A mobile flight case learning system for ATC miscommunications

Aviation’s highest priority is safety. The primary risk to safety derives not from automated systems but from human factors, most notably air traffic control. We present results from development of a flight case learning system designed to operate on mobile phones used by air traffic controllers (ATCs). Our system takes advantage of key Ontology concepts, a case-based system development procedure, human-centered design (HCD) strategies, and appropriate small-screen interface design protocols. A questionnaire to assess user interaction satisfaction (QUIS) was deployed for subsequent usability testing and to verify acceptance of, and satisfaction with, the system. Twelve subjects participated in the questionnaire-based evaluation of subjective satisfaction. In addition, two flight experts served on a review panel for domain knowledge verification and acceptance of the interface design. Our results confirm that the system is a suitably designed mobile learning system that can accelerate self-learning for ATCs.

► A flight case learning system was designed to operate on mobile phones for air traffic controllers (ATCs).
► Our system takes advantage of human-centered design (HCD) strategies and appropriate small-screen interface design protocols.
► A questionnaire to assess user interaction satisfaction (QUIS) was deployed for usability testing of the system.