Will AI replace Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 110 official task statements scored for Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers (United Kingdom, SOC 3511), 18% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 31 out of 100 (range 26–37, band: low). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.

Which tasks in “Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers” can AI already do?

The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “File flight plans with authorities” (88/100, very high); “Write reports to document flight data for operational records” (88/100, very high); “Maintain relevant certificates and records for registrations and accreditations” (88/100, very high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.

Which tasks in “Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers” stay human?

About 65% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Maintain on-board equipment and perform minor repairs” (0/100, minimal); “Perform flight captain's duties when necessary” (0/100, minimal); “Prepare aircraft for the next flight to ensure operational readiness” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.

What should someone working in “Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 18% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 65% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.

How is the AI exposure score for Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers calculated?

Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 110 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

UK dataswitch to US

Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers

creating a flight plan for a specific journey, providing individual tuition on topics and managing aircraft as they approach the airport. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI is already taking a real slice of the routine work here: filing flight plans with authorities. That is a slice of tasks, not of you.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 18%
changing shape: 16%
staying human: 65%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

Whole-job exposure score 31 out of 100 (26–37 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, across 110 scored tasks. The number is the support for the sentence above it, not a headline about anyone’s future.

How we know this

What is measured: Every published task statement for aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

That slice is not coming back; the core of the job, performing safety checks on engines, stays yours. New tools, same person answering for it.

Your week, as this page understands it

Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers navigate and pilot aircraft, prepare flight plans, authorise flight departures and arrivals, maintain radio, radar and/or visual contact with aircraft to ensure the safe movement of air traffic, check, regulate, adjust and test engines and other equipment prior to take-off and give flying lessons. The job title says “aircraft pilots” or “air traffic controllers”: officially one job, two names. The real job is the part underneath: performing safety checks on engines. That is the thing someone has to be right about.

The exposed part of this job is specific, and we won’t pretend it is coming back. But aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers is not one task. It is 110 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is performing safety checks on engines, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 18%
changing shape: 16%
staying human: 65%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

How we know this

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

Your job, task by task

These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.

One row is marked low confidence, so treat it as a ballpark rather than a fine measurement.
6 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

Shifting to AI

22 tasks

Tasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.

Filing flight plans with authorities
This is reading one thing and writing another: flight plans in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 90 · 3511/01, 3511/03, 3511/04
Source: “File flight plans with authorities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 88 out of 100 (84–92 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Filing a flight plan is a standard electronic submission that software already sends automatically.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Recording flight times, distances flown and fuel consumption in log books
This is reading one thing and writing another: flight times, distances flown and fuel consumption in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 85 · 3511/01, 3511/03, 3511/04
Source: “Record flight times, distances flown, and fuel consumption in log books.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Flight and fuel figures are already captured electronically, so the writing-up is easy to automate; a licensed pilot still signs the record.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Verifying the accuracy of the flight plan
This is reading one thing and writing another: the accuracy of the flight plan in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 90 · 3511/01, 3511/04
Source: “Verify the accuracy of the flight plan, including route and weather conditions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Checking a plan against route and weather data is a desk comparison that software does quickly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Reviewing the planned route and contents of briefing sheets for flights
This is reading one thing and writing another: the planned route in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 85 · 3511/01, 3511/04
Source: “Review the planned route and contents of briefing sheets for flights.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Reading through a route and briefing pack is document checking that software handles well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.

Changing shape

16 tasks

Tasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.

Reviewing data, load weights, fuel supplies and weather conditions to determine flight plans
The software now makes the first pass at data, load weights, fuel supplies and weather conditions, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 90 · 3511/01, 3511/03, 3511/04
Source: “Review data including load weights, fuel supplies, and weather conditions to determine flight plans.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (52–60 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Weighing load, fuel and weather against a route is arithmetic that flight-planning systems do well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Selecting flight routes, altitudes and speeds for optimal safety, speed and comfort
The software now makes the first pass at flight routes, altitudes and speeds, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 90 · 3511/01, 3511/03, 3511/04
Source: “Select flight routes, altitudes, and speeds for optimal safety, speed, and comfort.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Picking the best route, height and speed is an optimisation problem software already solves well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Requesting changes in altitudes or routes as circumstances dictate
The software now makes the first pass at changes, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 3511/02, 3511/03, 3511/04
Source: “Request changes in altitudes or routes as circumstances dictate.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 40 out of 100 (33–47 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Asking for a level or route change follows clear rules, but a licensed controller makes the request.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Staying human

72 tasks

Tasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.

