A Rapid Objective Method of Fatigue Detection for Air Traffic Controller Before Duty

Objective. To establish a rapid objective method for detection fatigue of air traffic controllers (ATCs) to meet fatigue management requirements. Methods—A fatigue detection method established by combining a modified psychomotor vigilance test scene with the test of the percentage of eyelid closure over the pupil over time (PERCLOS). The subjects’ PERCLOS value, reaction time and error rate during detection were simultaneously obtained and integrated into the fatigue value. The detection time was compressed to 5 min and the result obtained just completed detection. The established method was applied to a field test at one area control unit in China. 19 ATC volunteers were recruited and divided into two groups as a test group before duty and a fatigue control group after duty. The detection results indicated that the method was valid to detect out ATCs’ fatigue from work and was suitable to control work environment. Conclusions—The rapid method of fatigue detection for air traffic controllers before duty was successfully developed, which would serve as an effective tool for air traffic controller fatigue management.