Unlocking potential: enhancing Air Traffic Controller deployment through dynamic competency-based rostering

Abstract: This paper presents a novel strategy for improving the flexibility and efficiency of air traffic control officer (ATCO) rostering through the combined concept of Smart Competency Monitoring and Minimum Competency Level Prediction. Central to the concept is the newly developed Upper Airspace Skill-Level Index (UASLI), which assesses ATCOs’ ability to manage traffic in sectors they are not formally endorsed for. The UASLI combines static and dynamic measurable input parameters from Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) recorded data, providing a dynamic experience index. This paper provides a detailed explanation of the strategy and calculation methods for the UASLI. It demonstrates how these input parameters affect the index using concrete example scenarios. Additionally, the paper explores the impact of different approaches to incorporate parameters in the overall index calculation. It also highlights the importance of a time-dependent weighting factor, reflecting the natural skill fade over time. Validation activities are planned at a Central-European upper area control center in autumn 2025.

Conference paper presented at 44th Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), Montreal, QC, Canada, 14-18 September 2025
Published in: 2025 AIAA DATC/IEEE 44th Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), ISSN: 2155-7209, 2025.