AI in Aviation: How an AI Copilot Improves Flight Safety

With growing air traffic, increasing demands on pilots, and the ever-present issue of human error, the commercial aviation industry’s pursuit of enhanced aviation safety remains an upward battle – especially in post-COVID times. Now, the emergence of artificial intelligence technology, like that being used with MIT’s Air-Guardian AI Copilot, ushers in a new era of enhanced safety methods – with the potential to revolutionize how pilots safely navigate the skies for years to come.

Aviation Copiloting using AI To Improve Safety

Developed by researchers at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Air-Guardian extends beyond the limitations of traditional autopilot by forging a collaborative, symbiotic partnership with the pilot. The AI copilot leverages cutting-edge eye-tracking technology as well as “saliency maps, which pinpoint where attention is directed.” This allows for monitoring of where a pilot's gaze falls within a flight environment, from the cockpit to the skies beyond. Gathering valuable insights into the user's focus and decision-making process, Air-Guardian analyses this information in conjunction with real-time flight data to anticipate potential risks, shortcomings, and areas of improvement through detailed algorithm development. This proactive approach allows Air-Guardian to make decisions that complement the pilot's movements before or during the action, rather than after an incident has occurred.

One key advantage of Air-Guardian lies in its adaptability. Unlike traditional autopilot systems that follow a rigid set of parameters, Air-Guardian can adjust its decisions based on specific situational demands. "Our use of liquid neural networks provides a dynamic, adaptive approach, ensuring that the AI doesn't merely replace human judgment but complements it, leading to enhanced safety and collaboration in the skies," stated MIT researcher Ramin Hasani. This adaptability fosters a more responsive symbiosis with the pilot. Ultimately, this collaboration of human expertise and AI-powered intelligence aims to augment a pilot's ability to navigate complex mid-flight situations and improve safety. Air-Guardian represents a significant leap forward in human-centric AI, where the need for human judgment remains relevant, rather than just being replaced entirely.

Understanding the Human Element in Aviation Safety

Pilots act as, essentially, the captain of the aircraft and are in charge of the safety of everyone on board. However, even the most highly skilled and experienced pilots can encounter challenges that compromise safety. Common pitfalls include inadvertently flying into adverse weather conditions or terrain due to miscalculations, inadequate preparation, or slow reaction times. Poor communication between pilots and air traffic control can also lead to misunderstandings and errors in flight operations, like the near miss between jets at Syracuse Hancock Airport in New York last month. Additionally, psychological influences, peer pressure, inflexible thinking, and difficulty adapting to unforeseen circumstances can further contribute to the human element of aviation safety risks and influence risky decision-making. These pitfalls underscore the critical need for continuous tech advancements in aviation safety to help mitigate the daily issues faced by pilots.

Creating Safer Skies with AI Technology

The aviation industry is actively embracing a future powered by technology. Recent funding from the White House is aimed at enhancing surface surveillance systems, terminal automation systems, and runway incursion memory aids. These initiatives will equip air traffic controllers with advanced tools to manage airspace with greater efficiency and precision, leading to a significant reduction in the risk of runway near misses.

There are several existing and arising technologies poised to significantly improve aviation safety:

• Advanced navigation systems, like GPS, ensure pilots stay on course and maintain precise altitude, significantly reducing the risk of collisions and promoting efficient flight paths.
• Aircraft health monitoring equipment, such as sensors and diagnostic systems, can help modern aircraft continuously monitor the health of critical components, and allows for proactive maintenance and identification of potential issues before they escalate into safety hazards.
• Automated flight control systems, such as autopilot and fly-by-wire, aim to help pilots, particularly during long-haul flights or challenging weather conditions and contribute to maintaining stability and control to reduce pilot workload and fatigue.
• Collision avoidance systems alert pilots to nearby aircraft and recommend appropriate avoidance maneuvers.
• Weather forecasting tools empower pilots to make informed decisions regarding flight paths, allowing them to avoid dangerous weather patterns that could jeopardize flight safety.
• Communication systems provide reliable and clear communications between pilots and air traffic control for coordination during takeoffs, landings, and in-flight adjustments.
• Emergency response systems facilitate rapid response between air traffic control, emergency services, and the aircraft itself in the event of an emergency.

The intersection of AI and aviation holds the potential to revolutionize flight safety by enhancing methods across all areas of the industry. And as AI continues to evolve, its integration into aviation promises to set new standards for safety and operational excellence.

Aviation Education at Capitol Tech

Are you ready to shape the future of aviation safety? Capitol Technology University offers innovative programs in Aviation and Artificial Intelligence, designed to equip you with the skills to predict, identify, and respond to safety issues in the skies. Our new B.S. in Aviation Professional Pilot program puts you in the pilot seat through extensive, hands-on training with experienced flight instructors, readying you for a career in aviation. Join us to become a leader in this transformative field and make a tangible impact on the future of flight safety. To learn more, contact our Admissions team or request more information.