Aerospace Unplugged

Pilots' Perspective: The Evolution of Autonomy in Aviation

What does automation and autonomy feel like from the pilot’s seat? In this episode of Aerospace Unplugged, our host Adam Kress sits down with seasoned pilots Alyssa Silva, First Officer and Pilot for Republic Airlines, and Pete Zaccagnino, CEO and Owner of PC Aviators, to explore how these evolving technologies are reshaping responsibilities in the cockpit and what it means for the future of flight. Episode Highlights: • Pilots’ Experience with Autonomy’s Evolution in Aviation: Learn about our guests’ aviation journeys and how they’ve encountered autonomy’s impact in aviation.  • Real-World Applications: From advanced weather radar to terrain-following technology, hear how autonomy actively enhances flight safety. • Balancing Technology and Human Skill: Why pilots believe automation should support, not replace, critical decision-making. • What’s Next: What rigorous simulation and real-world testing will look like as AI and autonomy expand and how the role of pilots will evolve. Get More Insights Now Download our Autonomy Whitepaper [https://aerospace.honeywell.com/us/en/autonomy/autonomy-whitepaper?utm_source=linkedin-or&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=25-aero-ww-autonomy&utm_term=091125&utm_content=sep-vi-q2autonomypodcastep2buzzsprout-podcast] to discover the latest expert insights on the current state of aviation, autonomy and more.

Autonomy and Safety: Dual Efforts Advancing Aviation

Autonomy [https://aerospace.honeywell.com/us/en/autonomy] is unfolding through a series of deliberate steps across defense, cargo and eventually passenger travel – each one building toward a safer, smarter future. In this episode of Aerospace Unplugged, our host Adam Kress talks with Sapan Shah, Senior Director of Product Management for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, about how autonomy and automation differ, where Honeywell is leading and why trust is key to adoption. You’ll hear how we’re helping partners retrofit existing airframes, simplify complex systems and build new solutions that support safety, scale and readiness. Episode Highlights: • Difference Between Automation and Autonomy: Why the distinction matters in real-world aviation applications and how each has evolved over the years. • Autonomy and Automation’s Role in Aviation: How they each contribute to enhancing safety and reduce pilot workload. • Misconceptions About Autonomy: What it is (and isn’t), and how it’s key to advancing the future of aviation across applications  • The Future of Autonomy: Where the technology is headed and how Honeywell is leading the way  Get More Insights Now Download our Autonomy Whitepaper [https://aerospace.honeywell.com/us/en/autonomy/autonomy-whitepaper?utm_source=linkedin-or&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=25-aero-ww-autonomy&utm_term=070725&utm_content=jul-vi-buzzsproutautonomyep1link-wpaper] to discover the latest expert insights on the current state of aviation, autonomy and more.

The Evolution of Black Boxes: From Flight Recorders to Connected Safety

In this episode of Aerospace Unplugged, we dive into the fascinating history and evolution of black boxes in aviation. We discuss why they were developed, their role in ensuring flight safety, and their importance in accident investigations.  Our host, Adam Kress, is joined by Borka Vlacic, a Director of Product Management for SATCOM at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, and Stephen Leaper, the Recorder Product Line Manager for our partner Curtiss Wright Avionics, Video and System.  From discussing how black boxes have transformed over the years to exploring the groundbreaking advancements driving aviation safety into the future, don’t miss out on this insightful conversation. Episode Highlights: * Historical Content and Impact: Discover why black boxes were developed and what challenges they were designed to address in the aviation industry. * Technological Evolution: Learn how the technology advancements have transformed the early flight records to today’s advanced devices. * Connected Recorders Improving Aviation Safety: Dive into the critical role connected recorders play in improving accident prevention. * Future Prospects and Operator Feedback: Learn about operators’ perspectives on the latest connected recorder technologies and what the future holds for the evolution of black boxes. Want to dive deeper? Explore more about our Honeywell Connected Recorders [https://hwll.co/wycvnfba].

The Influence of Human Factors in Aviation and Beyond

In this episode of Aerospace Unplugged, host Adam Kress sits down with Thea Feyereisen, a Distinguished Fellow at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies and one of the world’s leading experts in the study of human factors and their critical role in aviation safety.  Join them as they explore how understanding human behavior can drive innovation in cockpit design, enhance safety measures and reduce pilot errors.  From the latest advancements in technology to the fascinating intersection of engineering and psychology, Feyereisen shares insights that are transforming the future of aviation and beyond.    Episode Highlights: * Human Factors in Aviation: Discover how analyzing human behavior is revolutionizing cockpit design and improving safety in flight. * Automation & Human Control: Explore the challenges of balancing automation with pilot engagement in engineering new technologies.  * Improving Runway Safety: Get the inside scoop on the human factors behind the cutting-edge Surface Alerts (SURF-A) cockpit alerting software.

Women Advancing the Future of Aviation

In this episode of Aerospace Unplugged, we take a break from deep dives on the latest aviation technologies and trends to focus on people shaping the future of aerospace. Host Adam Kress is joined by four inspiring women from Honeywell Aerospace Technologies—leaders in business and engineering—who share their insights and career journeys in a field still largely dominated by men. From these women finding mentorship to overcoming challenges, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.  Episode Highlights: * Career Paths & Passion for Aviation: How each guest discovered their path to aerospace and carved out their career. * Challenges & Triumphs: Learn about their personal experiences navigating the industry, overcoming obstacles, and finding confidence. * Lessons Learned & Future Outlook: Hear key takeaways and advice from their career journeys plus, what excites them about the future of aviation.