Following a state-mandated retirement age increase for air traffic controllers in Switzerland, the Swiss ANSP (Skyguide) and air traffic controllers’ Association (HelvetiCA) agreed to jointly conduct a scientific study to measure the impacts of aging on the work performance of air traffic controllers. The goal of this endeavor was to avoid operational staff with a decreased cognitive skillset and/or impaired psychological well-being from working in live traffic. The researchers conducted a literature review, live traffic observations, and cognitive tests (in age groups) in a simulator environment. The final deliverable of the scientific study consists of 18 recommendations in three subcategories: prevention, individual follow up and support. As a consequence, a testing scheme for senior air traffic controllers was implemented in Switzerland together with proper social safeguards.

Presented by: Benjamin Fichtner
Air Traffic Controller, Area Control Center Zürich
Chair International Committee, HelvetiCA – Swiss Controllers Association