---
title: "AMC1 ATCO.D.010(a)(1) Composition of initial training – Basic training — INITIAL TRAINING CONTENT, ATCO — COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2015/340 — extract 6 · Avioverse"
description: "SUBJECT 7: HUMAN FACTORS The subject objective is: Learners shall characterise factors which affect personal and team performance."
url: "https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/atco/initial-training-content/commission-regulation-eu-2015-340/amc1-atco-d-010-a-1-8"
---

# AMC1 ATCO.D.010(a)(1) Composition of initial training – Basic training

INITIAL TRAINING CONTENT · Regulation (EU) 2015/340 · EAR revision 14 Jun 2024

AMC Acceptable means of compliance

## AMC1 ATCO.D.010(a)(1) Composition of initial training – Basic training

SUBJECT 7: HUMAN FACTORS

The subject objective is:

Learners shall characterise factors which affect personal and team performance.

\[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2019/023/R]

| TOPIC HUMB 1 — INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN FACTORS           |                                                                              |   |                                                                                                                                                                               |
| ------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | - | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Subtopic HUMB 1.1 — Learning techniques                |                                                                              |   |                                                                                                                                                                               |
| BASIC HUMB 1.1.1                                       | Appreciate appropriate learning techniques.                                  | 3 | How the influence of interactive techniques can lead to improved learning                                                                                                     |
| Subtopic HUMB 1.2 — Relevance of human factors for ATC |                                                                              |   |                                                                                                                                                                               |
| BASIC HUMB 1.2.1                                       | Explain the relevance and importance of human factors.                       | 2 | Historical background, safety impact on ATM, licensing requirements, incidents                                                                                                |
| Subtopic HUMB 1.3 — Human factors and ATC              |                                                                              |   |                                                                                                                                                                               |
| BASIC HUMB 1.3.1                                       | Define human factors.                                                        | 1 | Optional content: ICAO Human Factors Training Manual                                                                                                                          |
| BASIC HUMB 1.3.2                                       | Explain the relationship between human factors and the aviation environment. | 2 | Optional content: ICAO Human Factors Training Manual, visits to the [simulator](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/simulator) and operational room, SHELL model, PEAR model |
| BASIC HUMB 1.3.3                                       | Explain the concept of systems.                                              | 2 | People, procedures, equipment                                                                                                                                                 |
| BASIC HUMB 1.3.4                                       | Explain ATM in systems terms.                                                | 2 |                                                                                                                                                                               |
| BASIC HUMB 1.3.5                                       | Explain the consequences of a system failure in ATS.                         | 2 |                                                                                                                                                                               |
| BASIC HUMB 1.3.6                                       | Explain the need for matching human and equipment.                           | 2 | Optional content: ICAO Human Factors Training Manual                                                                                                                          |
| BASIC HUMB 1.3.7                                       | Explain the information requirement of ATC.                                  | 2 | Relevant, timely, accurate                                                                                                                                                    |
| BASIC HUMB 1.3.8                                       | Describe the role of the human in the evolution of ATC.                      | 2 | Optional content: history of ATC, airspace, communications, radar, advanced ATS systems, the future of ATC                                                                    |
| BASIC HUMB 1.3.9                                       | Explain the importance of situational awareness for decision-making.         | 2 |                                                                                                                                                                               |

\[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2019/023/R]

| TOPIC HUMB 1 — INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN PERFORMANCE      |                                                                       |   |                                                                                                              |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Subtopic HUMB 1.1 — Relevance of human factors to ATC |                                                                       |   |                                                                                                              |
| BASIC HUMB 1.1.1                                      | Define human factors.                                                 | 1 |                                                                                                              |
| BASIC HUMB 1.1.2                                      | Define human performance.                                             | 1 |                                                                                                              |
| BASIC HUMB 1.1.3                                      | Explain the relevance of human factors to ATM.                        | 2 | Historical background, safety impact on ATM, licensing requirements, incidents                               |
| BASIC HUMB 1.1.4                                      | Recognise the evolution of human performance during an ATCO’s career. | 2 | Optional content: Regulation (EU) 2015/340; experience; initial, unit, continuation and development training |

\[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]

