An engineering grad and I were discussing the likelihood of a multi-engine transport drone/airplane.

We are both airline pilots that fly the 757/767. Obviously, this airplane would never be retrofitted in large numbers of aircraft to be an operating drone.

What we focused on was not the theoretical likely hood that a multi-engine drone could be produced. But the "practical" likely hood that they could reliably remove the human element from such a complex task of operating an airplane in the National Airpace Structure.

During the flight that this discussion took place, we were departing Newark, NJ. As you might know, we are limited to 250kts, by regulation, under 10,000 ft. The particular mode that we needed to use for the departure out of Newark, the airspeed was limited (by the mode we selected) was 215kts. However, after takeoff, the flight guidance system that should have limited the airspeed to 215 kits faulted and was accelerating towards 250kts. We intervened and corrected the speed problem manually, which is not uncommon to have to correct from the autopilot/flight guidance systems.

This and similar incidents happen on nearly every flight (that require human intervention) was the genesis of this topic. How could a drone reliably be created to operate in our system when it can't handle small speed or altitude constraints. How would a multi-engine drone ever by able to RELIABLY handle an engine failure (V-1 cut) when 2 appropriately rated and trained pilots are working quite hard in the simulator to handle such complex emergencies.

Practically, I feel we are a long way from that day where a pilotless multiengine drone can safely and reliably fly in our system, without human intervention.

But, I'd like to hear other views.