Isn't it time?
You know, none of the new models, regardless of manufacturer, require the presence of a pilot in the cockpit. Now before I get threats and death wishes, and trash, let me explain:
Current technology has limited the pilot's responsibilities to entering and validating the route, taxiing to the runway, monitoring the flight path, and being "available" to assist on take off and landing. The majority of new aircraft can handle all these tasks with no human intervention.
I admit that there are several incidents where human intervention was required to save the flight. There are also many "pilot error" incidents where it may actually have been better not to have the pilot in charge.
I think it's time to follow the air force's lead and ground our pilots: First make them remote to the cockpit. Then, loose the need for pilots on standard routes.
Too much hand ringing about something that will happen anyway. Why not be proactive?
And that brings me to your family car. Do we really want to continue to license idiots and drunks? Can't we just let the cars drive themselves? The only thing holding us back is the threat that a computerized car is going to run over someone and some lawyer will have a field day. In both cases, air and ground, a little protection for new technology, or at least limits on awards, would boost the momentum and allow us to reap the rewards.