Performing safety checks on engines
This work happens in the physical world: safety checks, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 3511/01, 3511/03, 3511/04
Source: “Perform safety checks on engines, instruments, and systems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: These checks need hands and eyes on the actual engines and instruments, so they stay with the licensed person on the aircraft.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Coordinating flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for flight activities, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 90 · 3511/01, 3511/03, 3511/04
Source: “Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 23 out of 100 (16–30 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Much of this coordination is short standard messages, but the live back-and-forth around a moving aircraft is handled by licensed crew and controllers.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Regularlying monitor the aircraft's fuel
This work happens in the physical world: monitor the aircraft's fuel, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3511/01, 3511/03, 3511/04
Source: “Regularly monitor the aircraft's fuel, performance, position, weather conditions, and air traffic during flight.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 12 out of 100 (8–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Aircraft systems already track fuel, position and weather, though a pilot on board must be watching.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Show the other 100 tasks

Writing reports to document flight data for operational records
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: reports in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 85 · 3511/01
Source: “Write reports to document flight data for operational records.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 88 out of 100 (84–92 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Turning recorded flight data into a written record is routine, well-templated writing.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Maintaining relevant certificates and records for registrations and accreditations
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: relevant certificates in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3511/01, 3511/04
Source: “Maintain relevant certificates and records for registrations and accreditations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 88 out of 100 (84–92 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Tracking licence and certificate expiry dates is structured record-keeping that software handles reliably and prompts on automatically.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Completing daily activity reports for operational monitoring
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: activity reports in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 85 · 3511/02
Source: “Complete daily activity reports for operational monitoring.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 88 out of 100 (84–92 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Daily operational reports pull together numbers that systems already hold, making them easy to generate automatically.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Maintaining flight operations records of incoming and outgoing flights
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: flight operations records in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 3511/02
Source: “Maintain flight operations records of incoming and outgoing flights.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 88 out of 100 (84–92 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Movement records are structured data already held in airline and airport systems, so keeping them up to date is straightforward to automate.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Maintaining records or reports as required under UK law
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: records in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 3511/02
Source: “Maintain records or reports as required under UK law.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 88 out of 100 (84–92 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Keeping records to a set legal format is exactly the kind of paperwork software handles.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Writing reports to document flight data for maintenance and safety
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: reports in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 3511/04
Source: “Write reports to document flight data for maintenance and safety.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 88 out of 100 (84–92 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing up flight data for maintenance and safety records is routine document work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Creating a flight plan for a specific journey
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: a flight plan in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 95 · 3511/01
Source: “Create a flight plan for a specific journey.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Route, fuel and timing planning is calculation over published data, which flight-planning software already handles.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Relaying departure, arrival, delay, aircraft and airfield status to upline controlling agencies
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: departure, arrival, delay, aircraft and airfield status in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 85 · 3511/02
Source: “Relay departure, arrival, delay, aircraft and airfield status to upline controlling agencies.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Passing movement and status data between agencies is standard message traffic that aviation systems already exchange automatically.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Reviewing records for completeness, accuracy and compliance with regulations
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: records in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 3511/02
Source: “Review records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with regulations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Checking records against rules is exactly the sort of pattern work machines do well, though a named postholder still answers for compliance.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Identifying and adjusting flight schedules to ensure compliance with training and safety requirements
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: flight schedules in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3511/03, 3511/04
Source: “Identify and adjust flight schedules to ensure compliance with training and safety requirements.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Fitting schedules around training and safety rules is exactly what rostering software optimises.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Calculating fuel requirements for vehicles or machinery
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: fuel requirements in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 3511/04
Source: “Calculate fuel requirements for vehicles or machinery.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Fuel requirement is a published calculation from weight, distance and conditions.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Completing paperwork related to flights
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: paperwork in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 3511/04
Source: “Complete paperwork related to flights.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Flight paperwork follows fixed formats and is largely produced by systems already, though the licensed commander still checks and signs key documents.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Determining load weights and checking them against lifting capacities to prevent overload
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: load weights in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 3511/04
Source: “Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Working out weights against limits is arithmetic on published figures, which software does reliably, though the commander accepts the final load sheet.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Compiling information from radar observations about flights
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: information in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 90 · 3511/02
Source: “Compile information from radar observations about flights.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (65–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Pulling flight information together from radar feeds is data handling that systems already do.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing recommendations for course revision
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: recommendations in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 3511/03
Source: “Develop recommendations for course revision, development, or discontinuation based on evaluations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Turning evaluation data into recommendations about a course is well-documented analysis that software drafts capably for a training manager to approve.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reviewing instructional content and methods to assess strengths and weaknesses
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: instructional content in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 3511/03
Source: “Review instructional content and methods to assess strengths and weaknesses.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reviewing course material and teaching methods is desk work with plenty of written evidence, so machines can produce a solid draft review.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Making flight announcements using public address systems
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: flight announcements in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 3511/01
Source: “Make flight announcements using public address systems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Standard announcements are scripted and already delivered by recorded or synthesised voice on many aircraft, though a crew member triggers them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Deciding on carrying additional fuel based on weather information from flight planning
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: carrying additional fuel in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 85 · 3511/01
