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:

A recent AI-controlled F-16 mock dogfight publicly endorsed military AI, raising questions about the complex integration of AI into civilian airliners regarding pilot acceptance, crew reduction, and passenger trust.
Modern generative AI could assist pilots by processing vast data to aid complex decision-making and reduce workload, but it has limitations like "hallucinations" and may not match human ingenuity in unforeseen critical emergencies.
While AI could be a collaborative asset in the cockpit, the article concludes that fully pilotless aircraft are not imminent and current AI should not replace a human pilot.

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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.