Automation vs Seat-of-the-pants-flying talking as devil's advocate - so no abuse plea

[Lonewolf_50]

Now, pilotless cargo planes? Ten years tops.

The USMC already operates such a thing. K-Max. Pilotless cargo hauling aircraft (helicopter)

I seem to recall that F-4 drones have been flying pilotless for some years at various weapons ranges for the USAF and the USN.

The tech to do this already exists. Has for some years.