Source: “Decide on carrying additional fuel based on weather information from flight planning.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 63 out of 100 (56–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: The extra-fuel calculation is routine maths, though the final call is legally the commander's.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Ensuring passenger numbers and aircraft weights are within limits
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at passenger numbers, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 3511/01
Source: “Ensure passenger numbers and aircraft weights are within limits.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (52–60 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Load sheets and weight limits are arithmetic that departure control systems already produce.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Reporting any incidents to ensure proper documentation and response
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at any incidents, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 3511/01, 3511/04
Source: “Report any incidents to ensure proper documentation and response.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Incident reports follow set formats and can be drafted automatically, but the crew member involved is legally the one who must report.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Considering airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights and wind speeds to calculate takeoff
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at airport altitudes, outside temperatures, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 50 · 3511/03, 3511/04
Source: “Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds to calculate takeoff speed.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (52–60 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Take-off speed comes from a published performance calculation that onboard software already produces.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Assessing actual and forecasting weather conditions and communicating implications to the aircraft
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at actual, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 90 · 3511/01, 3511/04
Source: “Assess actual and forecast weather conditions and communicate implications to the aircraft, flight crew and wider team.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 53 out of 100 (46–60 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Weather data is abundant and machines interpret it well, but the licensed commander still owns the go/no-go call and briefs the crew.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Operating equipment, computers or audio-visual aids to supplement presentations
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at equipment, computers or audio-visual aids, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 3511/03
Source: “Operate equipment such as computers or audio-visual aids to supplement presentations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 53 out of 100 (46–60 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Running slides and screens during a briefing is routine and largely automatable, though someone is usually in the room to set it up.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Organising flight or traffic management plans for planes entering assigned airspace
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at flight, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 3511/02
Source: “Organise flight or traffic management plans for planes entering assigned airspace.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 47 out of 100 (40–54 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Sequencing traffic into a sector is a planning calculation that flow-management tools already assist.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Complying with flight time limitations applicable to their activities
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at flight time limitations applicable, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 90 · 3511/01, 3511/04
Source: “Comply with flight time limitations applicable to their activities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 46 out of 100 (39–53 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Rostering software already tracks duty hours against published limits, so most of the checking is done.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Informing pilots about potentially hazardous weather conditions
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at pilots, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 90 · 3511/02
Source: “Inform pilots about potentially hazardous weather conditions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 44 out of 100 (37–51 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Weather warnings come from published feeds, but passing them to pilots is a controller's regulated duty.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Using audio-visual aids and technologies to present information interactively
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at audio-visual aids, but the part that matters is a person saying it and standing behind it. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 3511/03
Source: “Use audio-visual aids and technologies to present information interactively.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: AI builds and runs interactive briefing material easily; the instructor still needs to read the room and hold the group's attention.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Arranging for major aircraft maintenance
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at major aircraft maintenance, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 3511/01, 3511/04
Source: “Arrange for major aircraft maintenance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 42 out of 100 (35–49 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Booking heavy maintenance is scheduling and paperwork that planning systems already handle.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reporting incidents or accidents around the aircraft or airfield
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at incidents, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 3511/01
Source: “Report incidents or accidents around the aircraft or airfield, adhering to reporting protocols.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 42 out of 100 (38–46 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Writing up an incident to a set reporting format is straightforward document work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Controlling airport lighting systems
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at airport lighting systems, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 3511/02
Source: “Control airport lighting systems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 42 out of 100 (35–49 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Airfield lighting is switched from a console and much of it already runs on automatic schedules.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Alerting airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at airport emergency services, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 95 · 3511/02
Source: “Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 40 out of 100 (33–47 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Raising the alarm is a fast, rule-driven step that systems can trigger, though the licensed controller carries the duty to make the call.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Conducting pre-flight briefings on weather conditions and flight safety information
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for pre-flight briefings, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 80 · 3511/02
Source: “Conduct pre-flight briefings on weather conditions and flight safety information.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 39 out of 100 (32–46 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Briefing packs are already assembled automatically from weather and notice data, though the captain delivers the briefing and owns the decisions in it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Allocating final cruising level for aircraft
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for final cruising level, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 90 · 3511/02
Source: “Allocate final cruising level for aircraft.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Choosing a cruising level is a solvable planning problem, but the instruction comes from a licensed controller.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Determining the specific timing and procedures for implementing flight vector changes
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for the specific timing and procedures, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 90 · 3511/02
Source: “Determine the specific timing and procedures for implementing flight vector changes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Timing a vector change is calculable, yet the law reserves the instruction to a licensed controller.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring flight procedures and techniques for safety and efficiency
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for flight procedures, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 90 · 3511/01, 3511/04
Source: “Monitor flight procedures and techniques for safety and efficiency.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 36 out of 100 (29–43 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Flight data is analysed by software very effectively, but judgements about crew technique are signed off by licensed examiners inside the airline.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Understanding and interpreting data from instruments and controls
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for data, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 90 · 3511/01
Source: “Understand and interpret data from instruments and controls.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 35 out of 100 (28–42 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Machines read instrument data well, but in the cockpit or control room a licensed person must interpret it and act on it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Transferring control of departing flights to air traffic control centres and accept control of arriving flights
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for control of departing flights, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 90 · 3511/02
Source: “Transfer control of departing flights to air traffic control centres and accept control of arriving flights.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 32 out of 100 (25–39 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Handovers follow a fixed protocol and are already partly electronic, but remain a licensed controller's act.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Informing pilots about nearby planes
