FAA’s AI-Assisted Airspace Tool Draws Scrutiny as CEO Stresses Humans Stay in Control

The FAA is rolling out an $875 million AI-assisted decision tool to modernize management of the nation’s congested airspace, betting that better forecasting can cut delays and cancellations without automating air traffic control itself. Air Space Intelligence CEO Phillip Buckendorf said the SMART platform synthesizes more than 200 data feeds—from weather to runway closures—to propose routing and scheduling options, while leaving separation and final calls to human traffic managers. The pilot will start at three Washington, D.C.-area airports, drawing pushback from Rep. Don Beyer, who warned against using constituents as “guinea pigs.” Former FAA controller Dave Riley called the effort a step forward but not a cure for systemic strains like controller staffing shortfalls. The FAA argues the tool will give managers the kind of predictive capabilities common in consumer apps; critics caution the benefits may be oversold amid broader capacity constraints.

Read more