Single pilot planes are coming.
#41
:-)
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,339
This isn't about eliminating pilots, it's about streamlining the airspace system so a Machine learning assisted autopilot, can fly the aircraft direct to destination, without any separation criteria. Doppler Shift Lidar can actually see the wake from other aircraft. However, you still need someone in the cockpit to manage the system. The AI is essentially replacing ATC, not the aircraft operator. For safety's sake, aviate, navigate, communicate, will be reduced to just aviate.
We are already screwed with FAR 117, because once the FAA approves single pilot, even if the PWA requires 2 pilots, one of the pilot's duty periods, doesn't count against the FAR limits. How long will that contract item last, when the company is putting pilots on trips with 18+ hour deadhead days? This is already happening now, it happened to me.
Last edited by Mesabah; 04-21-2018 at 01:09 PM.
#43
But there will be a single pilot during the transition, that will last some number of years until they demonstrate the reliability of the automation. My guess is a few years to find some bugs, then twenty more to rinse, wash, repeat a few times. It will end up taking decades longer than anticipated, and somebody will likely go bankrupt (or get bailed out by the government, either or).
#44
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,236
I agree, the FAA doesn't move fast and airlines still fly planes developed in the 60's. I don't think being a pilot is anymore at risk than any other job of disappearing. AI will eventually be able to write software, robots will be able to clean/cook, AI will fight wars and machines will build houses. And someday the end of the world will also come and humans will live on other planets.
#45
Number Last
Joined APC: Sep 2017
Position: Boeing voice activated systems and ACARS commander
Posts: 442
I agree, the FAA doesn't move fast and airlines still fly planes developed in the 60's. I don't think being a pilot is anymore at risk than any other job of disappearing. AI will eventually be able to write software, robots will be able to clean/cook, AI will fight wars and machines will build houses. And someday the end of the world will also come and humans will live on other planets.
#46
"This is horrible!"
"Unsafe!"
"We'll fight them in the streets!"
"Over my dead body!"
"Wait. They'll pay me $500 an hour to take over in case of lost link? Um...ok."
#47
:-)
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,339
This is the same for if all cars were AI, and the roadways were 100% clear of all obstructions, we would already have self driving cars.
#48
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2017
Position: Swimming, or drowning, depends on the day.
Posts: 106
Having first hand knowledge/experience of how RPAs are operating both in the overseas and stateside training environments I don't see pilotless aircraft in my lifetime. Maybe my son's lifetime, but definitely not mine. RPA's were supposed to be cleared to fly in the NAS with no chase aircraft by 2015. The FAA is still dragging their feet on it. It'll be years if not decades before things get ironed out for cargo/pax carrying RPA's.
#49
Number Last
Joined APC: Sep 2017
Position: Boeing voice activated systems and ACARS commander
Posts: 442
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