Honeywell tests voice-recognition on flight decks

By Meryl Fishler , Cronkite News 4:34 p.m. MST February 11, 2015

Honeywell Aerospace is flight testing emerging technologies like touch and voice recognition in the cockpit. (Photo: Courtesy of Honeywell Aerospace)

PHOENIX The pilot gives one simple command: "Departure."

That one spoken word triggers the tablet mounted in the middle of the cockpit to initiate the process.

The pilot is using voice-recognition technology that officials with Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace call a "huge advancement" in the cockpit.

Without the technology, the pilot would have to type in several commands.

Jim Anderson, a veteran pilot and lecturer in the aviation program at Arizona State University, said that current control systems force him to look down.

"(I have to) lower my head, and it takes away from looking outside," he said. "Voice recognition is the next step. You can just say it."

Honeywell's aerospace division, which focuses on inventing and manufacturing cutting-edge technology for the aviation industry, is testing the device at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport.

The tablet not only includes voice recognition, but it also features a new touchscreen. Honeywell officials want to include text-to-voice features in the future.

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Honeywell tests voice-recognition on flight decks