Originally Posted by
BoilerUP
I'd take that bet.
Look at FAR 25 and the redundancies required in transport aircraft for...then square that with reducing redundancy from eliminating pilots.
Also consider the required reliability of infrastructure involved, both in airframes and ground equipment like datalink. How would MELs work?
No doubt in my mind the recent discussions for "enhancing the ATC system" has pilotless aircraft in mind. That's just another step forward to a pilotless infrastructure.
How will MELs work? Better, because they will be built into the code for that aircraft. No more pilot required to dig through a DDG and remember operational procedures for certain deferrals. The computer will just know what to do.