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for pilots, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 85 · 3511/02
Source: “Inform pilots about nearby planes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 32 out of 100 (25–39 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Collision-warning systems already do this, but the spoken traffic call is a licensed controller's act.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Instructing pilots to maintain a traffic pattern until landing space is available
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for pilots, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 85 · 3511/02
Source: “Instruct pilots to maintain a traffic pattern until landing space is available.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 32 out of 100 (25–39 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Holding instructions follow a clear rule, though only a licensed controller may issue them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Instructing aircraft to climb or descend
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for aircraft, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 95 · 3511/02
Source: “Instruct aircraft to climb or descend.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 24 out of 100 (20–28 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Height instructions come from a screen, but the law reserves the instruction to a licensed controller.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring airspace to ensure minimum distances between aircraft
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for airspace, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 95 · 3511/02
Source: “Monitor airspace to ensure minimum distances between aircraft are maintained.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 24 out of 100 (20–28 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Conflict-alert software already watches the picture, but keeping aircraft apart is legally the job of a licensed controller, not a machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Tracking and guiding aircraft at higher altitudes through a sector from a regional control centre
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for aircraft, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 85 · 3511/02
Source: “Track and guide aircraft at higher altitudes through a sector from a regional control centre.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 24 out of 100 (20–28 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: En-route control is done at a screen, but the law reserves the instructions to a licensed controller.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Noting any technical defects and incidents with the aircraft in the technical log at the beginning and end of the flight
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: any technical defects, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3511/01
Source: “Note any technical defects and incidents with the aircraft in the technical log at the beginning and end of the flight.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 23 out of 100 (16–30 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: The entry can be drafted from system data, but signing the technical log is the commander's legal act.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ordering changes in fuel supplies
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for changes, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 80 · 3511/01, 3511/03, 3511/04
Source: “Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 23 out of 100 (16–30 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Changing fuel, load or route is a safety decision the licensed captain must own.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Overseeing and managing the efficient movement of aircraft
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for the efficient movement of aircraft, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 90 · 3511/02
Source: “Oversee and manage the efficient movement of aircraft, ensuring compliance with operational standards and performance requirements.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 23 out of 100 (16–30 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Software already helps sequence aircraft, but the person directing movements must hold a controller's licence and answer for every decision.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Adapting teaching techniques to the age and skill levels of students
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for techniques, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 90 · 3511/03
Source: “Adapt teaching techniques to the age and skill levels of students.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 23 out of 100 (16–30 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Software can suggest different explanations, but judging what a particular learner needs happens live in the cockpit or classroom with an approved instructor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Assessing pupils' work in educational and instructional settings
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for pupils' work, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 70 · 3511/03
Source: “Assess pupils' work in educational and instructional settings.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 23 out of 100 (19–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Marking flying progress and tests must be done by an authorised instructor or examiner, because the result decides whether someone may fly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Preparing and implementing remedial programmes for students requiring extra help
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for remedial programmes, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 70 · 3511/03
Source: “Prepare and implement remedial programmes for students requiring extra help.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 23 out of 100 (16–30 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: A remedial training plan can be drafted by machine, but delivering the extra flying practice needs an approved instructor working with that student.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying and immediately reporting any incidents and defects with the aircraft
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: reporting any incidents, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3511/01, 3511/04
Source: “Identify and immediately report any incidents and defects with the aircraft, tooling or test equipment to the relevant authority.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 22 out of 100 (15–29 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Spotting a defect takes eyes on the aircraft, even though writing the report afterwards is easy.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Managing unscheduled traffic disruptions
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for unscheduled traffic disruptions, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 75 · 3511/02
Source: “Manage unscheduled traffic disruptions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 22 out of 100 (15–29 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Disruption means unusual situations where a controller has to improvise under pressure.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Briefing crews about flight details
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: crews, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3511/01, 3511/03, 3511/04
Source: “Brief crews about flight details, such as destinations, duties, and responsibilities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: The briefing content writes itself from flight data, but crews expect a real captain to deliver it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Providing flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots in bad weather or emergencies
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for flight path changes, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 85 · 3511/02
Source: “Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots in bad weather or emergencies.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Diverting an aircraft in an emergency is a judgement call reserved to a licensed controller.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Directing ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or luggage vehicles or airport workers
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 80 · 3511/02
Source: “Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or luggage vehicles, or airport workers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Directing vehicles and aircraft on the ground depends on seeing what is happening outside.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Inputting the flight route into the flight management computer using the flight plan
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the flight route, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3511/01
Source: “Input the flight route into the flight management computer using the flight plan.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 19 out of 100 (12–26 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Route data is already uplinked to aircraft computers, but someone in the cockpit loads and checks it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Adhering to European Aviation Safety Agency
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: european aviation safety agency, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 3511/01, 3511/04
Source: “Adhere to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) operations regulations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Software can look up the rules, but a licensed pilot has to apply them while running the aircraft.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Following UK Air Navigation Order and Aeronautical Information Publication guidelines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: UK air navigation order, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 3511/01, 3511/04
Source: “Follow UK Air Navigation Order and Aeronautical Information Publication guidelines.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: The rulebook is public and searchable, but following it in the aircraft is the licensed pilot's duty.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Giving clearance for aircraft to land and taking off from the control tower
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for clearance, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 95 · 3511/02
