FlightSafety Brings AI To Training

FlightSmart has teamed with IBM to create a “fully integrated training tool … designed to increase training effectiveness and enhance safety through automated, intelligent and objective training.” Translation: Artificial Intelligence is going to analyze your training mistakes and develop a personalized remediation program.

“FlightSmart will set a new higher standard for personalized, highly effective pilot training,” said David Davenport, president & CEO. “This revolutionary new approach employs Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to evaluate a pilot’s ability while performing critical tasks and maneuvers during all phases of flight. FlightSmart is then used to create a customized corrective action training path that addresses any identified deficiencies in order to increase proficiency and mastery.”

FlightSmart will give instructors “a comprehensive understanding of a pilot’s strengths and weaknesses through access to real time data, which objectively measures performance against the highest standard parameters,” which in turn allows them to “proactively address any deficiencies by optimizing the training curriculum and focusing on areas that need improvement.” FlightSafety points out that this is a better process than to continue training by repetition. Moreover, FlightSmart can use “advanced analytics and data collection from virtually any training medium.” You can run but you can't hide, apparently.

FlightSmart won’t be appearing at your local FBO right away. For now, it’s being rolled out for the U.S. Air Force’s T-6A training program at Columbus AFB. It will be used on “16 T-6A training devices, including Initial and Operational Flight Trainers.” From this test run, “FlightSmart will collect and analyze pilot performance data in order to improve instructor utilization and student proficiency advancement. The contract includes options to expand to other AETC bases that operate the aircraft.” FlightSafety says the program will expand into training of maintenance technicians and drone operators.