When Aviation pops its gonna be massive. As crazy as it may seem, the era of a pilotless flight deck3 Feb 2020 18:49
Recently Airbus completed its latest test, with an A350 aircraft completing the first automatic takeoff ever. The pilots on the flight deck were in place, as a backup, but they were never needed as the plane rolled down the runway and rotated (lifted off) and climbed to the prescribed altitude.
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The project has been in the works for more than two years, as 20 Airbus engineers create a system that allows the aircraft to use a visual reconnaissance program. The initial goal is for the airplane to taxi from the gate, hold, takeoff and then land, where the plane will taxi itself to the prescribed gate.
No pilot needed.
As futuristic as this sounds, we are far closer to automated flight than many realize. As the car and truck industry move the concept of driverless vehicles further, aircraft manufacturers will do the same.
The transformation will come in stages and over time. At first, cargo aircraft are to be fitted with the equipment, allowing for total automated flight. The two-person crew will be replaced by a single pilot, who will simply monitor the aircraft to make certain everything is operating as required.
https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/479633-coming-soon-planes-without-pilots