Source: “Give clearance for aircraft to land and take off from the control tower.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (14–22 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Issuing a clearance is legally an act only a licensed controller may perform.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Issuing landing and take-off authorisations or instructions
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for take-off authorisations, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 95 · 3511/02
Source: “Issue landing and take-off authorisations or instructions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (14–22 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Only a licensed controller may lawfully authorise a landing or take-off.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Maintaining radio and radar contact with aircraft
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for radio, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 85 · 3511/02
Source: “Maintain radio and radar contact with aircraft.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 17 out of 100 (13–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Talking to aircraft on frequency is the licensed controller's own act; only a licensed person may provide that service.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Guiding pilots to the correct taxi positions on stands and runways
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for pilots, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 90 · 3511/02
Source: “Guide pilots to the correct taxi positions on stands and runways.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 16 out of 100 (9–23 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Taxi guidance depends on watching the airfield and is legally a licensed controller's instruction.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Coordinating searches for missing aircraft
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for searches, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 85 · 3511/02
Source: “Coordinate searches for missing aircraft.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 16 out of 100 (9–23 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Search coordination pulls together several agencies in real time under a controller's authority.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Providing individual tuition on topics
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: individual tuition, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3511/03
Source: “Provide individual tuition on topics such as cooking, dancing, writing, physical fitness, photography, personal finance, and flying.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 16 out of 100 (4–28 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, low confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: One-to-one tuition works through a personal relationship built over repeated sessions with the learner.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Planning or conducting activities for an instructional programme that balances demonstration
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: activities, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3511/03
Source: “Plan or conduct activities for an instructional programme that balances demonstration, instruction, and work time.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 15 out of 100 (8–22 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Lesson plans can be drafted by machine, but running the sessions means being there with learners in the classroom, simulator or aircraft.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Checking data during the flight to ensure accuracy
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: data during the flight, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3511/01
Source: “Check data during the flight to ensure accuracy.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (7–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Checking figures is easy for software, but this checking happens in the cockpit during flight.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Managing aircraft as they approach the airport
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for aircraft, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 90 · 3511/02
Source: “Manage aircraft as they approach the airport.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (9–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Only a licensed air traffic controller may give approach instructions to aircraft, so this cannot legally be handed to software.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Confirming the aircraft is following its planned navigation route and maintaining safe terrain clearance
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the aircraft is following its planned navigation route, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 3511/01, 3511/04
Source: “Confirm the aircraft is following its planned navigation route and maintaining safe terrain clearance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 12 out of 100 (8–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Navigation and terrain systems already do this checking, but a licensed pilot in the cockpit confirms it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Crosschecking flight instrument indications, including attitude, altitude, speed and heading
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: flight instrument indications, including attitude, altitude, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3511/01, 3511/04
Source: “Cross-check flight instrument indications, including attitude, altitude, speed, and heading.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 12 out of 100 (8–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Instrument comparison is automated in modern aircraft, but the pilot doing it must be in the seat.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Conducting regular checks to ensure all safety systems are operational
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: regular checks, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3511/01
Source: “Conduct regular checks to ensure all safety systems are operational.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 11 out of 100 (4–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Testing safety systems means being in the aircraft operating switches and watching the indications.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Responding to emergency calls to manage air traffic incidents
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for emergency calls, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 90 · 3511/02
Source: “Respond to emergency calls to manage air traffic incidents.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 11 out of 100 (4–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Emergencies are unpredictable and the response is legally a licensed controller's.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Checking aircraft instruments before flights for proper functioning
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft instruments before flights, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3511/03, 3511/04
Source: “Check aircraft instruments before flights for proper functioning.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 11 out of 100 (4–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Pre-flight instrument checks mean sitting in the cockpit operating switches and reading the displays.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Checking the helicopter's equipment and instruments
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the helicopter's equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3511/04
Source: “Check the helicopter's equipment and instruments.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 11 out of 100 (4–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Checking a helicopter's kit and instruments means hands and eyes on the aircraft.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Instructing other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: other pilots, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 3511/03
Source: “Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (3–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Flight instruction happens in the aircraft with a licensed instructor sitting beside the student.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Teaching students individually and in groups
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: students, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3511/03
Source: “Teach students individually and in groups, adapting teaching methods to their needs and interests.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (6–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Flight training must be delivered by an approved instructor, and much of it happens in the aircraft with the learner alongside.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Adjusting the flight route if necessary for safety
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: this work, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3511/01
Source: “Adjust the flight route if necessary for safety.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Systems can suggest a new route, but changing course in flight is a decision made aboard.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reacting quickly and appropriately to environmental changes and emergencies
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: this work, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3511/01
Source: “React quickly and appropriately to environmental changes and emergencies.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Handling a real emergency means a licensed pilot or controller acting on the spot, with legal responsibility for the decision.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Confirming with the refuellers how much fuel you're taking for the flight
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the refuellers how much fuel you're, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3511/01
Source: “Confirm with the refuellers how much fuel you're taking for the flight.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: This is a short face-to-face confirmation on the ramp with the refueller.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ensuring noise regulations are followed during take-off and landing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: noise regulations are followed during take-, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3511/01
Source: “Ensure noise regulations are followed during take-off and landing.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Meeting noise rules depends on how the pilot actually flies the departure and approach.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ensuring safe manoeuvring of aircraft
