AI is learning to fly airplanes — and aviation is starting to embrace it - CNN

Merlin Labs is testing an AI pilot system that uses natural language processing to listen to air traffic control instructions and respond verbally over the radio. The system is being trialed in a Cessna Caravan, a single-engine turboprop aircraft commonly used for regional transport and cargo. The development comes as aviation companies increasingly explore using artificial intelligence to automate various flight tasks, ranging from pre-flight checks to in-flight decision-making.

According to the company, the AI has been trained on thousands of hours of cockpit voice recordings and aviation phraseology databases. The tests are being conducted with a safety pilot onboard who can take over at any time. Several unnamed airlines and cargo operators have expressed interest in the technology for potential use in reducing pilot workload on long-haul flights.

The Merlin Labs testing represents one of the most advanced public demonstrations of conversational AI in aviation to date.