jdebrey

checkout this article CNN just put out.

Pilotless planes could save airlines billions. But would anyone fly? - Aug. 7, 2017


Curious to know what you guys think of this....


My opinion: the media has no comprehension of what kind of regulations would have to be passed, along with the unrealistic thought of airlines replacing they're entire fleet.

Wake up call, if we're still operating the freaking MD-88 we are very far from having them "pilotless commercial aircraft"

AC560

When you see freight trains without drivers then you can get concerned. That is the ultimate first stop for this technology and today aside from airport tram's you see it nowhere.

M5000

Pilotless ops at LGA and EWR should be fun to watch

SpeedyVagabond

Perhaps one day but we're not close yet. One thing is certain. If and when they do fly I won't be in the back.

Dised101

You and I know how important our services are. But, the fact is pilotless aircraft are already flying. The technology to have pilotless aircraft is "off the shelf" technology. Nothing has to be developed from an aircraft perspective. ATC reform is needed, but that is what NexGen is all about. Do you really think that the FAA and the aviation industry are in lock step pushing Congess for funding just because ATC reform is going to enhance safety?

There has also been academic studies (Rice, et al.) that have already provided data suggesting passengers already support one-pilot operations. No-pilot operations was less conclusive, but suggest the flying public would support it.

The public supports the concept.
The industry supports it.
The FAA will support the idea if the public supports it.

The only group that doesn't support it is the pilot group. My prediction is that we begin seeing Part 121 single pilot operations in current multi-pilot cargo operations sometime in the middle to late next decade. After that, it will just be a matter of time before Part 121 passenger operations follows. No-pilot operations? I don't know.

Also remember, kids are now growing up in a world that has been transformed by computers and computer technology. These kids view computer technology as more reliable than humans. These kids are going to be paying customers in just a few years. Just something to think about.

Mesabah

Yes, but train conductors only make around $60K-$70K a year. With automation comes wage arbitrage, that's the threat, it's the same as with NAI.

123494

I don't take anything from the media seriously.

SonicFlyer

Exactly why the 1500 hour rule and resulting pilot shortage is a bad idea. If pilots get too expensive to train and hire then it will hasten the move to automation. Again, probably not in 5-10 years, but 15-20.

jdebrey

This was also exactly what I was thinking. It's so hard to predict when humans will create AI capable of taking a majority of peoples jobs. who knows how long this is going to take. I do believe if the pilot shortage is actually as bad as the media makes it out to be they will look at what the most economical choice is. Remember that the shortage isn't supposed to be at full force for about 5 more years or so.That's a lot of time when it comes to tech, by then Tesla and others will for sure have AI capable of self driving cars.

pilot0987

Not sure where they are getting all this fuel savings from. 1 billion in fuel savings. If the time ever did come for pilotless stuff they would not be able to fly direct rather entire routes costing more money.