| TOPIC HUMB 2 — HUMAN PERFORMANCE                            |                                                                                          |   |                                                                                                                                                                      |
| ----------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | - | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Subtopic HUMB 2.1 — Individual behaviour                    |                                                                                          |   |                                                                                                                                                                      |
| BASIC HUMB 2.1.1                                            | Explain the differences and commonalities that exist among people.                       | 2 | Optional content: attitude, cultural, language                                                                                                                       |
| BASIC HUMB 2.1.2                                            | Explain the dangers of boredom.                                                          | 2 |                                                                                                                                                                      |
| BASIC HUMB 2.1.3                                            | Explain the dangers of overconfidence and complacency.                                   | 2 |                                                                                                                                                                      |
| BASIC HUMB 2.1.4                                            | Explain the dangers of fatigue.                                                          | 2 | Sleep disturbance, heavy workload                                                                                                                                    |
| Subtopic HUMB 2.2 — Safety culture and professional conduct |                                                                                          |   |                                                                                                                                                                      |
| BASIC HUMB 2.2.1                                            | Characterise the role of air traffic controller for positive safety culture.             | 2 |                                                                                                                                                                      |
| BASIC HUMB 2.2.2                                            | Describe the need for professional standards in ATC.                                     | 2 | Optional content: adherence to rules and regulations, etc.                                                                                                           |
| BASIC HUMB 2.2.3                                            | Appreciate the needed basic professional attitude appropriate to a high level of safety. | 3 | Optional content: punctuality, rigour, adherence to rules, teamwork attitude                                                                                         |
| BASIC HUMB 2.2.4                                            | Describe the impact of responsibility on controllers’ action(s).                         | 2 | Responsibility as a guidance for appropriate action                                                                                                                  |
| BASIC HUMB 2.2.5                                            | Recognise the different responsibilities of a controller.                                | 1 | Prospective and retrospective responsibility, guilt and obligation, types of responsibility (moral, welfare, legal, task, role responsibility, etc.)                 |
| Subtopic HUMB 2.3 — Health and well-being                   |                                                                                          |   |                                                                                                                                                                      |
| BASIC HUMB 2.3.1                                            | Consider the effect of health on performance.                                            | 2 | Optional content: fitness, diet, drugs, alcohol                                                                                                                      |
| Subtopic HUMB 2.4 — Teamwork                                |                                                                                          |   |                                                                                                                                                                      |
| BASIC HUMB 2.4.1                                            | Describe the differences between social human relations and professional interactions.   | 2 |                                                                                                                                                                      |
| BASIC HUMB 2.4.2                                            | Describe the different types and characters in a team.                                   | 2 | Optional content: leader, follower                                                                                                                                   |
| BASIC HUMB 2.4.3                                            | Appreciate the principles of teamwork.                                                   | 3 | Optional content: team membership, group dynamics, advantages/ disadvantages of teamwork, conflicts and their solutions                                              |
| BASIC HUMB 2.4.4                                            | Describe leader style and group interaction.                                             | 2 |                                                                                                                                                                      |
| Subtopic HUMB 2.5 — Basic needs of people at work           |                                                                                          |   |                                                                                                                                                                      |
| BASIC HUMB 2.5.1                                            | List basic needs of people at work.                                                      | 1 | Optional content: balance between individual ability and workload, working time and rest periods; adequate physical working conditions, positive working environment |
| BASIC HUMB 2.5.2                                            | Characterise the factors of work satisfaction.                                           | 2 | Optional content: money, achievement, recognition, advancement, challenge                                                                                            |
| Subtopic HUMB 2.6 — Stress                                  |                                                                                          |   |                                                                                                                                                                      |
| BASIC HUMB 2.6.1                                            | Define stress.                                                                           | 1 | Stress definition Optional content: EATCHIP Human Factors Module — Stress                                                                                            |
| BASIC HUMB 2.6.2                                            | Describe stress symptoms and sources.                                                    | 2 | Behavioural changes, lifestyle changes, physical symptoms, crisis events, main causes of stress Optional content: EATCHIP Human Factors Module — Stress              |
| BASIC HUMB 2.6.3                                            | Describe the stages of stress.                                                           | 2 | Stress performance curve Optional content: EATCHIP Human Factors Module — Stress                                                                                     |
| BASIC HUMB 2.6.4                                            | Appreciate techniques for stress management.                                             | 3 | Optional content: relaxation techniques, diet and lifestyle, exercise, EATCHIP Human Factors Module — Stress                                                         |

\[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2019/023/R]

