Can Claude Fly a Plane?

7 hours ago

The experiment attempted to have Claude autonomously pilot a Cessna 172 in X-Plane 12 from Haikou Meilan (ZJHK) to Qionghai Bo'ao (ZJQH), using API data and screenshots to write a Python control script.
The first takeoff succeeded, but an immediate controller upset occurred due to aggressive pitch correction, leading to a crash. The control logic was rewritten to include slew-rate limits and prevent nose-down commands when far below target altitude.
A third attempt achieved stable flight: clean takeoff, climb, cruise, and execution of a left traffic pattern (crosswind, downwind, base legs) using a pure proportional pitch controller, demonstrating basic flight stability.
Two crashes occurred: the first from the control upset; the second during a landing attempt when the controller was inactive for ~20 seconds between script commands, causing an uncontrolled descent into terrain.
The session concluded without a successful landing, identifying key issues: controller response delays, gaps in active control, and pattern geometry management. The author believes with improved control loop continuity and minor tweaks, autonomous flight is achievable.

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