The Automation Equation

The Automation Paradox: The Future of Pilots in Aviation

A topic that's got everyone from pilots to engineers and even politicians on the edge of their seats, for one reason or another—automation in aviation (and everywhere else). Now, before you roll your eyes and think, "Not this again," hear me out. This isn't just another piece on how machines are taking over; it's about the paradox that's unfolding right before our eyes, backed by some solid research.

The Automation Paradox

As tech evolves, automated systems in aircraft are becoming the norm. It promises safety, efficiency, and fuel economy. The real kicker: the more we lean on automation, the more we realize the indispensable role of skilled pilots. Because when the chips are down—and they will be—you want a human at the controls who can think on their feet.

Research Perspective: A study in “IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics” confirms that automation can indeed enhance flight safety. [1]

The Controversy

Here's where it gets interesting. There's a growing debate about whether automation is eroding pilots' manual skills. Are we training pilots to be "system managers" rather than aviators? It's a question that's dividing the industry, there's no doubt. Unfortunately, this is really just the beginning of the debates, and at least a cursory understanding of the topics and some of the nuanced issues is the baseline to be respectable in conversation at the next industry conference.

A July 2022 AIN Article captures the sentiments of an industry leader on this spirited issue:

Research Perspective: Multiple interacting factors contribute to automation-related incidents and accidents in aviation, according to a study in the “Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting.” [2]

The Data-Driven Angle

For those of you who love numbers, studies show that automation has significantly improved safety records in aviation. But—and it's a big but—there are also instances where over-reliance on automated systems has led to accidents. So, the question isn't whether we should automate; it's how we strike the right balance, not unlike most other things — balance is required.

Research Perspective: A study in the journal “Safety” found that understanding the cognitive processes governing human interaction with automation is crucial for reducing automation-induced events. [3]

The Everyday Impact

Completely anecdotal, but I recently overheard a conversation seemingly between two friends, regarding near %100 autonomous flights. The question was posed “would you take your family on one of those jets tonight, close your eyes and go to sleep, comfortable with that jet’s piloting?” The response was a definite and resounding “no”, to which, I chuckled to myself while my mind quickly turned to think about Neuralink and our own “auto-pilot” woes as human beings and how this debate may change toward our own fate as a species in a similar fashion in less than a decade, and quite possibly less than a year or two.

Your Turn

So, what's your take? Team Automation or Team Human? Or something else altogether? Let us know in the poll below, if you’re not scared of SkyNet seeing your choice:

The Bottom Line

From pilot to boardroom, investors to politicians, and OEMs to maintenance techs - this is an issue that will be wrestled to death, but ultimately, and quite frankly, leaves too much money on the table if it’s not pursued. All this to say, it’s coming and will happen, but how ready will we be when they roll it out? Maybe I’m wrong, and maybe there’s a niche market to open up for “non-automated” travelers; they’ll be the ones at the “TSA Secondary Screening!”. I kid, I kid.

References:

[1]: Tangwen Yin, Dan Huang, Shan Fu, "Intrinsic Determinants and Harmonic Measure of Flight Safety," IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 2020. Intrinsic Determinants and Harmonic Measure of Flight Safety | IEEE Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore

[2]: G. Read, Alison O’Brien, N. Stanton, P. Salmon, "What is going on? Contributory factors to automation-related aviation incidents and accidents," Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 2020.
What is going on? Contributory factors to automation-related aviation incidents and accidents - Gemma J. M. Read, Alison O’Brien, Neville A. Stanton, Paul M. Salmon, 2020 (sagepub.com)

[3]: Robert J. de Boer, S. Dekker, "Models of Automation Surprise: Results of a Field Survey in Aviation," Safety, 2017.
Models of Automation Surprise: Results of a Field Survey in Aviation (semanticscholar.org)

Blueprint for Success

In all sincerity, in today’s day and age, you don’t have to do much to be ahead of the competition. This goes from the top to the bottom, from white collar to blue collar. My opinion is fighting in the same weight-class as most everyone else, but allow me to punch-up for just a moment.

My theory on why it’s easier to get ahead of our peers today? Reading. Read one hour a day, every day, and watch the results compound. It goes without saying, it’s important what we are reading.

I do tend to belabor certain points, and so does Charlie Munger, Warren Buffetts business partner. So here’s yet another quote from the Oracle’s right hand:

The 17-Minute Focus Fix by Andrew Huberman

I have gotten more use from the below than I care to admit. Why? Because the older I get the grittier I get, but I am more prone to lose focus. This helps me recenter and get back on track. It’s neuroscience, not pseudoscience - and that’s why I appreciate it.

Stanford's Andrew Huberman has a 17-minute solution that's more neuroscience than the usual hype. It's not just about productivity; it's about rewiring your attention span, and with the way smart phones have altered our brains - it’s imperative for deal-making, negotiating, flying, and just being with our families, that we are sharper than most. Good for ADHD, good for age-related focus issues, good for all.

Video:

Ace

The strong, silent type. Like Gary Cooper. Look through the 32 other weekly editions for all of the Ace story. He’s been around - and a few have said Ace is the reason they keep opening these newsletters! He’s a based, red-blooded, and hard-working American.

We don’t ask for anything to cover the cost of this newsletter, much to my wife’s chagrin, but I digress. With that said - please share this newsletter with someone in aviation. I am grateful for any shares - thank you in advance!

Recommended Reading (I read these):