Oct. 13, 2025
The FAA Human Factors Division is seeking to enhance aviation safety by understanding how automated systems are used in Part 135 fixed-wing single-pilot operations. The research also will look at the impact these systems may be having on pilot skills, training and operational procedures.
MITRE Corp. is conducting interviews with pilots who operate Part 135 fixed-wing single-pilot aircraft equipped with automated systems to gather information about how these systems are used in day-to-day operations and better understand the impact it may have on pilot manual flying skills.
MITRE is a not-for-profit research organization that operates the FAA’s Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD).
To be eligible to participate you must be a pilot who has flown single-pilot under Part 135 within the past 90 days in a fixed-wing aircraft equipped with an automated system.
Pilots will participate in an approximately 1-hour interview conducted by MITRE researchers. Interviews are available on weekdays through October 2025, or until participant goals have been met.
If you are interested in participating, please contact MITRE at: studies@mitre.org. You will receive a reply from the research enrollment coordinator to review eligibility.
“NBAA encourages its members who qualify to take part in this important research,” said Doug Carr, NBAA senior vice president, safety, security, sustainability and international operations. “We support any efforts that lead to a safer National Airspace System.”
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.