Validation of Air Traffic Controller Workload Models

During the past several years, computer models have been developed for off-site estimation of controllers workload. The inputs to these models are audio and digital data normally recorded at an Air Route Traffic Control Center ARTCC. This report summarized the results of a study to validate the models at the Chicago ARTCC. For validation purposes, two additional estimates of workload were used. One estimate consisted of journeyman controllers observing peer controllers during actual operations and assigning workload ratings. A second estimate of workload was obtained from a survey of controllers based on past experiences working the sectors. During this time, audio and digital data were collected and then processed off-line for inputs to the controller workload models. The models were then used to estimate controller workload. A high degree of correlation was found between the models estimated workloads and controllers estimates of workload. Based on this validation study, it is concluded that the models can be used to provide an index of controller workload and as a prediction of controller workload as a function of traffic.