Shape the Future of AI in Aviation
Ready to advance the future of flight? The AI Challenge for Pilot Assist (ACPA) invites Fulton Schools of Engineering faculty and students to develop innovative AI solutions that enhance pilot decision-making, safety, and training.
Using real-world data collected from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) student flights, participants will explore how artificial intelligence can analyze second-by-second aircraft information to deliver insights, predictions, and alerts that matter in the air and beyond. Through this collaboration with Honeywell, ASU teams will gain hands-on research experience, compete for awards, and present their work to university and industry leaders at a joint ASU–Honeywell workshop in April 2027.
Research Focus Areas
Teams are encouraged to submit a proposal that explores:
Human Performance. Linking pilot actions to air traffic control instructions.
Novel Situations. Identifying new or unexpected in-flight scenarios.
Natural Language Processing. Summarizing NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) and aligning them with flight data for real-time alerts.
Emergency Situations. Predicting when emergency landings may be required using multiple data sources.
Flight Planning. Designing AI-driven rerouting in response to weather or other dynamic conditions.
Phase I: Fall 2026
Up to four teams will be selected from submitted proposals to receive $10,000 in funding to bring their ideas to life. This support can be used for student involvement, equipment, and other resources that help teams explore the ERAU flight data and develop innovative solutions within the research focus areas.
Phase II: Spring 2027
Building on their initial progress, up to two teams will receive $15,000 in additional funding to advance and demonstrate their solutions. This phase provides extended support for deeper exploration of the ERAU flight data and further development of impactful pilot-assist technologies. At the conclusion of Phase II, all four Phase I teams will showcase their research findings to ASU and Honeywell leadership at a joint workshop in April 2027.
About the Challenge
Why Participate?
The AI Challenge for Pilot Assist offers ASU faculty and students the chance to work with real flight data collected under real-world conditions, while driving innovation in aviation safety through projects that address challenges in flight planning, emergency response, and pilot training. Participants can compete for awards of up to $10,000 in Phase I and $15,000 in Phase II, gain recognition for their work, and collaborate directly with Honeywell experts by presenting their findings at the joint ASU–Honeywell workshop.
What kinds of projects are eligible?
Projects should focus on “pilot assist” – we’re looking for innovative questions to explore and ideas related to AI tools that help pilots make better decisions during or after flights. Areas of interest include:
- Linking pilot actions to air traffic control instructions
- Identifying novel or unexpected in-flight situations
- Using natural language processing to analyze NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) and generate alerts
- Predicting when emergency landings may be required
- Developing AI-driven rerouting in response to inclement weather
Who can participate?
Teams must be led by a tenure-track or tenured ASU Fulton Schools of Engineering (FSE) faculty member, and can consist of ASU graduate and undergraduate students, postdocs, or other internal collaborators. External collaborators are welcome but may not receive funding. ERAU personnel involved in data collection are not eligible to join ASU teams.
How do I submit a proposal, and how are they reviewed?
The FSE faculty team lead must register and apply through ASU InfoReady, linked below. The proposal PDF must follow IEEE format, and not exceed two pages. Additional submission and budgetary requirements are available through the portal. See the schedule below for deadlines.
Proposals will be evaluated by a panel of ASU and Honeywell experts. Review criteria include:
- Relevance to ACPA topics of interest
- Quality and effectiveness of results
- Use of scientific rigor and reproducibility
- Broader impact on aviation safety and training
- Feasibility and vision for future work
Competition Phase Schedule
| Phase I Applications Due | Phase I Period of Performance | Phase II Period of Performance | Workshop Showcase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7/31/26 by 11:59 PM Phoenix | 8/20/26 – 12/12/26 | 1/11/27 – 5/8/27 | April 2027 |
Join us in shaping the future of aviation!
Bring your ideas, your team, and your passion for innovation.
Together, we’ll explore how AI can make flight safer, smarter, and more efficient.
Register today on InfoReady to begin your proposal.
Questions:
Jia Zou, Assistant Professor, FSE School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence
Gail-Joon Ahn, Professor, FSE School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence
Contact by e-mailing: [email protected]
Apply through InfoReady
Ready for your ideas to take flight?
FSE Team Leads must submit proposals through InfoReady, with support from their academic unit’s RA.
Presented by
Honeywell
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
The School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence
The Center for Cybersecurity and Trusted Foundations