Public Opinion on Electric Air Taxis Without Pilots: A Survey of Perspectives

As the aviation industry continues to embrace electrification and automation, a new era of travel might soon begin with the advent of electric air taxis. But what does the public think about the prospect of flying in a plane without a pilot? Recent discussions and surveys shed light on diverse opinions and concerns surrounding this emerging technology.

Would You Rely on an Autonomous Plane?

The question of whether one would be willing to fly in an electric air taxi without a pilot onboard has sparked debate among the general public. Some individuals express enthusiasm, provided safety measures are in place, while others are firm in their refusal. Here are five perspectives from those surveyed:

Perspective 1: Reliability and Safety

A respondent named John explained, 'If it had been proven to be safe within reasonable expectations then yes, I think I would. Although, there's a very long way to go before that will even remotely be allowed.'

Perspective 2: Professional Expertise

Another pilot, Jane, stated adamantly, 'Absolutely not. I'm a pilot and if I'm going to fly in an airplane, if there is no other pilot, then I will be the pilot. Screw that pilotless shit.'

Perspective 3: Experience and Safety

A seasoned pilot expressed, 'No, I would not. I'm a pilot, and like to think that I'm experienced. I know Murphy's Law, which is not a matter of whether things will break, but when. When they do, that's when we shine, and that's when we earn our salt. We are problem solvers. No computer can cover everything as there are too many variables in aviation. No two flights are ever identical. We don’t need to be rebooted to function and have no blue screen of death.'

Perspective 4: Skepticism and Distrust

Another respondent, Mark, a habitual car driver, summarized, 'FK NO! I would not even be happy to ride in a car that can self-drive even with the driver in the seat. This approach extends to electric air taxis without pilots.'

Perspective 5: Human Oversight

Robert, a retired pilot with extensive experience, added, 'No, at least with a person in the cockpit, they have their own life to fight for if something goes wrong. Besides, with modern aviation technology, young, talented, and well-trained pilots should be kept in the cockpit to monitor flights, assist the crew, and act as the ultimate "safety" valve for the flight.'

Industry Examples and Safety Standards

Moreover, there are instances where human intervention has played a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with technology. '

Air Traffic Controller Karen illustrated two key examples:

Example 1: Miracle on the Hudson

'First, the miracle on the Hudson. US Airways flight 1549, which was successfully landed by Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger. This outcome was made possible because of the airmanship of a superior Captain. The next example is Air Transat flight 236. Improper fuel line maintenance caused this aircraft to lose fuel and run out mid-way across the Atlantic Ocean. A superior understanding of the aircraft and airmanship turned this near disaster into a diversion and inconvenience for the passengers and crew.'

These incidents highlight the importance of human oversight in critical situations. They also suggest that, even in the presence of advanced technology, human input is irreplaceable for critical decision-making and problem-solving in aviation.

In conclusion, the willingness to fly in an electric air taxi without a pilot is deeply divided. Safety, experience, and technological reliability remain key factors in public trust. As the aviation industry continues to develop these technologies, ensuring rigorous testing and strict safety standards will be essential in gaining public confidence.