FedEx feeder plane takes flight without pilot in test for Reliable Robotics

Re:FedEx feeder plane takes flight without pilot in test for... by kgermino on Monday August 31, 2020 @02:41PM (#24334612)

> Also, the take-off being easier, it's not conceivable that a machine couldn't do it. The reason there is no such machine today is exactly because it's easier, so pilots never need any help.

I don't think it's just that take off is easier, but that it's also more dangerous than landing. If something happens during take-off and the computer needs help, it needs the pilot to step in quickly so you don't have time to do a computer -> person hand-off.

I don't think it would affect this proposal (no passengers on board, and package-only airports can be located far away from things to hit) but worth noting.

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Re:FedEx feeder plane takes flight without pilot in test for... by marcosdumay on Monday August 31, 2020 @08:57PM (#24337461)

> If something happens during take-off and the computer needs help, it needs the pilot to step in quickly so you don't have time to do a computer -> person hand-off.

The same happens at landing, but the airplane is moving faster.

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Re:FedEx feeder plane takes flight without pilot in test for... by kgermino on Wednesday September 02, 2020 @11:14AM (#24354032)

Yes, but faster is usually better in this case.

Over simplifying, there are a lot of situations during take-off and landing where stopping isn't an option. During landing, the extra speed helps you take-off and try again (go around) with minimal risk. A computer can pretty easily handle "something's weird, TOGO and have the pilot take over." Take-off doesn't have that safety margin.

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