Development of the Explainable Intelligent Alternate Airport Assistant (EIAAA)

Abstract

Diversions, which occur when aircraft must land at an airport other than their original destination due to unforeseen circumstances such as technical malfunctions or medical emergencies, are complex events that require quick and informed decision-making. Currently, pilots must manually evaluate multiple sources of different types of information. To address this challenge, the German Aerospace Center developed the Explainable Intelligent Alternate Airport Assistant (EIAAA), a decision support tool designed for use in the cockpit. The system continuously monitors the flight situation, evaluates multiple categories of data, and recommends the three most suitable alternate airports. The system operates in distinct modes, allowing it to adapt its prioritization logic based on the nature of the situation. The system's explainability is a core feature that enables pilots to understand and trust its recommendations through transparent data visualization and decision logic. Simulations and preliminary evaluations demonstrate that the system significantly reduces pilots' cognitive load while aligning with their mental models and safety priorities. Integrating the system into normal flight operations allows pilots to become familiar with and confident in the system, facilitating its rapid adoption in emergency scenarios. Currently, the system is being prepared for a higher technology readiness level under the DLR HAWKEYE project. It represents a significant advancement in intelligent, transparent alternate airport support systems for modern aviation.