MENTAL WORKLOAD OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL (ATC) PERSONNEL AT ADISUTJIPTO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Seftiyana, Via Choirul · 2021 · Crossref

DOI: 10.28989/vortex.v2i2.1008

archive: archived pipeline: cataloged

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Summary

**Research Question and Motivation** This study investigates the mental workload experienced by Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel in the Approach Control (APP) unit at Adisutjipto International Airport in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The research is motivated by the high-stress nature of ATC work, which involves high vigilance, time pressure, and responsibility. Excessive or insufficient mental workload can negatively impact organizational safety and efficiency. The study specifically addresses the need to quantify workload to ensure it remains within safe limits, as mandated by the Safety Management System (SMS) for Air Traffic Services, which requires regular reviews to ensure controller workload does not exceed determined thresholds. **Methodology** The study employed a quantitative method using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) questionnaire to measure mental workload. Sixteen ATC personnel served as respondents. The NASA-TLX instrument assesses six dimensions of workload: Mental Demand, Physical Demand, Temporal Demand, Performance, Effort, and Frustration. The data collection process involved two stages: first, a pairwise comparison (weighting) phase where respondents ranked the relative importance of each dimension; second, a rating phase where respondents scored each dimension on a scale of 0–100. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 22.0, including Shapiro-Wilk normality tests and One Sample T-tests to determine statistical significance. The study also utilized secondary data regarding operational hours and personnel requirements based on Indonesian regulations (KP 166/2020). **Findings** The results indicated that the mental workload of ATC personnel at Adisutjipto is predominantly high. Out of the 16 respondents, 14 were categorized as having "Very High" (Sangat Tinggi) mental workload, with average scores ranging from 87 to 100. Only two respondents fell into the "High" (Tinggi) category, with scores of 79 and 80. The overall average workload score across all respondents was 90, placing the group firmly in the "Very High" category. The analysis revealed that Mental Demand and Frustration were consistently the most dominant factors contributing to the high workload scores, while Physical Demand contributed the least. The study also noted that the APP unit handles both the Control Area (CTR) and Terminal Control Area (TMA), including military airspace, which adds complexity to the workload. **Significance** The findings confirm that ATC personnel at Adisutjipto operate under very high mental stress, consistent with previous studies in other Indonesian airports. This high workload level poses a risk to aviation safety, as it can lead to fatigue, stress, and potential errors. The study implies that current operational conditions, including shift patterns and equipment availability, may be insufficient to mitigate these high demands. Recommendations for mitigating this workload include upgrading radar systems, optimizing shift schedules, and ensuring adequate rest facilities. The results underscore the critical need for continuous monitoring of human factors in ATC operations to maintain safety standards and prevent overload conditions.

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• workload measurement