Originally Posted by
Gone Flying
while I do think computers have a long way to go before they will replace us, they have come a long way since July 20, 1969.
also a runway assignment change is what computers would be good at, plenty of other areas humans outperform computers, but dealing with data sets (basically what a runway change entails) is not one of them.
What if the computer is programed to avoid a change within x miles of the airport, or within y minutes?
Sure, when you brief a 8 and then they swing the airport around, you brief the 26. But when they change it to a 27 and after you start a turn towards the airport they go back and ask you if you want the 26... what will the computer do?
Keep in mind, those of us who have flown EWR have (probably) been told to side step to the other runway AFTER having been cleared to land on the first one.
As pilots, we evaluate the risk and do what we do to keep the system running.
As someone already mentioned- look forward to seeing how they incorparte these pilotless aircraft into ORD, or the NYC area.
Many of us have seen how they have "tried" to do that in the overseas conflict areas (Afghanistan, Iraq..). Not as easy as some may think.
But till then, WE have an aircraft to fly.. and other things to worry about.
Fly Safe, Fly Professionally & Fly the Contract
Motch