Virtual pilots flying real planes!

[RJ85]

Tena Koutou! (hello in Maori language)

AirEurope VA is a European virtual airline. It has two hubs in France and soon in Germany and the United Kingdom.

Our high-staff has been invited by Auckland-based Ryba Operating System to discuss a single pilot commercial flight experiment on Airbus A320neo 3.0. The experiment will begin in the next fortnight, first on Air New Zealand Aviation's professional simulators, then from May, on freight transport with two pilots (the second pilot will check the actions carried out from the ground).

At the end of the experiment, an assessment will be established. According to the project team, a marginal error rate of 5% would be acceptable and sufficient to generalize the new system as of September 2018. It is not currently envisaged to transpose this procedure to aircraft carrying passengers.

In practice, the pilot in the right seat will be replaced by a "qualified virtual pilot", i.e. ground personnel who will assist the pilot flying via a series of computer tools. The qualified virtual pilot will become a true non-flying pilot. In particular, he will benefit from a specific view on the instrument panel of the aircraft concerned to inform, lighten the pilot's work during the less critical phases of the flight, manage communications with the controllers and assist the pilot in difficult situations.

The pilot-in-command shall actuate a control every minute which means that he is physically and intellectually able to fly the aircraft safely (as is the rule in rail transport). The safety will even be reinforced: for example, if the plane deviates without reason from the expected trajectory, the virtual pilot will have to intervene. In both cases, the qualified virtual pilot will be responsible for landing the aircraft on a diversion field equipped with an ILS Cat IIIc.

The first experiments in 2017 were carried out by real pilots. The choice to put only one pilot flying being above all economic, it was not possible to resort to professional pilots who require the same level of remuneration whether or not they are in the plane. It seemed logical and reasonable to call on enthusiasts who would take days off to satisfy their passion for aeronautics.

Ryba believes that the companies will thus be able to reduce transport costs per tonne by around 15%.

You can imagine, our Airbus pilots are very excited about the project. They will soon be subjected to a qualification flight on a professional simulator. A score below 50% means the immediate and final elimination of the candidate, between 50% and 70%, a second test will be proposed. Above 70%, the candidate is fit. The qualified virtual pilots will be equipped by Ryba with the necessary controls to carry out their mission. In return, the virtual pilot will have to make 4 flights per month (or 2 rotations) that is to say approximately 16 hours of work. The obligations of the pilots do not stop there, they will have to pass a Computer Technical Competency and the system will be unlocked using a breathalyzer.

If you're looking for adventure, flying Airbus, join our company!
http://aireuropeva.com/register

Air Europe VA staff

[jackpilot]

Wether Cargo or passenger, an airplane like the 320 is an immensely complex machine evolving in a highly complex environment, both of which are only remotely similar to "virtual " aviation. The 320 like its competitors needs two pilots to get things done, both being able to be PF or PM instantly, and not when all is well and rosy, but when things or systems start to go wrong or when mother nature throws  all its might in the balance. Armchair pilots are not equipped for that and never will, unless trained like an airline pilot, which would defeat the "economy" purpose.
I do not think that any carrier would entrust its liability and a $100 milion + airplane to an amateur pilot.
Nevertheless, single or even no pilot will happen one day, when AI and machines will take over and all humans will be on welfare or unemployment insurance.


Just my 2¢ Guys...April Fools probably

[blueskydriver]

Here is an older related story with NASA involvement:

http://aviationweek.com/technology/nasa-advances-single-pilot-operations-concepts

John

[RJ85]

It is now Monday, April 2, 1:30 Aukland time. My little story was nothing but an April fool's joke.

[jackpilot]

Must say it was a good one.
Took me a while ...