Originally Posted by
MasterOfPuppets
Considering the first fully automated commercial jet isn't even on the drawing soars yet it's going to be at least 10-15 years, and that's if they start today. The certification process is going to be insane and will most likely take a couple years. Then it will go to cargo to prove itself and gain public support. Once people are ok with the technology, and flying on an aircraft with no pilot, the airlines will start to pick them up (5-10 years). Then they will have to get 800-1000 on property to ditch all the pilot flown aircraft and that's going to take decades.
Worst case scenario will be 30 years before no pilots on property. The last United pilot hasn't even been hired yet I assure you.
You and probe are on the correct path. Rudimentary technology exists today for unmanned gate departure/arrival, however, as you say no design exists irrespective of certification.
Because of the certification process and ultimate public acceptance, it is probably closer to 50 to 80 years. Even with a sophisticated design, software and certification capable of unmanned passenger flight , flight decks will probably see at least one or two (augmented crew
) minimally certified emergency button pushers for many years beyond initial unmanned certification, based upon public "unease" alone.
The last pilot as we know flying today hasn't been hired. However, the last "minimally-certified emergency button-pusher only," before totally unmanned passenger flight, hasn't been born yet.
You guys are safe for awhile.
