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Old 12-02-2013 | 07:54 AM
  #24  
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Cubdriver
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From: ATP, CFI etc.
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Originally Posted by HKFlyr
...Program drone. File flight plan.
Load drone. Monitor drone.
Return drone.
Recharge/refuel drone.
Maintain drone...While much of this can be automated...ain't worth it...but good hype and free press...
Why not worth it? In theory this machine is cheaper or they wouldn't be pushing it. So shipping rates could be less, roads will be somewhat less populated by delivery trucks, less road wear and (much) less fuel demand, quadracopter fleet can be almost completely automated, no flight plans or hands-on work required, efficiency can increase if changing shifts of van drivers and van fleets are taken out of the equation,and delivery is possible 24/7 and during snow emergencies and so on. I suppose the downside is the fuss in getting it regulated and the cost to the labor force in terms of lost jobs. In general however, technology taken as a whole is a GDP (gross domestic product) increaser so it boosts the overall yield for a given amount of capital investment and we all win when that happens. Countries that adopt advanced technology tend to lead the world in terms of GDP.
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