Originally Posted by
Tourist
What has changed over the last 50 years?
Have piloting skills got better?
I don't think you would find anybody who would argue that is the case.
Perhaps better CRM, I will give you that, but overall?
I think this is a very narrow and unhelpful view. CRM was a complete change in the method and philosophy of operating that cut accident rates as much as improved technology did. It is very notable that airlines that do not have good CRM or operating cultures have comparatively poor safety records - see Lion Air at the moment, Korean air in the 90s.
You mention the Military - the US Military has lately made clear (last week's Flight) that they will not expect as a matter of principle and policy soldiers being transported into combat zones on crewless vehicles.
I fundamentally do not see anything changing in CAT in my professional lifetime. Neural nets are powerful tools, and the technology you talk about is exciting. However, Current new airframe designs are not even built with contemplation of "optionally manned" or single pilot scenarios and they are likely to be in service for at least 20 years.