Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Airframe test equipment and data-recording tasks are increasingly augmented by AI, but not fully automated. For example, airlines and engine makers use AI “predictive maintenance” tools: software analyzes sensor and performance data to flag likely problems in advance ^[1]. New technologies like digital twins and extended-reality (XR) apps help technicians spot faults remotely – one project uses thousands of images of a plane to let a computer detect dents or defects without a person on the wing ^[2].

AI can also sort through large volumes of test data and manuals to suggest diagnoses ^{[3] [1]}. However, many core tasks still rely on human skill. Technicians must decide what data to collect, set up the tests, and actually make the systems run.

They still review and explain test results with engineers, because understanding unexpected issues needs judgment. In short, machines help with routine measurements and data crunching, but experienced people plan the tests and interpret tricky problems ^{[3] [2]}.

Adopting AI depends on costs, safety rules, and labor needs. Aerospace companies have a strong reason to use AI: a McKinsey report notes high demand and a big shortage of skilled maintenance workers (as many as one-fifth of technician jobs may go unfilled soon) ^[3]. AI tools could save time – for example, one airline project expects to cut maintenance analysis from hours to minutes ^[1].

But aviation is safety-critical, so new AI systems must be proven reliable. According to industry research, many firms use standard data tools now, but more advanced AI (like generative AI) is still in early pilots for maintenance tasks ^{[3] [1]}. In short, economic benefits and labor gaps push adoption, but strict safety rules and training requirements mean change will be gradual.

This means jobs are more often changed than replaced: AI can handle routine checks and data processing, while human technicians retain the important roles of fine-tuning tests, making judgments, and communicating results ^{[3] [1]}.