Originally Posted by
johnso29
Bingo! There is too much uncertainty right now. The SR71 made in the late 1960's had technology we didn't see in the airline industry until 20 years later. Some airliners are still flying around without GPS. Some still don't have ACARS. The initial cost will be too much in an industry that runs on razor thin profit margins.
That is true, but think about immediate savings (aka bonuses for leadership) once you take out say 10% (for starters) of pilots from your workforce. It looks fairly modest at the regionals, but think about taking out a cockpit cost of a double crewed 747 or 777, and not just pay, add the benefits, retirements, hotels etc.
GPS or ACARs or any new mods don't bring such immediate savings.
It will be amazing! And they will do a great job convincing the public that the fares will be reduced and give chance even for people on welfare to fly and see relatives. After all it is their right!
There are unmanned fighters being tested in the desert right now pulling 30 G's. It is only a matter of time for the military, then expect the inaugural drone flight (say SFO to some place in China) at a cargo airline controlled by dispatcher and a couple of dudes in the ground/tower for take off and landing. Then it will stop being a dream, it will become a “proven record” and it’s downhill from there.
It does sound crazy, but everything new sounds crazy for a while.