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Hey everyone,

I’m currently working on my PPL and also studying computer science in undergrad.
During training, I’ve noticed that my workload sometimes spikes, especially in the pattern, during radio work, or when juggling checklists and situational awareness.

That got me thinking: could there be a voice-based “right-hand” assistant for general aviation, designed specifically to reduce workload and enhance safety, not as a gimmick but as an actual cockpit tool?

Here’s the concept:

• Runs on iOS (so it could work on an iPad in the cockpit)
• Fully voice-interactive — you can speak to it naturally (“run the pre-takeoff checklist”) and it responds via TTS, no menus or touch needed
• Offline capability so it’s usable in-flight without a data connection
• Integration with avionics data feeds like ForeFlight (and potentially G1000 output in future) to help contextually (for example, recognizing when you’re in climb vs. cruise)
• Procedure and checklist support for the specific aircraft model you’re flying
• Emergency mode that guides you step-by-step through memory items and checklists, even if you’re stressed or task-saturated
• Searchable references for FAA handbooks (PHAK, AFH) and your aircraft POH

Important note: This would not be “real AI” making decisions. It’s more like an intelligent search tool. Technically it’s called “retrieval-augmented generation” (RAG), which just means:

• All the information comes directly from official sources such as your POH, FAA handbooks, and checklists
• The system simply finds and reads the relevant section back to you based on what you ask
• No guessing and no made-up answers, just your own manuals, faster and hands-free

I’m not looking to build some “get rich quick” thing. Honestly, if anything, I’d just want to cover hosting costs. My main question for the GA community:

Would you actually use something like this in your cockpit?

• For PPL/IR students to reduce cognitive load?
• For experienced pilots as a helpful backup?
• Or do you feel like it would just be unnecessary clutter?

Also curious if anyone has safety or human factors concerns about a system like this, such as distraction versus benefit.

I really want to make something useful, not just “tech for tech’s sake.” So brutal honesty is appreciated.

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