What if the same innovations making cars self-driving could also make flying safer, faster, and more accessible? For decades, aviation has been bound by the limits of human workload, urban congestion, and safety concerns. But now, a new era is dawning—one where autonomous technologies may redefine how we travel in the skies.
In this episode of Full Tech Ahead, host Amanda Razani sits down with Sapan Shah, Senior Director of Product Management at Honeywell Aerospace. With years of experience leading product innovation, Sapan is at the forefront of building the “brains and muscles” of autonomous flight—from sensors and avionics to certified systems that prioritize trust and safety. Together, they unpack the opportunities, challenges, and revolutionary potential of autonomous aviation, from urban air taxis to reducing pilot workload.
If you’ve ever wondered:
TIMESTAMPS:
[00:00] Introduction to Sapan Shah and Honeywell Aerospace
[04:30] Defining Autonomy in Aviation and Why It Matters
[09:10] Urban Air Mobility and the Promise of Air Taxis
[13:50] Reducing Pilot Workload Through Assistive Autonomy
[18:20] Certification, Trust, and Safety in Autonomous Systems
[22:45] Comparing Ground Autonomy to Aviation Autonomy
[27:10] Building Public Trust in Autonomous Aviation
[31:00] AI, Data, and Real-Time Decision Making in Flight
[36:20] Challenges and Barriers to Industry Adoption
[41:15] Looking Ahead: The Future of Flight Autonomy
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Find Amanda Razani on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-razani-990a7233/
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