4 ms·
I think it's not so much the weight of the pilot but how requiring a pilot effects the upper bound of 'delivers per day'. - Pilot can't reasonably fly more tha
by smlacy 9y ago
I think it's not so much the weight of the pilot but how requiring a pilot effects the upper bound of 'delivers per day'.
- Pilot can't reasonably fly more than 8-10hrs a day Need at least 3 pilots per aircraft for 24/7 delivery support.
- Pilot needs a salary, drastically increasing the OpEx of each drone (vs. "just maintenance and electricity")
- Ability to train & hire pilots limits total fleet size.
- Pilots require insurance, which is likely a nontrivial amount. (depending on regulatory environment, of course)
Imagine being able to build 1,000 drones in a factory. Can you as easily hire, train & pay 3,000 pilots? Probably not.
- nradov 9y agoNo sizable aircraft can operate around the clock. They would need periodic down time for labor intensive inspections and maintenance. Look at the mission-capable rates, operating cycles, and maintenance schedules for medium-sized military drones today. There are no magic solutions here.
- touristtam 9y agoNo but presumably in a cost oriented operation, you could problably get 2 vehicle to work in tandem vs 1 vehicle and 2-3 human pilots.