The Role of Workload for Work Organisation in a Remote Tower Control Center

Kurzfassung

This paper focuses on the role of workload for work organization in a future remote control tower center. Currently, a tower is equipped with a controller team that maintains the declared surface movement rate under all weather conditions within the aerodrome visibility operational level (AVOL), while maintaining the required level of safety. Novel concepts consider remote control of multiple regional airports from a control center. In a simulator study at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Flight Guidance, a remote center working environment was realized for controlling two regional airports. In a three-factor experimental design we investigated different work organizations and their effects on workload. In addition, expert observers identified safety critical ATC situations. The results are discussed with respect to what can be learned for work organization and future ATC concepts. This paper aims at better derstanding the basic conditions an air traffic controller needs to meet his obligations. Such knowledge is indispensable when developing novel concepts for remote control of regional airports.