NOSS: The Methodology and Early Findings

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• NOSS The Methodology and Early Findings
• Chris Henry
• The University of Texas Human Factors Research
  Project
• The University of Texas at Austin

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The Universitys Role

• Member of the ICAO NOSS Study Group
• Jointly conducted the first two trials of the
  NOSS methodology with Airservices Australia and
  Airways New Zealand.

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NOSS Operating Characteristics

• Over-the-shoulder observations during normal
  shifts
• Joint Management/Union sponsorship
• Voluntary participation
• De-identified, confidential, and non-disciplinary
  data collection
• Specifically designed form for collection of data
• Trained and calibrated observers
• Trusted data collection sites
• Data cleaning process
• Targets for safety enhancement
• Feedback results to the controllers

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Threats

• Threat An event or error that occurs outside the
  influence of the controller, but which requires
  their attention and management if safety margins
  are to be maintained.
• Air Navigation Service Provider (Internal)
  Threats
• Air Traffic Control Pilot Interaction Threats
• Environmental Threats

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Errors

• Error An observed deviation from organizational
  expectations or controller intentions
• Communication Errors
• Procedural Errors
• Equipment / Automation Errors
• Traffic Handling Errors

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Undesired States

• Controller Console Setup USs
• Inaccurate representation of traffic
• Traffic situation not being monitored
• Incomplete handover

• Traffic State USs
• Separation not assured
• RWY/TXY not verified to be clear for progress

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NOSS Trial Data
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Preliminary Findings

• Greater threat prevalence of internal and
  ATC/pilot interactions when compared to LOSA
• A few pilot ATC interaction issues
• Similar call signs
• Readback / phraseology issues

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Methodological Challenges

• Will it work in the various ATC environments?
• Focus on positions
• Concerns
• Observability A similar number of observable
  errors are seen in NOSS and LOSA
• Lack of proceduralization / standardization
  There may be reason to compare organizations with
  different procedures

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Whats Next?

• NOSS LOSA What can each add to the other?
• Reliability and validity studies in conjunction
  with FAA
• NAV CANADA NOSS area/terminal trial
• Airservices Australia tower trial
• Fully operational NOSS in 2006? Airservices?

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• cshenry_at_mail.utexas.edu
• www.psy.utexas.edu/HumanFactors