AI In Aircraft Maintenance
D.O.M. magazine contributing writer John Pawlicki discusses AI in aircraft maintenance in his Tech Talk article in our upcoming April issue. He discusses the evolution of AI use in aircraft maintenance beginning in the 1990s with computerized maintenance management systems and basic automated inspection tools to today’s use where AI is being used to analyze sensor data, identify patterns, optimize maintenance schedules, and support decision-making in aircraft maintenance.
For years, Cirrus has incorporated ballistic parachute systems on its aircraft. They can be deployed during emergencies to safely land the aircraft in an emergency. This typically allows the pilot and his or her passengers to safely land, although the aircraft is typically totaled upon landing on the ground.
Can you imagine if one day AI was deployed in general aviation aircraft to automatically land an aircraft at an airport should the pilot become incapacitated? With the push of a button, a passenger could push a switch to activate the system. AI would then take over. It would determine the status of the aircraft, find the nearest airport, communicate with air traffic control and other aircraft, and perform a safe landing without any input from the pilot.
We don’t need to wait for that day — that technology exists now!
Garmin announces it has received EASA certification for installation of its revolutionary Garmin Autoland and Garmin Autothrottle to the general aviation retrofit market, beginning with select G1000 NXi-equipped King Air 200 series aircraft. During normal operation, Autothrottle provides safety-enhancing features that can greatly reduce pilot workload in the cockpit. It provides automatic control of the engine power levers from takeoff to landing, keeping the power levers in the proper poser setting. Power settings are based on manufacturer or user-configurable climb, cruise and descent schedules.
Garmin Autoland takes safety to the next level. “The Garmin Autoland system determines the most optimal airport and runway, considering factors such as weather, fuel on board, runway surface and length, terrain, obstacles and more,” says Garmin. “In the event of an emergency, passengers can activate Autoland with the press of a button, located in the back of the center pedestal for easy access. Autoland will activate automatically if the system determines it is necessary. Once activated, the system calculates a flight path to the most suitable airport, initiates an approach to the runway and automatically lands the aircraft. The system takes into consideration a breadth of information and criteria and will automatically communicate with air traffic control (ATC) throughout the entire event, advising controllers and pilots operating near the aircraft of its location and intentions.”
You can read more about Garmin Autoland and Garmin Autothrottle by reading the full press release HERE.
Will you be attending MRO Americas in Atlanta April 8-10? There will be several sessions discussing AI and even Delta TechOps’ use of drones for aircraft inspection.
The D.O.M. magazine team will be at the show. We will be waling the show floor and looking for all the latest products and services for the MRO industry. We’re especially looking forward to witnessing the Aerospace Maintenance Council’s Competition (AMCCompetition.com). The Competition takes place on the exhibition floor at Booth 8248. Five-member teams will compete in 27 maintenance events intended to test skill and knowledge required of an aviation maintenance technician.
If you’ve never witnessed The Competition, I highly encourage you to do so! Make some time to see aircraft maintenance professionals, including students and military competitors, compete in a competitive friendly environment!
See you in Atlanta!
Thanks for reading, and we appreciate your feedback!
Joe