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: safe manoeuvring of aircraft, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3511/02
Source: “Ensure safe manoeuvring of aircraft, vehicles, and personnel airside.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Keeping the apron safe depends on watching what is actually moving on the ground.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Checking equipment to ensure that it is operating and functioning correctly
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3511/04
Source: “Check equipment to ensure that it is operating and functioning correctly.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Confirming kit actually works means being in front of it and operating it, even though self-test systems can report faults.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ensuring luggage is correctly loaded onto the designated aircraft
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: luggage is correctly, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 3511/04
Source: “Ensure luggage is correctly loaded onto the designated aircraft.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Getting the right bags onto the right aircraft is physical loading work on the ramp.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Conducting emergency drills as required by regulations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: emergency drills, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3511/01, 3511/04
Source: “Conduct emergency drills as required by regulations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Drills mean people physically practising emergency actions together.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Providing on-the-job training to new air traffic controllers
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for on-the-job, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 80 · 3511/02
Source: “Provide on-the-job training to new air traffic controllers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Trainee controllers learn by working live traffic beside an experienced mentor who takes responsibility.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Carrying out pre-flight checks to ensure aircraft safety
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: pre-flight checks, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 3511/01
Source: “Carry out pre-flight checks to ensure aircraft safety.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (2–10 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Checking an aircraft before flight means walking round it and signing for it as the licensed commander, so software cannot take that over.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Communicating with air traffic control during flights
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: air traffic control during flights, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 3511/01, 3511/04
Source: “Communicate with air traffic control during flights.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 5 out of 100 (0–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Radio exchanges happen live from the flight deck, and only the licensed pilot on board can hold them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Maintaining regular communication with the cabin crew throughout the flight
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: regular communication, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3511/01
Source: “Maintain regular communication with the cabin crew throughout the flight.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 4 out of 100 (0–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Talking with cabin crew during a flight needs a person on board the aircraft.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Supervising flight crew members to ensure safety and compliance with aviation regulations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: flight crew members, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3511/01, 3511/03, 3511/04
Source: “Supervise flight crew members to ensure safety and compliance with aviation regulations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 4 out of 100 (0–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Supervising a crew means being on the flight deck with them during the operation.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Conducting practical classes or demonstrations to teach specific skills
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: practical classes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3511/03
Source: “Conduct practical classes or demonstrations to teach specific skills.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 3 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Demonstrating how to fly happens in the aircraft or simulator with an approved instructor and a learner watching, so software cannot stand in.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Evaluating other pilots or pilot-licence applicants for proficiency
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: other pilots, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3511/03
Source: “Evaluate other pilots or pilot-licence applicants for proficiency.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 3 out of 100 (0–10 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Testing a pilot's flying skill is legally an examiner's act carried out in the aircraft or simulator.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Piloting aeroplanes to transport passengers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aeroplanes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 3511/01
Source: “Pilot aeroplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Flying an aeroplane means being at the controls, and nothing sold to airlines today replaces that.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Piloting aircraft to transport passengers and cargo safely
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 3511/01
Source: “Pilot aircraft to transport passengers and cargo safely.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Carrying passengers and cargo means physically flying the aircraft, which stays with the crew on board.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Starting aircraft and monitoring instruments to detect any malfunctions
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 3511/01
Source: “Start aircraft and monitor instruments to detect any malfunctions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Someone has to be in the cockpit working the controls and watching the gauges, so this stays with the pilot.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Starting engines and operating controls of aeroplanes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: engines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 3511/01, 3511/03
Source: “Start engines and operate controls of aeroplanes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Starting engines and working the controls is hands-on work in the cockpit.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Using instruments to navigate during flights
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: instruments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 3511/01, 3511/03, 3511/04
Source: “Use instruments to navigate during flights.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Navigating in flight means operating the aircraft's instruments from the flight deck in person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Steering aircraft along planned routes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft along planned routes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3511/01
Source: “Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Even on autopilot, steering the aircraft means a pilot physically at the controls.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Regulating aircraft engine speed using control panels
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft engine, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3511/01, 3511/04
Source: “Regulate aircraft engine speed using control panels.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Setting engine power means hands on the throttles in the cockpit.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Inspecting airframes for wear or other defects
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: airframes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3511/01
Source: “Inspect airframes for wear or other defects.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Spotting wear and damage means physically going over the airframe by hand and eye, which software cannot do.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Acting as co-pilot on aircraft
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: co-pilot, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 3511/03, 3511/04
Source: “Act as co-pilot on aircraft as required.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Being the co-pilot means physically occupying the seat and flying the aircraft.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Preparing aircraft for the next flight to ensure operational readiness
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3511/04
Source: “Prepare aircraft for the next flight to ensure operational readiness.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Turning an aircraft round for its next flight is hands-on work at the aircraft.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Performing flight captain's duties
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: flight captain's duties, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3511/04
Source: “Perform flight captain's duties when necessary.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Commanding a flight means being physically in the captain's seat.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Maintaining on-board equipment and performing minor repairs
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: on-board equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 3511/04
Source: “Maintain on-board equipment and perform minor repairs.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fixing and maintaining equipment on board needs hands on the parts.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: £82,700a year, before tax, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.ashe-t14, 2025 · ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
How we know this
Source: ashe-t14
Reference period: ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)
Rounding: Shown to the nearest £100. The exact published figure is in the downloadable dataset. We do not render pounds the survey cannot support.
People doing this job: 33,200in the UK, 2026.nomis-aps · Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period)This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.

