# Artificial Intelligence in Aviation: New Professionals for New Technologies
## 4 Results
### Aviation Education and Industry Demand for AI Competencies  
In Block 4 of the proposed methodological approach (Figure 1), the new competencies needed for working with AI in the aviation industry are identified and defined. AI enables major improvements in aviation systems themselves while also transforming aviation education into a more student-centric, real-world learning experience with interactive AI technologies. This dual integration will be key to developing both AI-powered aviation systems and an AI-competent workforce. ICAO has called for integrating AI across all aspects of aviation, from operations to training. Its Next Generation of Aviation Professionals initiative [34] specifically emphasizes the need to prepare the coming workforce for increasingly AI-driven aviation ecosystems. Today, artificial intelligence is being integrated into the aviation industry in two main directions:  
Through direct integration into aviation technologies and operations;  
Through integration into aviation education and training. A brief description of both directions of AI implementation is shown in Table 2. The table has been meticulously curated, rooted in a thorough exploration of pertinent literature. T Augmenting this, we had detailed conversations with leading industry professionals to capture their first-hand knowledge and practical experiences within the frame of the \"Fundamentals of Design Competence for Our Digital Future\" project ([[https://tsi.lv/projects/fundamentals-of-design-competence-for-our-digital-future/](https://tsi.lv/projects/fundamentals-of-design-competence-for-our-digital-future/)]([https://tsi.lv/projects/fundamentals-of-design-competence-for-our-digital-future/](https://tsi.lv/projects/fundamentals-of-design-competence-for-our-digital-future/)) accessed on 7 August 2023). The integration of AI in aviation necessitates transforming aviation education programs to build two critical sets of competencies:  
1. Understanding AI Concepts and Applications in Aviation (NextTech)
2. Working Effectively with AI Systems (NextGen)  
The term \"NextGen\" refers to the new generation of aviation specialists and workers needed as the industry adopts innovative new technologies and faces shifting needs. The term \"NextTech\" refers to those new, leading-edge technologies being rapidly adopted across the aviation industry, especially artificial intelligence tools like machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and more. When discussing the first NextTech direction, aviation professionals will need foundational knowledge of the following:  
* Core AI approaches like machine learning, neural networks, and computer vision. * How these techniques can be specifically applied in flight operations, maintenance, air traffic control, etc. * AI system components, architecture, capabilities, and limitations. * Data requirements, integration needs, and infrastructure for implementing aviation AI. * Existing and emerging use cases of AI in the relevant aviation domain. Figure 3: The taxonomy of aviation areas with AI applications. When discussing the second NextGen direction, professionals must also gain new competencies required in an AI-augmented work environment:  
* Interpreting and critically evaluating AI system outputs. * Knowing when to rely on AI vs. human expertise. * Communicating and collaborating effectively with AI agents. * Maintaining ethical and responsible AI implementation practices. * Identifying challenges and limitations of AI systems in practice. * Adapting workflow to integrate AI tools into business processes. * Continuously monitoring AI system performance and improvements. Whereas previously, aviation professionals developed skills for tools and technologies of their era, integrating AI systems now necessitates new competencies uniquely tailored to the capabilities and constraints of modern AI. Aviation education programs must transform to adequately prepare students across both the conceptual AI knowledge