A Psychosocial Approach to Understanding Pilot and Controller Acceptance of Change in Atm, Based on Three Cda Case Studies

This paper aims to promote a better understanding of acceptance of change in ATM. Taking three case studies, it examines pilot and controller attitudes towards Continuous Descent Approaches (CDAs), considered in a societal context. Compared with conventional, stepped descents, CDAs keep aircraft higher for longer and reduce thrust transients, and are thus not only an important noise abatement technique, but represent a type of ATM change with a particular societal component. In contrast to human factors, the methodology of this paper is to examine the process of behavioural change, specifically through understanding pilot and controller perception and evaluation of associated (dis)benefits. It will examine the psychological processes determining such behaviour, as set in the societal context, for which the term ‘psychosocial’ is used. This paper examines pilot and controller attitudes towards Continuous Descent Approaches (CDAs). It aims to promote a better understanding of acceptance of change in ATM. The focus is on the psychosocial context and the relationships between perceived societal and system benefits. Behavioural change appeared more correlated with such benefit perceptions in the case of the pilots.