Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) applications within aerospace have demonstrated substantial growth, particularly in the context of control systems. As High Performance Computing (HPC) platforms continue to evolve, they are expected to replace current flight control or engine control computers, enabling increased computational capabilities. This shift will allow real-time AI applications, such as image processing and defect detection, to be seamlessly integrated into monitoring systems, providing real-time awareness and enhanced fault detection and accommodation. Furthermore, AI's potential in aerospace extends to control systems, where its application can range from full autonomy to enhancing human control through assistive features. AI, particularly deep reinforcement learning (DRL), can offer significant improvements in control systems, whether for autonomous operation or as an augmentative tool.

EASA envisions three stages of AI's rollout in aviation: systems that will assist pilots (2022–2025); human-machine collaboration in flying an aircraft, such as a "virtual" first officer (2025–2030); and autonomous commercial air transport, or, more colloquially, pilotless airliners that fly themselves (2035 and beyond). EASA broadly defines AI as "any technology that appears to emulate the performance of a human." Ultimately, the widespread deployment of AI in aviation comes down to a matter of trust, EASA stated. "A European ethical approach to AI is central to strengthen citizens' trust in the digital development and aims at building a competitive advantage for European companies," according to the EASA roadmap. "Only if AI is developed and used in a way that respects widely shared ethical values can it be considered trustworthy. Therefore, there is a need for ethical guidelines that build on the existing regulatory framework. In June 2018, the [European] Commission set up a High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence (AI HLEG), the general objective of which was to support the implementation of the European strategy on AI. This includes the elaboration of recommendations on future-related policy development and on ethical, legal and societal issues related to AI, including socio-economic challenges. In April 2019, the AI HLEG proposed the following seven key requirements for trustworthy AI, which were published in its report on Ethics Guidelines on Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence."

For years tech companies such as Amazon, Alphabet and Uber have promised us delivery drones bringing goods to our doorsteps in a matter of minutes. So why are they taking so long to arrive? If our skies are to become as crowded as our streets, airspace rules need updating to prevent accidents, terrorist attacks, and related problems, such as noise pollution. But that's easier said than done. According to a recent study by Nasa, the noise made by road traffic was "systematically judged to be less annoying" than the high-pitched buzzing made by drones.

We read with interest this week that Vodafone has just announced that they have developed the world's first Radio Positioning System (RPS) for drones. This new control system uses a 4G modem and SIM embedded within each drone to enable real-time tracking of the drone with up to 50 metre accuracy. The system is intended for use by drone operators helping them to identify and stay clear of unauthorized airspace zones. Authorized bodies such as air traffic control will be able to use the technology to repel unauthorized intrusions into controlled airspace. In addition to position monitoring the system can help drone pilots with beyond line of sight control.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is coming up with a law that'll require hobbyist and commercial drone pilots to acquire license before taking the drone flights. Plus, this new law will come in effect in 2019. The pilots have to sit for internet-based course and on the successful completion of the course will be provided with drone license. According to Bundesamt fur Zivilluftfahrt (BAZL), the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation, Switzerland and EU will apply these laws. "You ought to learn, where and how high you are allowed to fly your drone or what influence temperature and wind can have," stated BAZL communications Chief Urs Holderegger.

Drone technology is developing so quickly--and morphing into commercial uses never before contemplated--that aviation regulators are having trouble keeping pace. Air-safety authorities on both sides of the Atlantic have acknowledged that traditional rule making is too slow and rigid to cope with the rapidly expanding applications of the flying machines, from bridge inspections to land surveys to news photography. And the pressure to spell out exactly what's allowed and what isn't is growing as the industry booms. Millions of hobbyists already operate drones, and over the next few years businesses are projected to begin flying millions more in the U.S. alone. Now regulators are scrambling to draft new, more-nimble rules and procedures.