Flying with AI Airlines, would you trust it?

2

October

2024

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The idea of AI flying commercial jets might sound like science fiction, but it’s closer to reality than many realize. Autonomous technology is already piloting drones, managing complex air traffic systems, and even assisting in flying planes today. But as AI evolves, a critical question arises: Would you trust an AI to fully fly a commercial jet without human pilots on board?

On the surface, AI has impressive advantages. Machines don’t get tired, stressed, or distracted, and they can process immense amounts of data in real-time—far more than any human could manage. An AI-powered jet could potentially make faster, more accurate decisions in emergencies and adjust to real-time weather patterns or air traffic changes instantly. In theory, AI could provide safer, more efficient flights by eliminating human error, which is a leading cause of aviation accidents.

But despite these potential benefits, many passengers would likely hesitate to board an entirely AI-piloted flight. Trust is a major factor in aviation safety, and people have a deep-seated confidence in human pilots. There’s comfort in knowing that a skilled individual, with years of training and experience, is at the controls in case something goes wrong. Can AI replicate that level of decision-making, intuition, and emotional intelligence in critical moments?

Additionally, AI systems, like all technology, are not infallible. They can malfunction, be vulnerable to cyberattacks, or misinterpret unusual situations. The complexity of flying in unpredictable environments, along with the unknown risks of autonomous systems, leaves room for doubt.

Another key concern is the accountability factor. When humans are at the controls, there’s a clear line of responsibility in the event of an accident. If an AI-driven plane were to experience a failure, who would be held accountable—the airline, the developers, or the AI itself? This unresolved legal and ethical question is another obstacle in fully embracing AI as the sole pilot.

So, would you trust AI to fly a commercial jet? For many, it’s not just a question of safety, but of trust. Until AI can prove itself beyond a shadow of a doubt, human pilots will likely remain an essential part of air travel.

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5 thoughts on “Flying with AI Airlines, would you trust it?”

  1. I think that, over time, AI will be more competent at flying jets than humans. The real challenge we will face with AI pilots is the last on you mention: accountability. This issue is not limited to aviation. Self driving cars, but also surgeries performed with AI will face the question: “who is actually responsible for the outcome?”
    There is probably no right response to this question. Rather, it is something for us to decide, leaving us with the question: “who do we want to hold responsible for the AI’s decisions?”

  2. I want to jump into that question before answering the main one. The question ” Can AI replicate that level of decision-making, intuition, and emotional intelligence in critical moments?” these are exactly the reasons why I would not trust a fully AI-piloted plane.
    I do believe however that working hands in hand would be the perfect combination for the safety of travellers. As you well explained in the post, both sides have pros and cons. But by combining them to work together I feel like it will narrow down the potential risks. With AI technology supporting human behavior travellers would be safer, in more care and I would speculate that in even more trust in the hands of the pilot.

  3. The future of AI in aviation may ultimately hinge on a blend of technical reliability and public perception. While I think AI offers immense potential, the human element remains crucial not just for decision-making but for managing the unpredictability of complex systems aswell. Passengers may feel uneasy without a human in the cockpit, given our psychological reliance on human intuition. Instead of focusing solely on technical competence, aviation authorities will need to prioritize transparency, ensuring that travelers understand AI’s role in flight safety and its ability to complement human oversight, rather than to replace it entirely.

  4. Insightful post! Although with time and development, AI can reach a stage where it surpasses even the most skilled pilots, I totally agree with your point that there’s just a comfort and trust element when knowing an experienced human is in control. I personally am not into flying and having my life in the hands of an “AI pilot” is a definite no for me, especially when considering the risk of malfunctions and cyberattacks, as you’ve mentioned. Air travel is the safest mode of transportation currently, and taking into account the amount of training needed to be a certified pilot, I don’t think this human-operated process needs to really change in the near future. However, as one comment mentions, combining both AI and human pilots could bring out the best of both sides, and is worth looking into.

  5. Great Post! I believe that “flying” is a great example of where hard-to-predict events likely occur due to the many complex aspects such as the weather, or the technical aspects of the plane. For now, functional systems and the autopilot in planes are complemented by the pilot’s human expertise, especially when it comes to starting and landing the plane, where the pilot must take control. Especially when it comes to starting and landing, different airports might require different skills of the pilot, and as the runway often differs, some might struggle when they find themselves at barely known runways. One idea here would be to use AI not to replace the pilot, but to use it to complement the pilot’s expertise by using metrics of the landing or starting runway to show the “best way” to approach this specific runway. I see the role of AI more within safety aspects when it comes to flying, such as in airspace surveillance, coordination of flight routes, or maintenance of planes. I also agree with your argument that human pilots will remain a key aspect. For now, I would not fly a plane, but as technology rapidly evolves, my opinion might change in the future.

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