FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
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AVIATION MEDICINE REPORTS

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-97/19

Title and Subtitle: Designing selection tests for the future National Airspace System architecture

Report Date: August 1997

Authors: Broach, D.

Abstract: Empirical data describing the mix of human abilities required to operate and maintain the future National Airspace System (NAS) architecture are presently lacking. A research program is proposed to develop the scientific tools and collect data to describe and assess the mix of abilities likely to be required of future Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control specialists, electronics technicians, and transportation system specialists.

The first phase of the proposed research program is to develop a baseline profile describing the skills, abilities, and knowledge required to use, operate, and maintain the current NAS architecture. The second phase of the program is to develop and apply scientific tools to identify changes in personnel selection requirements in parallel with air traffic control and maintenance systems development. The third step in the research program is to develop, validate, and deliver new personnel selection technologies to reflect the human ability and performance needs of the future NAS architecture. The research program is designed to provide agency managers with the selection tools needed to manage personnel costs, inevitable generational change in the technical workforces, and technological innovation in air traffic control and maintenance systems.

Key Words: Selection, Air Traffic Control Specialist, Electronics Technician, Research Planning

No. of Pages: 12