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:

U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's flight in an AI-controlled F-16 for a mock dogfight signals a strong endorsement of AI for military aviation, raising questions about its potential and challenges in civilian airliners.
Generative AI could assist pilots in complex decision-making by processing vast data, acting as a collaborative tool to reduce workload, despite inherent pilot skepticism towards new technology and the risk of AI "hallucinations" or inaccuracies.
The author expresses skepticism that AI can replicate the human ingenuity and critical thinking essential for unprecedented in-flight emergencies, concluding that pilotless aircraft or reducing crew to one pilot plus AI is not feasible with current technology.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.