Next step in aviation: Planes flying without pilots

Both companies said they are working with major logistics companies to deliver cargo as a first use case once Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval happens.

The automation in the planes has become much advanced; however, pilots are still doing a lot of work such as telling the co-pilot about what to do.

However, the next step in aviation is removing the pilot completely without having them do anything. While still, the pilots take control anytime they want.

A video was published on May 15 by Xwing in which the fully automated plane could be seen functioning. Xwing made a test flight where the pilot didn’t touch the controls once. The plane did everything on its own from takeoff to the landing.

Rather than building new aircraft, both companies have retrofitted Cessna Grand Caravans.

The planes can fly autonomously while a remote operator monitors the flight, taking control if needed.