As SLF, I can see where having a system whereby the ground (or the aircraft itself) can take over in an emergency could save lives. Hijacking? Smoke in the cockpit? Decompression? I don't think a full-time system would currently be feasible (any more than it has been with automobiles), but when the choice is the computer flying the plane or the plane being totally out of control, then I'd take my chances with the computer.