I'm a Little Confused
Aren't planes already largely self-flying? Aside from handling taking off, landing, and adjusting trim during the flight, doesn't the autopilot already fly the plane?
If comparing the concept to self-driving cars, I think there are probably far fewer environmental concerns to deal with (airways are probably quite orderly when compared to highways). The mechanical variables are a completely different story, as an aircraft is vastly more complex than an automobile. And of course, the impact of a failed automated system in an aircraft would be far greater.
Drone pilots can fly their aircraft from half a world away. Could airlines realistically assume remote control of an airliner in a similar fashion, should the automated systems fail?
Biting the hand that feeds IT
