A Temporal Markers Framework for Analyzing Atc Operational Errors

Abstract

A commonly held view is that system and human vulnerabilities can form links in a chain of events and result in an undesirable outcome. However, this truism has led to only limited success in the development of better techniques to analyze this progression. In this study the evolution of air traffic operational errors (OEs) was of particular interest. While it is generally accepted that OEs evolve over time, the temporal characteristics of OEs have received little attention. By better understanding these temporal characteristics, we will be better able to understand how vulnerabilities become links in a chain so that resources can be allocated effectively to develop mitigation strategies. To better understand how vulnerabilities become links in a chain, two activities were conducted. The first study developed a temporal markers (TMs) definition and sequencing framework. The second study provided an initial assessment of the framework using a small sample of OEs which were readily available in a local arch...