title: The human element in air traffic control: aeromedical aspects, problems, and prescriptions.
abstract: During periods of reduced visibility, air traffic controllers are the most critical factor in aircraft collision avoidance. Controllers also largely determine efficiency in the mass movement of aircraft on instrument flight plans. Individual and group controller health and well-being are essential to the sustained efficient and safe operation of these aircraft in the National Airspace System. Impairments of mental function due to illness, fatigue, drugs, excessive stress, alcohol or other factors are major threats to air safety. This paper covers certain identified factors regarding controller characteristics and health that bear upon the safety and efficiency of flight activities. Some possible remedies for specific problems are provided.
mesh_terms: D000060:Accidents, Aviation / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D002055:Burnout, Professional; D006262:Health; D006291:Health Policy; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology; D014481:United States