Why is this thread degenerating into considerations on fully automated flight ? Why do people who are not pilots at all, and likely unable to ever become one, dream of aircraft that fly themselves ?
The unfortunate fellows who had to face one of the most dangerous situation ever in a civilian airplane only needed a few cheap things, and not billion-bucks drones :
- a way to fly the aircraft with heavy smoke in the cockpit : EVAS
- quick, accurate and reliable information about the fire
It seems maintenance had received ACARS with info on the fire location, and I for one am convinced this info was not available to the pilots.
Now, for those who dream of remote flying, I suggest they try remote lovemaking. Much, much safer.