Modelling and simulation of cognitive processes in air-traffic control based on mutual beliefs

Abstract

Shared situational awareness among air-traffic controllers (ATCOs) and pilots is essential for airport safety. This paper presents models and simulations of cognitive activities that underlie the communications between ATCOs and pilots. This model facilitates the shared situational awareness analysis and can produce quantitative data to inform the design of communications protocols. A simulation using data from the official 1977-Tenerife-accident report, which reveals the cognitive processes that could explain the communications and behavior detailed in the report, suggests alternate explanations. This proof-of-concept test suggests that the proposed model and simulations can be used for analyzing air-traffic control accidents at airports.