Originally Posted by
MikeB525
Practically, probably still years off, if ever. There's a lot of public opposition to drones and they'll probably never be used to carry pax. And even with drones, anything bigger than the little toy-sized ones will probably require a licensed commercial pilot to fly them from the ground. So now logbooks will come with a UAV column!
Actually, it isn't as far off as you think. I know a UAV driver who is a commercial pilot, makes more than a senior Regional captain, has less than 300 flight hours, has thousands of drone hours, and can't get a flying job. A very high profile cargo carrier is very interested in acquiring the technology he uses for their ops. Also, if UAV time ever gets logged, it will be like Sim time, which is not flight time.
It is only a matter if time before we become obsolete for commercial passenger carrying ops. Cargo guys will get it first. 121 Trans Con will get it next to eliminate the extra crew members during cruise, then domestic flight crews will be reduced to just one pilot who does nothing but monitor the systems. Eventually, he will retire and nobody will take his place.
I think the technology will remain too expensive for aircraft with less than 50 seats, but it's eventually coming to a PAX airline near you.