Human factors play a critical role in Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations as they can significantly impact safety, efficiency, and overall system performance. Here are some key human factors issues that can arise in Air Traffic Control.
Aeronautical Observation and Reporting
SPECI shall be issued if since the latest issued special or routine report, the mean surface wind and/or speed changed. SPECI shall be issued, when the onset (Start), cessation (End) or change in intensity of the weather phenomena occurs.
Vertical Visibility
When the sky is obscured and cloud details cannot be assessed but information on vertical visibility is available, the cloud group should be replaced by a five-character group i.e. VVhshshs, the first two characters being VV followed by the vertical visibility in units of 30m or 100ft.
Ceiling and Visibility is OK-CAVOK
CAVOK is very common abbreviation in Aviation. It stand for Ceiling and Visibility is OK. The term CAVOK indicates the simultaneous occurrence of following meteorological conditions:
Clouds
Clouds are visible masses of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. They can take on variety of shapes, sizes, and colors depending on factors such as altitude, temperature, and humidity. They provide precipitation in the form of rain or snow.
Fog
Fog is composed of very small water droplets and sometimes minute ice particles in suspension in the atmosphere, reducing the horizontal visibility at the Earth`s surface to less than 1000 meters. Fog has a significant impact on the conduct of flying operations, particularly landing and take-off.