Analysis of work patterns as a foundation for human- automation communication in multiple remote towers

Implicit communication and higher levels of automation will be more important in the future multiple remote towers, in order to make the work of the Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) more efficient. However, the ATCO still needs to be in the control loop to make critical decisions. Human-automation collaboration requires teamwork, based on common ground and implicit communication. To design automation that supports teamwork and implicit communication, the automation must know how the ATCO is working. Sensors, like eye-tracking, and work patterns of the ATCO can give important information regarding the current situation in order for the automation to provide situation based support, through implicit communication to the ATCO. This paper addresses the current lack of teamwork and implicit communication between the ATCO and the automation in today’s air traffic control towers. Two case studies, using eyetracking, were conducted. One study in a single tower simulator and one in a multiple remote tower simulator with three airports. The results show varying work patterns in three different stages of managing aircraft arrivals. This paper also discusses the potential for implicit communication and how work patterns are a foundation for designing air traffic control systems allowing teamwork. Keywords-component; air traffic control; implicit communication; situation awareness; common ground; multiple remote towers; automation