Navigating safety intelligence in aviation compliance
Advanced technologies have taken centre stage in 2024 and the aviation industry is increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance safety and compliance management.
Paul Sandström, COO and co-founder at Web Manuals, a leader in digital documentation for aviation, spoke to FINN about the challenges and opportunities in this area of the aviation sector.
In today’s aviation landscape, operators and airlines are faced with navigating hundreds of pages of safety information daily. With an abundance of regulatory, commercial, technical and operational components within a single library of safety manuals, the introduction of large language model (LLM) AI tools offers huge productivity gains, helping to source relevant details in a matter of seconds.
To successfully leverage AI, airlines need to implement strategic measures to ensure that its benefits are maximised without presenting potential risks.
Enhancing Efficiency and Safety
The goal of digitised compliance management is to ensure safe operations. AI search tools play a vital role by providing timely and accurate information to pilots, crew and maintenance personnel, helping inform faster decision-making.
AI tools can quickly identify regulatory changes and ensure that all staff are updated with the latest guidelines.
It can help manage information overload by efficiently sifting through vast amounts of data. By consolidating the most important aspects, AI provides all the relevant information when needed, reducing the risk of non-compliance and contributing to operational safety.
Furthermore, AI search tools can quickly locate specific sections or regulations within digital compliance manuals, saving valuable time. Users can simply pose questions and receive descriptive answers from within their manuals, helping them make safe and well-informed decisions. This is particularly beneficial in dynamic situations where quick decision-making is essential.
For example, in the context of Web Manuals’ capabilities, AI can help pilots understand if there are any applicable safety notices that are relevant to flight procedures by providing a summarised response based on sources referencing relevant content from their manuals.
AI’s predictive capabilities can also help assess and mitigate risks before they escalate. By analysing historical data and identifying patterns, AI can forecast potential safety issues and recommend proactive measures, allowing airlines to address risks in advance and thereby assuring passenger safety.
Limitations and Risks of AI in Safety Intelligence
Despite its advantages, AI is not without limitations and risks. While AI can be used as a complementary tool to support staff with day-to-day responsibilities, AI should not replace human intelligence. AI systems have the potential to produce biased or incorrect outcomes based on its source material. For aviation safety, such errors could have serious implications.
In the case of Web Manuals’ tool Amelia AI, it only produces results based on a customer’s existing library of manuals and documents. It won’t pull information from other sources, eliminating the risk of misinformation.
Measures for Successful AI Implementation
To harness the power of AI effectively, rigorous testing and validation are crucial to ensure accuracy and reliability. This involves continuous monitoring and updating of AI algorithms to address any biases or errors.
Comprehensive training programs for employees are essential to facilitate the transition to AI-driven systems.
This includes technical training to support employees as they navigate new technologies. Investing in ongoing education and professional development for users will be critical to maintaining a workforce capable of leveraging AI effectively.
AI-driven search tools represent a significant advancement in aviation safety and compliance management.
While the integration of AI poses challenges, strategic measures can mitigate these concerns and unlock its full potential. By investing in rigorous testing, comprehensive training, and ongoing talent development, aviation businesses can leverage AI to enhance efficiency, improve safety, and assure the well-being of their staff and passengers.
