How Has Automation Transformed Aviation?

July 25, 2019

Matthew Borst

Over the past year, the aviation industry has consistently been in the news over unfortunate circumstances. One topic that has been highlighted as a potential failure point is automated systems in airplanes, which may negatively impact the development of these systems for future aircraft. In order to gain further insight into how automated systems have been integrated into planes over the last century, I reached out to a pilot in the industry who has spent years flying for multiple airlines, operating various airplane types from multiple manufacturers.

When was autopilot first implemented? What did it control?

Matthew Borst is a content editor at SAE International in the Global Products Group. Previously, he worked as a technical writer at Polaris Industries and was responsible for writing service manuals for various powersports products. He graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in Automotive Engineering. His interests include the latest automotive industry news, movies, hockey, and anything that keeps his two kids entertained.

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