Reports > Aviation > Abstract of "Pilot Error in Copying Air Traffic Control Clearances" Title: Pilot Error in Copying Air Traffic Control Clearances Authors: E.M. Rantanen and N.K. Kokayeff Reference: Proc. of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 2002, pp. 145-149. Report No.: R0681202 Total Fee: US$17.00 File Size: 953 KB Abstract A study investigating the accuracy of pilots' copying air traffic control clearances is described. Twenty-four airline pilots listened to 28 taped clearances and copied them down on an answer sheet using shorthand, longhand, or some combination of these according to their preferences. The copied clearances were analyzed by the number of correctly copied elements, the number of omitted elements, and the number of extraneous elements that were not present in the original clearance. Preliminary results indicate a strong influence of habit and familiar operating environment and procedures on the accuracy of copying unfamiliar information. Common errors included victor-airways copied as jet-airways, low altitudes copied as much higher, and slow speeds copied as much higher. The vulnerability of controller-pilot communications to the effects of unfamiliarity is apparent. A detailed analysis of these data may provide for a better understanding of the shortcomings of controller-pilot communication. To purchase a copy of this article, click the Buy Now link below. An electronic (PDF) copy will be sent within 24 hours of order receipt. To avoid delivery delays, refer to the file size indicated above and check your e-mail system message and storage capacity before ordering. (Note: Cost of this article includes a copyright fee paid to the original copyright owner). Changes last made August, 2007 Copyright © 2002, 2007 Beta Research, Inc.. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form without express written permission is strictly prohibited