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Old 22nd Aug 2013, 11:12
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Ian W
 
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On the rare occasion that something anomalous occurs on an aeroplane, an alert sounds and all the flight and systems data for that aircraft are made available on the interface in real time, together with a systems diagnostic report. They can intervene as effectively as they could have done in the aircraft.
I am not so certain that the remote pilot would be able to pick up the required situational awareness of all emergencies where the automation has dropped out in this simplistic fashion. What if 'all the flight and system data is not there or is corrupt and the automation dropped out short finals?

Currently, ICAO does not recognize autonomous aircraft, only remotely piloted aircraft - that is continuously remotely piloted. All the current regulations for operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems are being written on the basis of pilot(s) with full IFR ratings to fly the UAS. The beancounters would (and are) really pushing for total automation but there are many technical hurdles to overcome even before we get to the legal and then human factors ones.

It is also unlikely that commercial passenger aircraft will be flying and self separating in IFR as this would be very inefficient. The probability in both SESAR and NextGen is that aircraft will be flying precise user preferred or 'business' 4D trajectories that have been deconflicted out to 20 - 30 minutes ahead. There should be no reason for airborne separation assurance except as another layer of safety and for situational awareness. The 4D trajectories will have been deconflicted by ATC systems and negotiated with the 'aircraft' to come to an agreed conflict free 20 minute + 'contracted 4D trajectory'. This type of system has been demonstrated over 15 years ago. Both controllers and pilots moved to more 'management by exception. BUT there remained a real need for situational awareness and an understanding of what is happening all around the aircraft. Without that situational awareness I cannot see that the required Target Level of Safety could be reached.

That is not to say that in some areas these UAS capabilities might be used with pax. There are already 'optionally piloted' aircraft being used by the military. They can ferry supplies but return with casualties on board for example. Moving from that niche into general freight carrying wide-bodies or to passenger carrying is not going to be a simple step so don't worry about jobs just yet.

Last edited by Ian W; 22nd Aug 2013 at 11:15. Reason: Tidy up quote
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