Remote Pilot Concept May Not Fly

Re “Stopping Them by Remote Control,” Commentary, Oct. 18: Alton Frye obviously has no understanding of the limitations of auto-flight systems in modern airliners. When the auto-flight system is engaged, it can easily be overridden and disconnected by the pilot making a strong control input. This is essential to protect the aircraft from destruction in the event of an autopilot computer or control servo suddenly going “insane.” To disable this feature would place everyone at potential peril on every flight.

For an airliner to make an automatic landing, it must be to a runway with the appropriate ground navigation equipment. The flight crew must progressively lower the landing flaps and landing gear at the appropriate time. Automatic brakes must be manually selected and so forth. I suppose airliner manufacturers could design a remote-controlled auto-flight system that would include operations of all systems that are critical to a safe landing, but only with a basic redesign of the aircraft. And, everyone in the airline industry would be dead set against such a scheme, both from cost and overall safety considerations.

If such an aircraft were to come into existence, I would vote for the pilots staying home or staffing the remote-piloting ground stations. I hope whoever pilots the aircraft from the ground can figure out how to stay clear of those frequent killer thunderstorms out there.

Wally Roberts

Retired Airline Pilot

San Clemente