by: Bianca Caputo

Posted: Mar 5, 2026 / 12:18 AM EST

Updated: Mar 5, 2026 / 04:18 AM EST

ACE is expected to have it’s full launch next month and Hewison said he’s excited to integrate the app with teaching.

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — After a two passenger plane had an emergency landing earlier this week into the Hudson River near Newburgh, pilot and flight instructor Chris Hewison said he was relieved everyone was okay.

Hewison said ice can be a safer location to emergency land than in other areas during an engine failure, which is exactly the kind of risk management training he gives to students. He runs Hewison Aviation, which helps over 100 students reach their goals to get in the air.

Hewison said learning to fly is a long process for any student to obtain their certifications, and that’s why he’s teamed up with RPI graduates to create “ACE.”

RPI graduate Charles Clarke is one of multiple helping to code the app. He said the project started as part of a capstone course, but now him and a few other classmates have went into business with Hewison as part of Agentic Learning.

“It’s exciting to be on the edge of something cutting edge like this,” said Clarke.

ACE, or “Artificial Cognitive Entity” is an app in it’s beta stage that anyone can download off the app store. It talks to pilots in training to answer questions and verbally give advice. It also can help with studying for exams.

“Our launch is coming very soon,” said Clarke. “We’re getting FAA approval coming soon, we have a lot going on.”

The platform is focused on teaching people in training to be pilots, said Clarke. He says the apps biggest advantage is being able to point out specific weaknesses and strengths in the learning process.