ATC System Error and Appraisal of Controller Proficiency

Book excerpt: The report presents suggestions for the design of an air traffic control (ATC) incident-reporting system aimed at maximizing the amount of corrective feedback to the ATC system. The approach taken is system-oriented rather than controller-oriented. Included is a discussion of a philosophy of corrective and punitive action relative to controller involvement in an incident. Recommendations and examples of format are included for the design of incident-report forms and incident chronology and of a checklist to be used in periodic appraisal of controller performance. Emphasis is given in format design to use of systems and human function, rather than regulatory and procedural terminology. Implementation and data-analysis techniques are also discussed. (Author).