Replacing Airline Pilots With AI

Traditional cockpits are becoming transformational.

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

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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 publicly demonstrated AI in a retrofitted F-16 mock dogfight, sparking discussion about AI's future role in civilian aviation, including its potential impact on cockpit crew size and pilot replacement.
While modern "generative AI" can process extensive data and suggest complex solutions, it can also produce "hallucinations" (inaccuracies) and its full autonomy in critical flight situations remains a concern.
The author proposes AI as a valuable collaborative tool to assist pilots with data-driven decision-making and reduce workload, rather than replacing them, highlighting human ingenuity as indispensable in unprecedented aviation emergencies.

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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.