An investigation of the relationship between chronological age and indicators of job performance for incumbent air traffic control specialists.

Air traffic control specialist age and cognitive test performance

“…Performance on these tests increased with age until ATCSs entered their mid-to late-40s. This pattern is consistent with that found when investigating the relationship between ATCS age and indicators of job performance (Heil, 1999). Consequently, it seems that a decline in ATCS performance coincides with a decline in cognitive abilities relevant to the ATCS occupation.…”

“…Based on the findings of previous researchers (Becker & Milke, 1998;Hardy & Parasuraman, 1997;Salthouse, 1994;Tsang & Shaner, 1998), older ATCSs would be expected to demonstrate lower levels of performance on measures of cognitive ability. Although Salthouse (1994) stated that poor performance on cognitive ability measures does not necessarily mean that there is a corresponding decrease in job performance, Heil (1999) found that scores on experimental ATCS performance measures declined with age for ATCS in their mid 40s; however it is important to note that the lower levels of performance found among older ATCSs does not mean that they are unable to safely manage the flow of traffic within their areas of certification. The cognitive measures used to select people into the ATCS occupation are linked to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (KSAOs) critical to successful job performance.…”

“…Researchers have visited the issue of Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) age and performance many times over the past few decades (Cobb, 1968;Heil, 1999;Trites, 196l;Trites &Cobb, 1962;Schroeder, Broach, & Farmer, 1997;VanDeventer & Baxter, 1984). These researchers have consistently found a negative relationship between the age of Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCSs) and both training success and ratings of job performance.…”

“…These researchers have consistently found a negative relationship between the age of Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCSs) and both training success and ratings of job performance. A recent study found a curvilinear relationship between ATCS age and performance on a computerized simulation of air traffic situations, with performance decreasing for people in their mid 40s (Heil, 1999). To date, there has been no systematic study of factors associated with this decline in performance.…”

“…To date, there has been no systematic study of factors associated with this decline in performance. However, some researchers (Heil, 1999;Schroeder, Broach, & Farmer, 1997) have speculated that it may be due to a decline in cognitive ability with age.…”