Why Is Air Traffic Control Furniture Different than Other Office Furniture?

In the old days, air traffic control furniture was just like any other office furniture: put a swivel chair in front of the console and call it good. Thankfully, those days are over. While there have been significant advances in office furniture technology in recent years, there are still factors important to air traffic controllers that may not be applicable to other business uses. Take a look at what goes into good air traffic control consoles and workstations before you invest in the wrong chairs.

Intensive Use Chairs vs. Regular Office Chairs

Most office control room furniture gets used an average of 8-10 hours a day, five days a week. There are exceptions, of course, but that’s the average for most business use. On the other hand, air traffic control centers are online 24/7, and operators use the furniture every 24 hours. We call this intensive use for obvious reasons.

Air Traffic Control Furniture for Intensive Use Needs Robust Design

You should replace office chairs and other furniture regularly to prevent breakdowns, repairs, and discomfort. Replacement is also necessary because, frankly, typical office furniture isn’t built to last. On the other hand, intensive-use furniture, like air traffic control center chairs, must be robust and durable to withstand constant use. When shopping for the right furniture, appropriate design and sturdy materials are important considerations. You don’t want to turn around and buy new ones again in a few years because of breakage and breakdowns.

Comfort Is Critical in Air Traffic Control Furniture

The operators who keep watch over the friendly skies play a critical role in the safety of the millions of people who travel by plane every day. Their comfort is vital to their effectiveness. An uncomfortable chair with no ergonomic benefits can contribute to errors, poor work performance, decreased job satisfaction, and increased reports of work-related injuries, including back and joint pain. Keeping the controllers comfortable is critical to their ability to do their jobs well.

Adjustability is one of the most important considerations regarding operator comfort. Remember, there isn’t one chair per controller; rather, there is one chair per console spot. This means different people use the same chair every day.  So it has to be adjustable to fit each person’s needs. A reclining mechanism and height adjustment are necessary. Additionally, lumbar support and armrests help ensure comfort and allow you to sit in the same spot for extended periods.

Weight distribution, easy-glide casters, comfortable cushions, adjustability, and aesthetic appeal are important factors to consider for workspace furniture. But these factors become much more than just “nice to have” for air traffic controllers. They must have the right furniture to do their jobs. For air traffic control furniture that meets all your needs, contact Fountainhead Control Rooms at 404-990-3748.