Originally Posted by
lucille
100% reliable two way data comms is the key. Once that holy grail has been attained, its all over for the 2 pilot cockpit.
I think not, it has to be more than a glorified autopilot, it has to be better than human, updated yes but self contained, so well that from a captains perspective is flying with the same first officer every time, even though it's a different unit. It must learn human individual uniqueness, remember every conversation. It doesn't need to walk or leave the flight deck, just be able to operate the rudder and brakes along with two hands. It must see everything, know everything, understand and respond to verbal conversation. external input in flight is ideal but not essential. Then we are in the zone, but only the first officer and I wouldn't expect to see that in a commercial airliner for at least 20 years, but I'm sure it will happen.