Originally Posted by
AYLflyer
I honestly do not understand this obsession people have with single pilot ops or no pilots ops. We have fully staffed/crewed container ships criss-crossing literally thousands of miles of wide open oceans. I see nothing on the near horizon where those will be "Single sailor" operated, yet for some reason (money) single pilot ops is constantly pushed so we can operate a more crowded sky with less oversight from a crew.
Not an obsession as both Boeing and Airbus have designed/debuted aircraft of of significant autonomous capabilities and Cathay and a few others are delving into long haul crews being reduced from 4 to 3, focus on just 2 pilots remaining up front when phasing in automation in the right seat. 797 before it was scrapped/shelved due to CVD19 had the box in the right seat variant for single pilot ops. (Doesn’t necessarily mean just one pilot, just one sitting up front - bunk right behind to include lav within the confines of the flight deck like several aircraft already have in cargo land.) It will be a step by step process that companies including Fred Smith have invested millions in. Down to 2 pilots or even 1 if regulators agree still keeps a body for blame/insurance purposes. Although not an issue for myself with just over a decade left, 0 pilots is a different story and probably way off I hope. Thankfully I have traveled enough - if no pilot, then I ain’t riding as I believe in “skin in the game.” Regarding Trains - they can have track mismanagement, but can just stop if needed…
Do agree the large ship program hasn’t established transatlantic/transpacific standard ops as of yet. Definitely not a high congestion issue compared to aviation but: A 262ft autonomous electric container ship is already tested/running around Norway, by no means transatlantic, yet…. (Probably battery limited, solar panels in the Southern Regions? Hmmm) In 2016 U.S. Navy launched an autonomous small vessel from Hawaii to the mainland with an observation crew for test purposes. Same platform is now being expanded beyond roles of submarine warfare to create the U.S Navy “Ghost Fleet.” Pretty sure their requirements will be more robust than a large cargo vessel just cruising in open water with no strategic/tactical value. Tech is already there, just a matter of phasing out old hulls for new ones. Small number of ships compared to aircraft on a daily basis shows no need to have an accelerated program when using crew requirement comparisons worldwide.
Not advocating, just being aware is everything.