I'm starting to think automation may be the answer
As a result of the Vilnius and Toronto accidents, I'm starting to think that total automation of commercial aviation is inevitable.
This comes as a complete surprise, as I'm a rather limited GA pilot with no automation experience. Everything I love about flying comes from hands on the yoke, and for many years, the magenta line discussion seemed to make it obvious that more hands on experience has been necessary.
However, these two events would have been unlikely with total automation and for the first time I think I get the single pilot idea.
Let George fly to reduce costs and increase safety with a backup pilot simply there to take control in a complete emergency.
A backup pilot wouldn't need to be able to deal with subtle issues like unexpected gusts or even hitting the wrong switch. Once an emergency was declared, I assume an entire network of people on the ground would come together to put the pilot in the best possible circumstances for a safe landing.
It definitely doesn't sound like fun, but I wonder if it's inevitable?
There may be a close analogy with family farming in the United States. Anyone who wanted to farm could until it became unprofitable due to the benefits of scale, limited market access and, of course, large scale automation.
Kind of like me in a 172, a family farmer can still farm. But they can't compete in the big leagues on any level from ROI to safety.
So maybe I'm really late to the game... but is total automation inevitable for commercial aviation? And if so, how soon is it getting here? Obviously I'm not a guru here so very interested in your thoughts.
I don't post here very often, so please forgive if I've posted in the wrong forum and feel free to move it.