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Airlines and Pilots Don’t See Eye to Eye on Autonomous Flights

Groups are divided on whether technology designed to reduce or even eliminate crews will compromise safety.

Merlin flight test
Last September, Merlin began a test campaign using a Cessna Caravan. [Courtesy: Merlin Labs]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

Former FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker in September reiterated a long-standing agency commitment: Two pilots must always be on the flight deck during routine commercial flight operations.

But that hasn’t stopped companies from developing technology designed to reduce or even eliminate crews—and airlines and pilots are divided on whether that will compromise safety.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

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