Try to imagine the last cruise you have been on but without pilots sitting in a cockpit. It might sound a bit surreal but this can be our everyday reality sooner than many think.
What it takes to be a pilot and what are the responsibilities connected to this role? This is a question we should answer first before we talk about replacing humans with AI-driven computers. The main tasks of passenger plane pilots are performing difficult maneuvers (though sometimes they are also done with a help of autopilot), answering to changing circumstances in the air, and the most important one – decision making. Though many respected pilots may think that these are the abilities computer cannot offer, objectively speaking it can and probably AI is already better at it.
Captain Petter Hornfeldt – a great pilot and founder of YouTube channel “Mentour Pilot” concentrated on popularizing aviation, in his video posted about five years ago addressed concerns of his audience about investing in becoming a commercial pilot. After analyzing this problem he stated that, though pilotless planes might be the future of aviation it would take decades to actually introduce them to our everyday lives. Looking at the rapid progress in AI-driven modes of the transport industry, it is safe to say that he was wrong and we might experience this change much sooner.
The technology is already here. Autopilots in planes are nothing new. Though very primitive, they were already part of passenger aircrafts in the 70s. With Artificial Intelligence, objects recognition systems and data gathered over the years we already have everything we need. In fact, huge companies such as Boeing and Airbus are already running projects concentrated on testing this technology. At the same time, NASA started working with Xwing – a silicon valley company considered to be a pioneer in the autonomous planes industry. The goal of this special partnership is to study the safety of pilotless planes which Xwnigs has already produced.
Why autonomous planes are a necessity in the future? Well, the need for this technology is in fact much higher than for driverless cars. First of all, to become a pilot, one has to invest around one hundred thousand dollars and hope to maintain perfect health throughout a whole career. That fact alone is a cause of the lack of pilots in the job market despite attractive wages. From the airline’s point of view, pilots are very expensive and inefficient in comparison to computers which could fly without any breaks.
Customers will also experience a lot of benefits when this technology is introduced. First and foremost by reduction of ticket prices. Autonomous planes might also create an opportunity to make flying more accessible and on-demand service around the world – some say there would be a possibility of creating “Uber in the air”.
However, there are some obstacles with which we need to deal first. Cybersecurity is one of them – the consequences of hacking and taking control of those machines would be catastrophic. There is also ongoing debate among lawyers and companies about who should take a responsibility for any accidents or failures of this technology in the future. And last but not least, probably the most difficult problem to overcome – social acceptance and trust towards pilotless flights.
Because of the current state of things in the aviation industry, autonomous planes are a necessity and it is just a matter of time before they become our everyday reality. There is no doubt that airlines would be very eager to introduce them as quickly as possible because of the amount of money they could save that way. However, companies should stay patient and cautious about this technology because our safety is at stake.
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In my opinion, technologically speaking, it is a great thing. However, implementation of this idea will be harder that it’s seems. Let’s say that the concept of pilotless planes will passed all of the test. I think that, at first, there will be very few people that will be eager to get on that machine. Nowadays people are more likely to trust a person than a AI/machine. I guess that the majority of people who are on planes even don’t know that the most of the flight is run by the autopilot. The pilots are only there to supervise if everything is going according to the plan. Also, as you’ve written, cybercrime is one of the most crucial problem that could result in many attempts of assassination. So as for now, I cannot imagine this idea to have a lot of supporters. Also I think that someday will happen in our future but now it’s too early for it.
I cannot even imagine how many tests should one make to take a commercial plane with ppl onboard to the skies without a pilot. It’s a ridiculous amount of bureaucracy. Nevertheless, I still believe this is gonna happen very soon.
Personally, I wouldn’t have the courage to enter a plane, knowing it is completely and only controlled by Artificial Intelligence. I think this idea will surely be implemented later in the future, however, I doubt people will want to enter or trust such planes. I feel pilots shouldn’t get their jobs taken away by machines, as their position demands a lot of responsibility, which AI can’t fulfill to its full capacity. AI doesn’t have the ability to improvise, unlike humans who can quickly react in case of emergencies. And as you have mentioned earlier, cybercrime is now very common, which makes it easier for hackers to manipulate such flights. Therefore, I think a pilotless plane is not the best idea, however, there is no doubt it’s going to be a ‘thing’ later on.
I think pilotless planes are great for moving forward in the aviation industry. They have the potential to revolutionize air travel, allowing for shorter flight times and lower costs. It even might delete human errors. But people will still be sceptical towards this idea mainly because of cybersecurity. Not gonna lie for me it would be terrifying. But of course, will get used to it whether we want it or not it is the future.