Perceptual-auditory and Acoustic Analysis of Air Traffic Controllers' Voices Pre- and Postshift

Hoarseness and vocal tract discomfort and associated risk factors in air traffic controllers

“…As another professional voice user, Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) have been the focus of few studies on voice problems and communicative competence. 11 …”

“…The tower is responsible for the aircraft until it loses visual contact with the aircraft, while the Approach Control (APP) and the Area Control Center (ACC) are both responsible for the direction of the plane in the air. 11 …”

Habilidades auditivas de figura-fundo e fechamento em controladores de tráfego aéreo

“…These professionals work in groups at different air traffic control units: Tower (TWR), Approach Control (APP), and Area Control Center (ACC). ATCs who work in the TWR are responsible for the aircraft until they lose visual contact with it; those who work in the APP are in charge of directing the airplane in its intermediate trajectory, regarding takeoff and landing; and those who work in the ACC are responsible for the direction of the aircraft for most of the flight (1) .…”

“…According to Villar et al (1) , ATCs at the APP ensure that a minimum distance is maintained between aircrafts when they are close to the airports under their command; to this end, they indicate by radiofrequency the coordinates (headings), speed, and altitude that the pilot should adopt to fly with maximum safety in order to avoid collisions. This is a very delicate task, and it requires special attention from these controllers because, in addition to providing the final orientation for landing, they must separate the aircrafts that are landing from those that are taking off.…”

“…This is a very delicate task, and it requires special attention from these controllers because, in addition to providing the final orientation for landing, they must separate the aircrafts that are landing from those that are taking off. Thus, their actions determine the success and safety of flight displacements (1) .…”