Here’s a good question: who’s flying the plane, the pilot or the autopilot? Although it can’t be known exactly when the pilot is going to switch to autopilot, it can be assumed he will during the flight. But, even if he didn’t use the autopilot, human and machine are still working together to navigate through the clouds because computer-assisted flight systems are as integral to flying as a trained pilot is.
Electronic Control Systems
In order to build a computer capable of flying an airplane, an intense amount of coding needs to be done. Autopilots must be able to detect objects in the flight path, follow the flight route, and in some cases land the aircraft. This is done using the Electronic Control System (ECS), which is embedded in the cock pit.
Electronics Tutorials defines ECSs as the “physical interconnection of components, or parts, that gathers various amounts of information together with the aid of input devices such as sensors, responds in some way to this information and then uses electrical energy in the form of an output action to control a physical process or perform some type of mathematical operation on the signal.”
The high-tech coding that transforms one signal into another keeps millions of fliers safe every single day. Autopilot isn’t just a single application, but rather the entire ECS working to keep everyone safe and it begins with something as simple yet critical as an industrial PC board or computer-on-module platform, and grows to initiate and respond to a myriad of commands, as well as enact emergency safety precautions. It that makes you nervous, it shouldn’t. Human error is more likely than computer error, and yet with a human in the cockpit, you’re provided an extra level of security.
Recreating it as Practice
Fancy trying your hand building a cockpit? If you know coding and you can handle the peripherals, you could simulate the cockpit at home. Understand that unless you have millions of dollars, this won’t be a too-scale cockpit. Instead, it will be more RC-size than Boeing-size.
You’ll need a transmitter, a receiver, an electronic speed controller (ESC), a battery, motor, and a servos. You connect the pieces to build a small scale model airplane, which can be flown using the transmitter. For full detailed instructions, check out the guide on Instructables.com.
Jobs for Coders in the Aviation Industry
If coding and aviation are more than a hobby to you, you may want to consider getting a job in the field. There are a number of jobs that would be desirable to competent coders. Here’s is a sampling of those jobs:
• System Trouble-shooters – Diagnoses and remedies issues. It is important trouble-shooting be done quickly and efficiently, so pilots can get their aircraft back in the sky.
• Bench Technicians – Works on navigation and communication devices, such as radios, autopilots, and computers. Job requires advanced skills.
America is considered the industry leader in commercial airline safety. Although the rules regarding a pilot’s conduct and training are strict, it’s not just the pilots that have helped the country achieve this safety recognition. It’s also due to the airplane’s advanced components. Inside every American commercial aircraft, there is an ECS designed with safety in mind. Above all else, the most important thing is the safety of the humans onboard. So, next time you’re concerned about the autopilot, don’t be. It exists, so the place stays safe.
Written by Jane Brown
