety-critical domains.