How Automation Influences the Aviation Industry

Automation is a force that is overtaking countless industries, presenting businesses with the opportunity to make certain processes more efficient and safer. Aviation is no stranger to automation, as many modern commercial flights feature some aspect of processes being fully executed by a computer. As artificial intelligence continues to improve and more capabilities are made possible, it is only a matter of time before more cockpit operations are automated, extending the use of the autopilot system. In this blog, we will discuss the influence automation has had on the aviation industry, as well as where it may go in the coming years. 

While pilots may fear the prospect of automation, there are some good reasons for why it is done. For one, many processes can be optimally carried out by the autopilot system, freeing the pilot to focus on the most important aspects of flight for decreased distractions. Through automation, various benefits are achieved, ranging from increased passenger comfort to enhanced flight path control. The autopilot system will often take over a number of systems, generally being used to manage flight control actuation, sensors, loads, and more. As a result, the autopilot system can utilize information provided by a GPS, traffic collision avoidance system, or other apparatuses to either display information on an aircraft monitor or execute a process.

Generally, most modern iterations of the autopilot system only allow for automatic control to be established during cruise flight, as phases like take-off and landing are still handled by humans. Nevertheless, the future may be closer than we think, as various engineers have already begun testing autoland systems. Utilizing the autopilot system alongside radio altimeters and other parts, pilots may soon be able to rely on computer assistance for safer landing operations in thick fog and other poor visibility conditions. Just as the autopilot system rapidly evolved and became commonplace, these new features may too.

While automated systems and components were once only found in larger commercial airliners, private jets have begun advancing with the integration of GPS systems, altitude selectors, and other such features. In reality, one of the biggest roadblocks to the future of automated flight is the passengers themselves. Generally, it has been found that a stark majority of passengers would be fairly reluctant to ride on a pilotless plane. Thus, the future implementation of such technology will most likely have to first begin with smaller operators. 

As human error is often the primary cause of aviation hazards, automation can be highly beneficial for the future of flight. Nevertheless, pilots will still be needed for supervising aircraft control throughout the operation, ensuring that there is always a human component to take over if things go amiss. As engineers continue to tirelessly work towards the advancement of technologies, we will most likely see a slow rise in automation in the coming years. 

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