How long until a pilot-less airline industry? Boeing Obtains Autolanding Patent

[TinWing]

http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2006/12/01/Navigation/177/210869/Diagrams+Boeing+patents+anti-terrorism+auto-land+system+for+hijacked.html

We all know that patents don't alway lead to viable products - and often highly speculative patents are seen as a longshot type of investment.

Personally, I can see more than a few economic advantages to replacing the flight crew with automation - and replacing the flight deck itself with more revenue producing seats. In many ways, I'd be less apprehensive about flying on an unmanned airliner than flying on Boeing's new 787 with its novel composite fuselage, increased pressurization and decreased inspection cycle!

 

[Sentinel Chicken]

Maybe it's just that a lot of my friends are pilots, but I'd take a living/breathing flight crew in the front office equipped with the Mark One eyeball and the world's most powerful computer between the ears.........