I usually agree with most of Steve Jurvetson's writings, but I've got a few doubts about this one. Factually, he's largely correct. For example, A F/A-18F Supe

I usually agree with most of Steve Jurvetson's writings, but I've got a few doubts about this one. Factually, he's largely correct. For example, A F/A-18F Super Hornet can be flown between waypoints and use Terrain Following Radar coupled to the autopilot. The jet can also fly a carrier approach "coupled up" on autopilot. Could a datalink control the mission computer on a F/A-18F? Quite possible. Could a X-47B fly autonomously onto carrier deck? It's been done. Could a F/A-18 WSO(eg. non-pilot) program the mission computer and land the jet without manual flying? If the runway is equipped for ACLS (Not ILS) approaches, then yes. Could a flight attendant program a 737-700 FMS and fly a coupled ILS landing? Probably. Could the X-47B mission systems be integrated on a 737-700 and fly autonomously? Yes. Its relatively rare for a tower controller to wave-off a 737 because the pilot didn't fly a proper and stabilized approach. Its up to the flight crew to fly a go-around if they are not stabilized on approach. Are they going to start putting LSO (Landing Signal Officers) at JFK to wave off an automated airliner? Maybe... If an X-47B looses its engine the chance of the jet ditching intact is improbable. If an F/A-18 has a dual engine failure its almost certain the crew will eject. If an A320 looses both engines due to a birdstrike, thats when Capt. Sully earned his paycheck and then some. An autonomous flight computer cant factor the rare emergencies. There is probably large public support for getting rid of the TSA and having remote override for the FMS might work. Taking the pilot out of the cockpit isn't the solution to the TSA problem.