Dual AI Speech Recognition:
Two Engines, One Clear Voice

Dual AI Speech Recognition is now live inside SayIntentions.AI — giving every pilot two distinct voice recognition engines to choose from. Because no two pilots sound the same, and no single engine handles every voice perfectly.

Voice recognition is one of the most critical pieces of the SayIntentions.AI experience. When it works well, ATC feels effortless. When it doesn't, it's the first thing you notice. That's why we built dual AI speech recognition — to give you a backup when your primary engine isn't clicking with your voice.

What Is Dual AI Speech Recognition?

Dual AI speech recognition means SayIntentions.AI now ships with two independent voice recognition engines running under the hood. You choose which one processes your voice, and you can switch between them anytime.

• Apollo — The original default engine. It's been powering SayIntentions.AI since launch and performs extremely well for the majority of pilots.
• Hermes — A brand-new alternate engine built on a different recognition model. If Apollo ever struggles with your voice, accent, or microphone, Hermes gives you a second option.
• One-click Switching — Toggle between engines in the Pilot Portal. No reinstall, no complicated setup.
• Radio Check on 118.01 — Test your audio quality by performing a radio check to hear exactly what the system is receiving from your microphone.

Why We Built Two Engines

Every pilot brings a unique combination of accent, speaking pace, microphone hardware, and background noise to the table. A headset mic in a quiet room sounds completely different from a desktop mic with a fan running nearby. British English processes differently than Australian English. Some pilots speak quickly; others take their time.

How to Switch Between Apollo and Hermes

We have two different AI speech engines available. Both are extremely good at understanding and interpreting aviation vernacular.

Apollo is the default, and for most users, will perform the best. However, for some situations, users may find that Hermes works better. Feel free to experiment to find the one that works best for your own accent, speaking style, and microphone.

Note that if you are having trouble with the speech recognition understanding you, it's almost always (a) a mic issue or (b) you just need to slow down a little bit.

We recommend trying both engines during a normal flight to see which one handles your voice better. Most pilots will find Apollo works great — but if you've ever felt like ATC wasn't quite understanding you, Hermes is worth a try.

Tips for Getting the Best Recognition

Regardless of which engine you use, a few things can dramatically improve recognition accuracy:

• Microphone quality matters — A dedicated headset mic will almost always outperform a built-in laptop mic or a desktop mic picking up room noise.
• Speak at a natural pace — Speaking too quickly is the most common cause of misrecognition. ATC doesn't rush, and neither should you.
• Use the radio check — Tune to frequency 118.01 and perform a radio check. You'll hear exactly what the system is receiving, which helps you diagnose audio issues before they become recognition issues.
• Minimize background noise — Fans, open windows, and other audio sources can interfere with recognition. Noise-canceling headsets help significantly.

Apollo vs. Hermes: Which Should You Use?

There's no universal "better" engine — it depends entirely on your setup. Here's a general guide:

• Start with Apollo — It's the default for a reason. Most pilots get excellent results without changing anything.
• Try Hermes if — You notice ATC frequently misunderstanding your calls, you have a non-American accent, or you've tried improving your mic setup and still see issues.
• Experiment freely — There's no penalty for switching. Try both and stick with whichever feels more natural.

Dual AI speech recognition is part of our ongoing commitment to making SayIntentions.AI work for every pilot, regardless of how they sound or what hardware they use. Combined with features like Click-to-Talk for pilots who prefer not to use voice at all, we're building an experience that meets you where you are.

Open the Pilot Portal and try both engines today.