| TOPIC HUMB 2 — HEALTH AND WELL-BEING                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                          |   |                                                            |
| ---------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | - | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| Subtopic HUMB 2.1 — Fitness for duty                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                          |   |                                                            |
| BASIC HUMB 2.1.1                                     | Recognise the effect of health and well-being on fitness for duty.                                                                                                                                       | 1 |                                                            |
| BASIC HUMB 2.1.2                                     | List the reasons for [provisional inability](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/provisional-inability) to exercise the privileges of the ATCO [licence](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/licence). | 1 | Regulation (EU) 2015/340                                   |
| BASIC HUMB 2.1.3                                     | Recognise signs of lack of personal fitness.                                                                                                                                                             | 1 | Cognitive and physical fitness                             |
| BASIC HUMB 2.1.4                                     | Describe good practices that contribute to maintaining fitness for duty.                                                                                                                                 | 2 | Optional content: fitness, diet                            |
| Subtopic HUMB 2.2 — Stress and fatigue               |                                                                                                                                                                                                          |   |                                                            |
| BASIC HUMB 2.2.1                                     | Define stress.                                                                                                                                                                                           | 1 | Regulation (EU) 2017/373                                   |
| BASIC HUMB 2.2.2                                     | Define fatigue.                                                                                                                                                                                          | 1 | Regulation (EU) 2017/373                                   |
| BASIC HUMB 2.2.3                                     | Differentiate between stress and fatigue.                                                                                                                                                                | 2 | ICAO Doc 9966                                              |
| BASIC HUMB 2.2.4                                     | Explain the causal factors of stress and fatigue.                                                                                                                                                        | 2 | Optional content: EUROCONTROL Fatigue and sleep management |
| Subtopic HUMB 2.3 — Substance use and responsibility |                                                                                                                                                                                                          |   |                                                            |
| BASIC HUMB 2.3.1                                     | Define [psychoactive substance](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/psychoactive-substance).                                                                                                            | 1 | Regulation (EU) 2017/373                                   |
| BASIC HUMB 2.3.2                                     | Explain the effect of psychoactive substance use on the individual and on safety.                                                                                                                        | 2 |                                                            |
| BASIC HUMB 2.3.3                                     | Describe individual responsibility in terms of psychoactive substance use.                                                                                                                               | 2 | Regulation (EU) 2017/373                                   |

\[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]

| TOPIC HUMB 3 — HUMAN ERROR                            |                                                                            |   |                                                                                                                                                     |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | - | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Subtopic HUMB 3.1 — Dangers of error                  |                                                                            |   |                                                                                                                                                     |
| BASIC HUMB 3.1.1                                      | Recognise the dangers of error in ATC.                                     | 1 | Optional content: Air Traffic Control — Human Performance Factors (Anne Isaac, 1999), Human Factors in Air Traffic Control (V. David Hopkin, 1995)  |
| Subtopic HUMB 3.2 — Definition of human error         |                                                                            |   |                                                                                                                                                     |
| BASIC HUMB 3.2.1                                      | Define human error.                                                        | 1 |                                                                                                                                                     |
| BASIC HUMB 3.2.2                                      | Describe the factors which contribute to cause error.                      | 2 | Fatigue, lack of skill, misunderstanding, multitasking, lack of information, distraction, lack of work satisfaction                                 |
| Subtopic HUMB 3.3 — Classification of human error     |                                                                            |   |                                                                                                                                                     |
| BASIC HUMB 3.3.1                                      | State the types of errors.                                                 | 1 | Optional content: slips, lapses, mistakes                                                                                                           |
| BASIC HUMB 3.3.2                                      | Define violations.                                                         | 1 |                                                                                                                                                     |
| BASIC HUMB 3.3.3                                      | Differentiate between errors and violations of rules.                      | 2 |                                                                                                                                                     |
| BASIC HUMB 3.3.4                                      | Describe the three levels of performance according to the Rasmussen model. | 2 | Skill based, knowledge based, rule based                                                                                                            |
| Subtopic HUMB 3.4 — Risk analysis and risk management |                                                                            |   |                                                                                                                                                     |
| BASIC HUMB 3.4.1                                      | Describe risk analysis and risk management of human systems and error.     | 2 | Active failures and latent conditions Optional content: Reason model, HFACS (Human Factors Analysis & Classification System) model, Heinrich Theory |
| BASIC HUMB 3.4.2                                      | Apply one risk analysis model on error during a case study.                | 3 |                                                                                                                                                     |

\[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2019/023/R]