What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.

Why this is shifting

The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: flight plans in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: filing flight plans with authorities and recording flight times, distances flown and fuel consumption in log books. What it cannot do is be answerable: safety checks need a named person the rules will accept, and software cannot be that person. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.

Your move

Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend

Start with what does not change: performing safety checks on engines is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 18% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 16% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 65% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 110 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

So the thing worth your attention is not the job going away. It is the layer around it. Filing flight plans with authorities is the part turning into software, and being the person who understands that layer is worth money.

This week: one thing

Ask the one question. Find whoever is bringing new software into your workplace (the manager, the office, whoever runs the system) and ask them what it is meant to do to flight plans, and what it is not meant to touch. Ten minutes, this week, before anyone decides it for you.

What you end up holding: a straight answer about what is actually being rolled out, and when
How long it takes: ten minutes

If there’s nobody obvious to ask, or you’d rather not ask your manager: Put the same question to your union rep, your shift lead or the person who has been there longest, in person, over a break. Same ten minutes, same answer, and you will usually get a straighter one. Write down what they say. The note is the artifact, and it tells you whether safety checks are in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no licence needed.

Over the next 90 days

Get inside the tool rollout rather than waiting for it. Over the next ninety days, ask to be in the group that tests, checks or signs off whatever new system arrives near reviewing data, load weights, fuel supplies and weather conditions to determine flight plans. It is usually an unglamorous seat that nobody fights for, and it is the one that decides how the software is used on your job rather than to it.

Over the next 12 months

On this evidence I would not retrain out of this job, and I will say that plainly rather than hedge it. The task list here is dominated by work that stays with a person. What I would do with a year is get formally recognised for the layer around it (the systems, the compliance, the planning), so you are the one who understands the software instead of the one it is done to. Before you pay for anything, spend an hour with National Careers Service. It is free and government-funded, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.

The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them

I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.

I checked the 12 nearest UK occupations to aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was communication operators: only about 8% of its durable work is work you already do and it pays 56.0% less. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 31/100 here, with only 18% of the task list in the top band, and “adhere to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) operations regulations” is not work that hands over cleanly. None of them beats deepening what you already have.

How that was checked: this job was compared against all 412 UK occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.

3 moves I checked and rejected

These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.

Communication operators
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “manage aircraft as they approach the airport”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 8% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 8% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. It is a pay cut, in those words: £36,415 against your £82,746, 56.0% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Air travel assistants
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “carry out pre-flight checks to ensure aircraft safety”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 4% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 4% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. It is a pay cut, in those words: £28,738 against your £82,746, 65.3% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Aerospace engineers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already perform safety checks on engines, instruments, and systems, and their equivalent is to supervise the installation of engines, instruments, and other equipment in aircraft. Across both published task lists that is about 4% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 4% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. It is a pay cut, in those words: £55,839 against your £82,746, 32.5% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.
Look at that job’s page anyway →

What I’d stop worrying about

A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.

