Originally Posted by
rickair7777
We've had those since 1903.
Single-pilot airliners would require levels redundancy and autonomy which doesn't currently exist (the former could be bought, the later we just don't know how to do yet).
Or they need a secure and redundant datalink, the likes of which only one example exists that I'm aware of: command and control of nuclear capabilities.
The technology absolutely exists, and is mature, the problem is it doesn't integrate with the current ATC system at all. If you update the ATC system, you can dump one pilot. The second pilot is there to cross verify the flying pilot, you can move that function to the on board machine learning CPU, coupled to a ground based monitor. Aircraft will eventually go direct to every destination, and space themselves. In an environment like that, hand flying would be strictly prohibited. It wouldn't surprise me if they remove the yolk and rudder pedals in the Boeing 797. The pilot will have a tiller for the ground, and an autopilot FCP/FMS for inflight emergencies.