Artificial Intelligence on the Digital Flight Deck: A Continuum with Parallel Trajectories

Abstract

Reports of artificial intelligence (AI) in industries have drawn attention to digital flight decks of airliners. This encompasses single pilot operations, distributed crewing, and forms of reduced crew operations. Pilots, understandably, have concerns about reliability of AI and intrusion in crew operational procedures. To better comprehend the extent of automation malfunctions, and advanced roles for AI, data from NTSB and ASRS databases were examined. Results were assessed for applications of AI to resolve known human or system limitations. To evaluate trust and confidence related to AI, a survey of 42 company pilots provided baseline findings. Results revealed a substantial level of distrust in AI to make important decisions and that pilots believe they are necessary to prevent critical mistakes. To better understand the potential role of AI on the flight deck, parallel tracks for development are presented that illustrate domain-specific applications from more complex human-automation teaming and shared cognition operations.