| TOPIC HUMB 3 — HUMAN PERFORMANCE                            |                                                                                   |   |                                                                                                                               |
| ----------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | - | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Subtopic HUMB 3.1 — Individual behaviour                    |                                                                                   |   |                                                                                                                               |
| BASIC HUMB 3.1.1                                            | Define human behaviour.                                                           | 1 |                                                                                                                               |
| BASIC HUMB 3.1.2                                            | Explain the differences and commonalities that exist among people.                | 2 | Optional content: attitude, cultural, language, motivation                                                                    |
| BASIC HUMB 3.1.3                                            | Describe the reasons for complacency and the associated effects.                  | 2 | Safety, working relationship — team                                                                                           |
| BASIC HUMB 3.1.4                                            | Describe the reasons for overconfidence and the associated effects.               | 2 | Safety, working relationship — team                                                                                           |
| BASIC HUMB 3.1.5                                            | Explain the dangers of boredom.                                                   | 2 |                                                                                                                               |
| Subtopic HUMB 3.2 — Safety culture and professional conduct |                                                                                   |   |                                                                                                                               |
| BASIC HUMB 3.2.1                                            | Recognise professional conduct in the workplace.                                  | 1 | Optional content: professionalism, attitude, communication, teamwork                                                          |
| BASIC HUMB 3.2.2                                            | Describe how the air traffic controller contributes to a positive safety culture. | 2 | Optional content: attitude towards safety, punctuality, rigour, adherence to rules and regulations, teamwork attitude, etc.   |
| BASIC HUMB 3.2.3                                            | Consider the factors which influence responsible behaviour.                       | 2 | Optional content: situation, team, personal situation and judgement, instance of justification, moral motivation, personality |

\[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]

| TOPIC HUMB 4 — COMMUNICATION                                |                                                             |   |                                                                                                                                                                   |
| ----------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | - | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Subtopic HUMB 4.1 — Importance of good communication in ATC |                                                             |   |                                                                                                                                                                   |
| BASIC HUMB 4.1.1                                            | Appreciate the importance of good communication in ATC.     | 3 |                                                                                                                                                                   |
| Subtopic HUMB 4.2 — Communication process                   |                                                             |   |                                                                                                                                                                   |
| BASIC HUMB 4.2.1                                            | Define communication.                                       | 1 |                                                                                                                                                                   |
| BASIC HUMB 4.2.2                                            | Define the communication process.                           | 1 | Optional content: sender, encoder, transmitter, signal, interference, reception, decoder, receiver, feedback                                                      |
| Subtopic HUMB 4.3 — Communication modes                     |                                                             |   |                                                                                                                                                                   |
| BASIC HUMB 4.3.1                                            | Describe the factors which affect verbal communication.     | 2 | Optional content: word choice, intonation, speed, tone, distortion, load, expectation, noise, interruption, language knowledge (i.e. accent, dialect, vocabulary) |
| BASIC HUMB 4.3.2                                            | Describe the factors which affect non-verbal communication. | 2 | Optional content: touch, choice, expectation, noise, interruption                                                                                                 |
| BASIC HUMB 4.3.3                                            | Apply good communication practices.                         | 3 | Speaking and listening                                                                                                                                            |

\[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2019/023/R]

| TOPIC HUMB 4 — HUMAN ERROR                        |                                                                                                                    |   |                                                                                                                     |
| ------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Subtopic HUMB 4.1 — Definition of human error     |                                                                                                                    |   |                                                                                                                     |
| BASIC HUMB 4.1.1                                  | Define human error.                                                                                                | 1 |                                                                                                                     |
| Subtopic HUMB 4.2 — Classification of human error |                                                                                                                    |   |                                                                                                                     |
| BASIC HUMB 4.2.1                                  | List the types of errors.                                                                                          | 1 | Optional content: slips, lapses, mistakes                                                                           |
| BASIC HUMB 4.2.2                                  | Describe the factors which contribute to the occurrence of different types of errors and how these may be reduced. | 2 | Fatigue, lack of skill, misunderstanding, multitasking, lack of information, distraction, lack of work satisfaction |
| BASIC HUMB 4.2.3                                  | Define violations.                                                                                                 | 1 |                                                                                                                     |
| BASIC HUMB 4.2.4                                  | Differentiate between errors and violations of rules and their consequences for the controller.                    | 2 |                                                                                                                     |

\[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]

