Honeywell tests voice-recognition technology on flight decks

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 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.

Honeywells 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.

The voice-recognition technology allows pilots to say what they want to do and skip several steps when commanding the plane.

This decreases the pilots workload and allows the pilot to focus on flying safely and efficiently, Honeywell officials said.

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Honeywell tests voice-recognition technology on flight decks