vilcas

You're right and it won't be long before the conversation will not include the pilot at all. The computer will do everything to include making the decisions and next thing you know in a few decades the profession is done. I believe Fedex is already looking into the fully automated no pilot operation but you can expect all of the airlines to do this eventually.

CarolinaAngler

Wonder how many guys used the autopilot today going into DTW. Things seemed to be fine without it. Not sure how I would feel about being on a plane flown only by a computer in those 55kt+ gusts. Takes all the fun out of it anyways. What a ride. Had a few passengers who wanted to go back and do it again, that was a good laugh.

BIGRIG

That is the best argument I have ever heard for not using the autopilot. "If you use that thing, you are contributing to the downfall of the profession!" Haha!

80ktsClamp

FDX has only just recently retired their last plane with an FE and are actively taking delivery of aircraft designed in the 70's. That's not exactly a trend vector that screams that they are on the fast track to high tech automation.

vilcas

Well if a plane and approval comes along that removes the pilot you will see Fedex and UPS jump all over it and I think they will be first since they don't fly passengers. Passengers will need time to warm up to this idea. Boxes don't care.

mooney

I wouldn't go to that extreme. MD-10 anyone?

Mesabah

Single pilot operations are possible in the next 10 years, NASA is very close to finishing that program. However, it would require 1 pilot in the plane, and 1 pilot in the ground sim monitoring several flights. This means that, if it is going to be done, it will come to the regional airlines first. Cargo, won't spend the money on the new planes, majors won't do it without a test run, and corporate aviation is too small for a drone setup.

lakehouse

Maybe, they just discovered last week the basic secure exchange of the internet had been hacked and basically all passwords were compromised. It's going to take a long time to prove any of this **** is secure. This isn't free acars text, your talking controls of an airliner.

Will this guy monitor speed on approach of multi planes to make sure they don't stall? It sounds good, but there is a reason the cockpit is a two man setup.

vilcas

The savings that an autonomous aircraft will provide will make it sensible for the cargo companies to try. They will have an easier time because public opinion won't be an issue. There is still a lot of work to be done but the idea is to remove the pilot from the operation completely and let a computer do what the pilots struggle to do. Look at the last 10 years, the major accidents would have been avoided with a computer running the show. The computer doesn't get bored doesn't get tired doesn't long to cut corners. Yes computers are susceptible to glitches but redundant systems can reduce the risk of an error to close to 0. There is always risk but its about beating the human beings. Humans are not good at error free redundant tasks. The bottom line is what will drive management in this direction and the technology is fast approaching where this will take shape and become the new reality. I give it 30 years and the phase out will begin. One more reason not to become a pilot of your graduating high school.

N261ND