The Technology Continuum on the Commercial Flight Deck and the Importance of Pilot Trust in AI

Abstract

As AI continues to grow in the commercial aviation industry over the next decade it is imperative to study where and how its impact will be needed. While some areas like aviation maintenance need immediate implementation of AI to relieve maintenance personnel shortages, other areas like the flight deck could also benefit greatly from using AI. However, involving AI in commercial flight requires the trust of the pilots when using AI. This research defines AI and the needed trust that must go with it on the commercial flight deck from the perspective of a commercial flight deck technological continuum to show where AI has its origins, where it is now and where it will eventually find its place in the future. While the continuum shows how important it is for the pilots to work with AI to make efficient and safer decisions, it also clearly shows how vital pilot trust is in the AI as it is infused in the technology continuum over time. With the continuum analysis complete, the researchers then present the results of a recent commercial pilot trust in AI survey. The survey involved over 220 pilots to analyze where commercial pilot trust in AI currently stands as new AI technology continues to advance on their flight decks.

Keywords: Calibrated Trust, Trustworthy AI, Autonomous Automation, Technology Teaming

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007014