AI as a Future Team Partner in Aviation
The aviation industry is currently working intensively on the introduction of AI systems. Unlike traditional assistance systems, these systems can process large amounts of data, be trained based on that data, and thus adapt flexibly to new situations. They offer the potential to increase the efficiency of air traffic and relieve the workload on highly qualified professionals, while at the same time ensuring safety, transparency, and human control at all times.
“In the DLR LOKI project, we investigated how humans and AI systems can successfully cooperate in aviation. Our goal was to make this collaboration trustworthy, transparent, and user-centered,” says the project’s scientific director, Dr. Carmen Bruder of the DLR Institute of Aerospace Medicine.
The researchers developed a digital air traffic controller as an AI-supported team partner for air traffic control and an intelligent assistance system for pilots, and formulated recommendations for the safe introduction of trustworthy AI into aviation.
The Digital Air Traffic Controller in the Control Center
A key focus of the research was the digital air traffic controller DIRC (Digital Interactive Reliable Controller). Unlike traditional assistance systems, DIRC not only supports human controllers with information or recommendations but can also take over certain tasks independently. This allows for dynamic coordination with human air traffic controllers regarding which tasks are handled by the system.
Simulations showed that both human and digital air traffic controllers can efficiently divide their tasks. Together, they handled up to 25 percent more traffic than the current maximum volume specified for a given airspace sector. This research thus addresses a key challenge facing European air traffic: rising traffic volumes coupled with increasingly scarce staffing levels in air traffic control.
Cockpit Support: AI Helps with Decisions Under Time Pressure
In addition to air traffic controller assistance, the researchers have created the Intelligent Pilot Assistance System (IPAS), a demonstrator designed to support pilots in the cockpit.
The system is designed to support flight crews, particularly in time-critical situations, such as when selecting alternative flight routes or suitable alternate airports. The AI analyzes large amounts of relevant information and prepares it for decision-making. At the same time, the team investigated what information pilots need to understand and reliably evaluate the recommendations of an AI system.
How Trust in AI Systems Is Built
In addition to the technology, the project examined the conditions necessary for a trustworthy collaboration between humans and AI systems. The researchers analyzed the expectations and requirements of aviation personnel and evaluated how collaboration between humans and AI in aviation should be structured.
A key finding is that trust does not arise solely from a system’s performance. Transparent information about the AI’s capabilities and limitations, appropriate training opportunities, and the introduction of new features are crucial. Based on the project’s findings, key recommendations were formulated; taking these into account will ensure the successful introduction of AI systems in aviation.
The Next Steps Toward Practical Implementation
The findings form a foundation for the further development of AI systems in aviation and are being incorporated into the European discussion on the safe introduction of such systems.
“Systems like DIRC and IPAS can make air traffic more flexible, reliable, and efficient in the future—while maintaining a high level of safety and keeping people at the center,” says Carmen Bruder.
Participants in the LOKI Project
Participants included the DLR Institute of Aerospace Medicine, the DLR Institute of Flight Control, the DLR Institute for AI Safety, the DLR Institute of Software Technology, the DLR Institute of Data Science, and the DLR Institute of Air Traffic.
The project was carried out in close collaboration with companies and research institutions in the field, as well as government agencies. These include DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH, Austro Control GmbH, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Federal Association of the German Aviation Industry (BDL), the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA), and the University of Lübeck.
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Photo: DLR
