Scraggly Heron

There's one aspect of RPA (remotely piloted aircraft) flight operations that few people understand--that flying remotely piloted aircraft is much more manpower intensive than flying manned aircraft. This would probably slightly less so with civilian applications, given that mission systems are part of the reason for the manpower cost, but I don't know that it would be entirely eliminated.

In addition, the satellite bandwidth required is very expensive. Again, probably less so with civil aircraft, but it's another cost factor.

The key advantages to RPAs (for the military) is that they can stay airborne for a long period of time, shuffling multiple crews throughout the mission, and that if they crash the political costs are significantly lower. The first advantage would be of some use to cargo carriers; I don't think the second advantage would be as much the case for a large aircraft flying over populated areas. Particularly since RPAs have a notably higher crash rate than manned aircraft.

pony172

Is it technically possible to fly a large drone aircraft? Absolutely. It is also technically possible to send a man to the moon and we did over 40 years ago. We haven't done it since. Why? Very expensive and the systems/hardware are intricate. I would worry about single pilot aircraft being monitored by a ground station/dispatcher before I would worry about pilotless aircraft. I could definitely see the industry using the pilot shortage as an impetus for going single pilot.

MaydayMark

Google boss sets sights on developing autonomous plane | Daily Mail Online

Jetjok

Single pilot large cargo aircraft will never happen. Just think about it. Who would do the walkaround, get the Captains' water, and install the gurt bar. Impossible.

Adlerdriver

Showing your age a bit JJ.

Jetjok

Yeah, I actually thought about that, but couldn't get my finger to hit the destructive backspace key. And for the record, I'll be 70 on my next birthday and am still going strong.

LightAttack

I highly recommend drone/RPA private jets for all Google, Amazon, Apple and disgruntled former Naval Aviators (Missy Cummings - The Daily Show - Video Clip | Comedy Central) - especially for any conference in Aspen during a blizzard.

Huck

… And just how exactly are the single pilots going to get experience?

Adlerdriver

Good to hear you're not like some of the "perfect" retirees (from a management perspective) that only last a few months. Live long and prosper.

Adlerdriver

by flying the airplane? (not that I think it's going to be an issue that needs solving)