Careers: Flying & Aviation/Computers/airplanes

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Expert: - 8/23/2006


Question
I am a 11th grader and wish to be an airline pilot now what is the likelyness that computers will start flying planes. because i dont want to be a pilot and then have to swich my job 10 years later. i know if they ever have computer flown planes a person will still have to watch over the plane in the cockpit, but what year do you think that they will have computer flown planes. Thank you

Answer
While computer automation already plays a big role in present day cockpit automation, I do not see a totally computerized flight deck as you describe. Pilots will always be needed (until we enter a Buck Rogers type world anyway.) It will be many, many decades if not next century before any such thing ever becomes reality for airline crews if it happens at all. I wouldn't worry about any such thing if you are considering this career.

You should check out this link for more information on airline pilot careers- http://www.jetcareers.com  

Careers: Flying & Aviation

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Volunteer

D. Norkus

Expertise

I can address questions about airline pilot employment & entry level airline careers in the United States, women pilots, flight training, pilot certification, U.S. flight scholarships (mostly for women), aviation & airline safety topics, aviation accident investigation and airline operations. ***Please note, I cannot address flight training & career queries from outside the United States, or aero engineering degree programs/careers, aviation management topics. ****

Experience

Airline captain with 15 years past experience in airline ground operations. I have previously flown as a commercial skydive pilot & ferry pilot and majored in Aviation Science


Organizations
International Organization of Women Pilots- The Ninety-Nines, charter member of Women In Aviation International, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, Air Line Pilots Association.

Education/Credentials
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University; Aviation Safety/Accident investigation.

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