Lawmakers ask FAA to pause use of new AI tool in Washington-area flight management

More than two dozen US lawmakers, including Reps. Ocasio-Cortez and Beyer, asked the FAA to pause a new AI tool for Washington-area air traffic control, citing safety concerns and a lack of published safety evaluations or personnel training. The FAA began using the predictive-analytics tool last month.

More than two dozen US lawmakers, including Democratic Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, April Delaney, and Don Beyer, sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration requesting a pause on a new AI tool used for managing flights in the Washington, D.C. area. The lawmakers cited safety concerns, stating they have not seen any safety evaluation or testing reports, nor have they been made aware of training for aviation safety personnel on how to use the tool. The letter seeks an answer by October 19. The FAA began using the software-based AI tool last month, which uses predictive analytics to improve flight management. The FAA awarded an $875 million, 12-year contract to Air Space Intelligence in June for the SMART system, which analyzes data to predict traffic flows and identify potential conflicts. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the tool 'dumb AI' and emphasized that air traffic controllers remain in charge. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford described the tool as 'transformational' for decision-making.