NASA Kicks off Testing Campaign for Remotely Piloted Cargo Flights

Whether or not the technology is proven, now or in the future, I put this squarely in the "just because you can, doesn't mean you should" category. No thanks...for so many reasons.

A very bad idea. Regardless of how sophisticated we think we are, our adversaries (CCP, etc.) will constantly be trying to compromise us. We have already been taken by surprise with GPS "interference". The stakes are way too high when something the size of a commercial airliner is flying over populated areas. There MUST be at least one, and preferably two, qualified pilots n the cockpit. Beware of government funded enterprises on these projects.

US Government taxpayer helping commercial aviation? Not really. More likely to be used by the US Military.

The Caravan N927FE test aircraft was removed from the FedEx Feeder fleet four or five years ago. I believe FedEx most likely funded the remotely piloted cargo flight tests for at least the last five years. NASA is probably involved with end stage development. The concept is already proven. I have read of the development of the concept for years in AviationWeek, an industry trade magazine. Mixed feelings because I flew N927FE as a cargo pilot for years. Cargo pilots deliver the freight under challenging conditions such which are sometimes not forecast and unexpectedly become severe. Severe ice, turbulence, wind sheer, convection, precipitation, mechanical issues, and wake vortices can challenge any pilot. Safety pundits recommend choosing to avoid risk by limiting flight during night, instrument, low ceilings, icing, etc. conditions. Freight Dogs proudly deliver the freight under all the above conditions.

I'm wondering about IT security. How hard would it be to take over one and use it for terror attacks. 🤔

In today's busy airspace there will NEVER be a suitable replacement for eyes in the cockpit. We just saw that the other day in LA when a drone hit and took a super scooper out of service. Too many things can go wrong without human intervention on site.

I'm not worried about the remotely piloted planes. I'm worried about what happens when they hit another plane or cause chaos on the ground.

So many commenters here are clearly experts in aviation safety. They should all go get jobs with NASA since they know better than anybody else.

It will be really strange to see a 767 without a single window, in fact no cockpit would be required even!

Somebody is Still paying a “pilot” to fly that plane whether remotely or an actual pilot inside the cockpit.

A pointless waste of $$ if you want my 23,000 pilot hours opinion.

Put this in the category of a another government initative flying blind!

...thanks, I'll pass on this....

What are they thinking!

I do not think that I like this idea... Even with Redundant systems and being in the Airline Industry in the Line of Avionics, Electrical Systems, A&P Mechanic, A/C Maintenance Controller, and Short Term Planner... This to me feels more like a Government "Pork Barrel" Project!

Its not "pork barrel", NASA has always worked towards advancing aviation technology.
As far "US Govt taxpayers helping commercial aviation", NASA has always been the first. I don't recall any commercial communications entity deciding to design, build and launch the 1st generation of any satellite

Great idea! Let's also make sure all the remote pilots are also DEI hires. What could possibly go wrong!