Replacing Airline Pilots With AI

Traditional cockpits are becoming transformational.

Friday, August 23, 2024 at 09:30 AM ET

Verified

Based on the current status of AI technology, it would seem that a pilotless aircraft is not even in the distant future. [Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force is actively exploring and endorsing AI for military aviation, demonstrated by Secretary Kendall's flight in an AI-controlled F-16 during a mock dogfight.
Modern "generative AI" could assist airline pilots by processing vast data to aid complex operational decisions, such as diversion scenarios, potentially reducing cockpit workload.
The author raises concerns about AI's ability to handle unprecedented, critical aviation emergencies, questioning if it could match human ingenuity in situations like United 232 or US Airways 1549.
Ultimately, the article suggests AI can be a valuable collaborative asset in the cockpit but is not currently capable of replacing a pilot or leading to pilotless aircraft in the near future.

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On May 2 at Edwards Air Force Base in California, U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall climbed aboard an F-16 test bed dubbed VISTA (Variable In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft) that was retrofitted with an artificial intelligence platform. Secretary Kendall and a back-seat test pilot went along for the ride without touching the controls while another human-controlled F-16 engaged VISTA in a mock dogfight.

Reading between the lines of media reports, it would appear that the demonstration was a draw between the two fighters. I applaud Kendall for placing himself in harm’s way, but the grandstanding performance served a purpose. It was very much a public endorsement of AI for airborne warfare.

Les Abend

Les Abend is a retired, 34-year veteran of American Airlines, attempting to readjust his passion for flying airplanes in the lower flight levels—without the assistance of a copilot.