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:

U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's flight in an AI-retrofitted F-16 publicly endorsed AI for military airborne warfare, prompting discussion about its potential application in civilian aviation regarding pilot acceptance, crew reduction, and passenger trust.
The article explains that while generative AI could assist pilots by processing vast data for complex decisions (e.g., diversions), its current limitations include potential "hallucinations" and an inability to replicate the human ingenuity and critical decision-making crucial in unprecedented emergencies.
Ultimately, the author concludes that AI, in its present form, could serve as a valuable collaborative asset in the cockpit to reduce workload, but it is not ready to replace pilots or lead to pilotless aircraft in the foreseeable 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.