Is an autopilot equivalent to an AI?

"The dawn of unmanned commercial flight."

Image credit : Airbus

The rapid advancement of AI technology in recent years has ushered in a new era of aviation safety. With cutting-edge AI assistance, airplanes are now capable of performing complex tasks such as auto-taxi, auto-takeoff, auto-land, and even auto-diversion. However, these operations remain non-autonomous, with pilots still responsible for initiating commands. Unlike other industries, aviation technology progresses at a slower pace, with rigorous testing, redundancy, and fail-safe measures in place to ensure safety. But with the pace of AI development, it's not inconceivable to imagine a future where autonomous AI outperforms even the most skilled pilot. Still, the human element will remain crucial as the "last line of defense" in the cockpit (or remotely) for managerial roles. The possibilities for the future of aviation with AI are endless, and the potential for increased safety is unparalleled.