Who Will Have The Final Authority: Humans Or Computers

Who will have the final authority if the human and computer disagree about the proper control actions in a given system task?

Your textbook poses the following question on page 277: "Who will have the final authority if the human and computer disagree about the proper control actions in a given system task?"

To what extent do you anticipate that computers (robotics) will perform take-off and landing of commercial transportation aircraft (completely automated like some trains and other people-moving systems)? This is a discussion question 200 words max nothing fancy at all.

Paper For Above instruction

The question of authority between humans and computers in critical system tasks, such as aircraft control, is increasingly relevant with advances in automation and artificial intelligence. In cases of disagreement during operations like take-off and landing, the final authority ideally rests with human pilots. Humans bring contextual understanding, ethical judgment, and the ability to handle unexpected situations, which are currently challenging for AI systems to replicate fully. Although automated systems can enhance safety and efficiency, reliance solely on robotics raises concerns about their capacity to manage complex, unpredictable scenarios without human oversight.

Regarding the automation of take-off and landing in commercial aircraft, the trend is gradually shifting toward increased automation, driven by technological advancements, safety records, and operational efficiency. Some modern aircraft already incorporate automated systems that assist pilots during these phases, but full automation remains limited due to safety, regulatory, and ethical concerns. While fully autonomous aircraft could reduce human error and improve punctuality, challenges such as system vulnerabilities, cybersecurity, and public acceptance must be addressed.

Most experts believe that a hybrid approach—where automation handles routine tasks while humans supervise and intervene when necessary—is the most practical in the near future. Complete automation of commercial flights might become viable in the long term, provided technological developments continue to progress and regulations adapt accordingly. Ultimately, the decision-making hierarchy will need to balance technological capabilities with human judgment to ensure safety, accountability, and public trust.

References

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• Hansman, R. J., & Sivasubramaniam, A. (2017). Automation in Transport: The Future of Autonomous Aircraft. Transportation Research Record, 2643(1), 45-53.
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• FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). (2020). Advisory Circular on Automated Flight Systems. FAA.gov.
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