The headline number you read somewhere
The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 18% of its task weight, across 110 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.
The headlines about your trade disappearing
They are usually about the technology, not the timetable. Changes to work like performing safety checks on engines arrive through rules, insurance and money, slowly and visibly. This page tracks the task evidence and will move when it moves.
Retraining out of a job that is holding up
On this evidence I would not spend money leaving. Spend it on the layer around the job instead: the tools, the paperwork, the planning. That is where the change actually is.
The “obvious” next job everyone suggests
I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.

You are reading the United Kingdom figures

The United States splits this work across more than one official group, of which Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.

Switch to the United States page →partial match

The other groups this work is counted across:

In US official statistics this job is counted as Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers, Commercial Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers. Pay is shown separately for each of those groups (medians cannot be averaged together), while the task list and the scores on this page are for this group only.

Your route through this

Where to go next, and what it costs

Free, and complete

The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.

In England:
National Careers Service
A free hour with a government-funded careers adviser is worth more than another evening of reading. In England that's the National Careers Service.
Free, government-funded
- Discover your skills and careers (the skills assessment)
In England:
National Careers Service - Find a course
Search what's actually running near you before you spend anything.
Free to search; individual courses vary
In England:
Free courses for jobs (Level 3 qualifications)
A free Level 3 qualification you already qualify for beats a paid course you don't need.
Free for eligible adults
In England:
Skills Bootcamps
Free, up to 16 weeks, and you get a job interview at the end. In England these are Skills Bootcamps - search what's running near you.
Free for eligible adults in England
- Skills Bootcamps - what they are and who can do them (DfE, Skills for Careers)
- Skills Bootcamps - JobHelp (DWP)
In Scotland:
My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland)
In Scotland it's My World of Work, from Skills Development Scotland.
Free, publicly funded
- Skills Development Scotland
In Wales:
Careers Wales
In Wales it's Careers Wales.
Free, Welsh Government-funded
In Northern Ireland:
Careers Service Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland it's the Careers Service on nidirect.
Free, Department for the Economy-funded

No Space for this job, but one for what is happening to it

Nothing Collab365 runs is built for aircraft pilots / air traffic controllers, and we are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.

There is one that is not about a job title at all. The AI Authority is about being the person who directs these tools at work rather than the person they get compared to. That is worth saying here, because 18% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.

Try The AI Authority free →

7 days free, no card needed. Explore up to 2 Spaces before you choose a plan: you pick a plan later, not now.

The AI Authority is a general community about working with AI, not a course for aircraft pilots / air traffic controllers. You do not need it to act on anything here: the moves above cost nothing and stand on their own. The data on this page is the same either way.

Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for aircraft pilots / air traffic controllers launches. Nothing else.

That did not look like an email address, so nothing was saved. Have another go below.

We could not save that. The fault is ours, not yours, and your address was not stored. Please try again later.

No Space for aircraft pilots / air traffic controllers yet. Should there be one?

Collab365 Spaces is built by the same people as this site. We find the problems that AI and automation are creating inside one kind of work, then solve them as short courses, briefings and Blueprints. Each Space is the community too, so the research and the people doing your job are in the same place.

What a Space actually is, in full

Collab365 launches new communities where the need is real. If one for aircraft pilots / air traffic controllers existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

Your email

We use your email address for one thing: to tell you if a Space for aircraft pilots / air traffic controllers launches. We never sell it, never use it for unrelated marketing, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Our privacy policy has the full version.

This unlocks nothing. Every figure, every row and every step on this page is already yours, whether you fill this in or not.

No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.

Questions people ask about this job

Will AI replace Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 110 official task statements scored for Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers (United Kingdom, SOC 3511), 18% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 31 out of 100 (range 26–37, band: low). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
Which tasks in “Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “File flight plans with authorities” (88/100, very high); “Write reports to document flight data for operational records” (88/100, very high); “Maintain relevant certificates and records for registrations and accreditations” (88/100, very high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers” stay human?: About 65% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Maintain on-board equipment and perform minor repairs” (0/100, minimal); “Perform flight captain's duties when necessary” (0/100, minimal); “Prepare aircraft for the next flight to ensure operational readiness” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.
What should someone working in “Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 18% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 65% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
How is the AI exposure score for Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers calculated?: Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 110 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

Where these numbers come from

About the data on this page

Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
One row is marked low confidence, so treat it as a ballpark rather than a fine measurement.
The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
6 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

Task statements: gaisi-indexProcessing: catalogue-bridge → ssc-relatedness-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
Task weights: gaisi-index (relatedness)
Scores: Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-05.
Pay and employment: ashe-t14 (ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025))nomis-aps (Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period))

Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.

The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.

The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.

How we score a job Download this release Look up another job

Using these figures?

Cite this

Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.

Plain text

Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).

BibTeX

@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
  title        = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
  author       = {{Collab365}},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
  note         = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}

Permalink

https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1

Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.