Air Triaffic Control Stress

4 Pages 964 Words

Abstract
Many Air Traffic Controllers have stress related problems dealing with work. Some may be due to long hours, organizational structures, or operational aspects. This paper will show if stress levels will lessen with the upgrades of facilities therefore creating a safer flying environment. Going from unreliable analog radar system to a dependable digital radar system, my prediction is that upgrading to a more advance facilities with reliable radar systems will lessen stress levels. Stress is considered normal amongst the controllers that my research will be conducted on, but a better environment has been put into place to change this. My experiment will be conducted in Moody AFB Rapcon, which has recently upgraded facilities. Using prior conducted experiments and surveys along with comments, this paper will explain my findings and analysis of my experiment.


Facilities
Before 2003 Moody AFB radar approach control has been controlling traffic analog radar systems. While controlling in these conditions air traffic controllers have managed to keep aircraft separated and operations going for longer than the equipment was expected to be in use. Management inquired on new digital radar systems (STARS) that would reduce the likeliness of radar outages and separation errors. These new digital systems produced my Raytheon was to come with three radar feeds that would prevent the instance of radar outages, collision alerts to prevent mid-air collision, estimated time arrival system programmed within the scope, and many other features that prevent human error and likeliness of aircraft accidents. Older facilities’ still using analog feeds only have primary targets with data tags and handoff capabilities to other facilities making the controllers duties more tedious and involves a lot more awareness of pilot and human error causing safety hazards. Along with this outdated system its facility is also old and run down. ...