| TOPIC HUMB 5 — THE WORK ENVIRONMENT                         |                                                                                                          |   |                                                                                                                        |
| ----------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | - | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Subtopic HUMB 5.1 — Ergonomics and the need for good design |                                                                                                          |   |                                                                                                                        |
| BASIC HUMB 5.1.1                                            | Define ergonomics.                                                                                       | 1 |                                                                                                                        |
| BASIC HUMB 5.1.2                                            | Recognise the need for good building design.                                                             | 1 | Optional content: light, insulation, decor, space, facilities                                                          |
| BASIC HUMB 5.1.3                                            | Explain the need for good work position design.                                                          | 2 | Optional content: anthropometry (seating, workstation design, input device, etc.)                                      |
| Subtopic HUMB 5.2 — Equipment and tools                     |                                                                                                          |   |                                                                                                                        |
| BASIC HUMB 5.2.1                                            | Characterise the equipment and tools that will be used in simulation in accordance with the SHELL model. | 2 | The physical environment, visual displays, suites, input devices, communications equipment, console profile and layout |
| Subtopic HUMB 5.3 — Automation                              |                                                                                                          |   |                                                                                                                        |
| BASIC HUMB 5.3.1                                            | Explain the reasons for automation.                                                                      | 2 |                                                                                                                        |
| BASIC HUMB 5.3.2                                            | Describe the advantages and constraints of automation.                                                   | 2 |                                                                                                                        |

\[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2019/023/R]

| TOPIC HUMB 5 — TEAMWORK                     |                                                                                        |   |                                                                                                                                                                               |
| ------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | - | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Subtopic HUMB 5.1 — Teamwork and team roles |                                                                                        |   |                                                                                                                                                                               |
| BASIC HUMB 5.1.1                            | Define teamwork.                                                                       | 1 |                                                                                                                                                                               |
| BASIC HUMB 5.1.2                            | Describe the differences between social human relations and professional interactions. | 2 |                                                                                                                                                                               |
| BASIC HUMB 5.1.3                            | Explain the different types of teams in the ATC environment.                           | 2 | Optional content: executive/planner, shift team, [sector](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/sector) group or ATC unit team, team with pilots, team with adjacent ATC units |
| BASIC HUMB 5.1.4                            | Recognise the different types, roles and characters in a team                          | 1 |                                                                                                                                                                               |
| BASIC HUMB 5.1.5                            | Characterise the principles of teamwork.                                               | 2 | Optional content: team membership, team roles, group dynamics, advantages/disadvantages of teamwork, conflicts and their solutions                                            |

\[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]

| TOPIC HUMB 6 — COMMUNICATION             |                                                                                |   |                                                                                                                                 |
| ---------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Subtopic HUMB 6.1 — Communication in ATC |                                                                                |   |                                                                                                                                 |
| BASIC HUMB 6.1.1                         | Define communication.                                                          | 1 |                                                                                                                                 |
| BASIC HUMB 6.1.2                         | List an ATCO’s communication partners.                                         | 1 |                                                                                                                                 |
| BASIC HUMB 6.1.3                         | Explain good communication practices.                                          | 2 | Speaking and listening                                                                                                          |
| BASIC HUMB 6.1.4                         | Differentiate between hearing and listening.                                   | 2 |                                                                                                                                 |
| Subtopic HUMB 6.2 — Communication modes  |                                                                                |   |                                                                                                                                 |
| BASIC HUMB 6.2.1                         | Describe the factors which affect verbal communication.                        | 2 | Optional content: word choice, intonation, speed, tone, distortion, load, expectation, noise, interruption, language competence |
| BASIC HUMB 6.2.2                         | Describe the factors which affect non-verbal communication.                    | 2 | Optional content: touch, choice, expectation, noise, interruption                                                               |
| BASIC HUMB 6.2.3                         | Describe misunderstandings that may arise during a controller’s communication. | 2 |                                                                                                                                 |

\[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]

AMC · AMC1 ATCO.D.010(a)(1) — Regulation (EU) 2015/340 · ED Decision 2023/011/R · ATCO Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 14 Jun 2024

[All rules in COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2015/340](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/atco/initial-training-content/commission-regulation-eu-2015-340)

Consolidated from the EASA Easy Access Rules (revision 14 Jun 2024, extracted 13 Oct 2026) for convenience. Not the official publication — verify against the Official Journal of the European Union and the EASA publications before operational use.
