Originally Posted by
Stets656
Will computers replace pilots in the next 30 years? Or will single pilot cockpits become a thing? Just wondering.
No one knows. These types of changes tend to happen non-linear so it is hard to predict when the change will happen.
If you mean pilots in the cockpit replaced by pilots in a ground station I think the answer is yes in the next 30yrs. If you mean completely autonomous without and aviation expert in the loop I think the answer is no.
10 years ago I was flying ISR overseas and it was common to have unmanned and manned aircraft in the same airspace stack. Watch for the change to happen 1st in the military where the pax can be ordered to get on the plane. Once it is proven successful there, it will make it's way to the civil side.
Never underestimate the public's willingness to accept risk as long as it is $10 cheaper. Offer all passengers free beer and internet on the flight and you could fill up a pilot-less aircraft even today
