Use of remote pilots in the future?

David Dyer-Bennet wrote:
Sing For Supper writes:

Is there an effort to develop flight software and avionics integration
to allow for a remote pilot (using remote control) to co pilot a general
aviation plane? I with SatNav readily available and with cameras on the
nose (regular and night vision) there is really no reason that any GA
plane with advanced glass panel avionics could not be remotely flown.
The technology is all there and working in drones, radio controlled
model aircraft. An incorporation of fly-by-wire technology, satellite
communications and all computerized cockpits can be configured to be
remotely flown.

From what I know of the physical connections from controls in the
cockpit to the control surfaces of what individuals fly as general
aviation aircraft, you can't integrate that kind of technology without
completely replacing the control interconnections. It's direct cables
mostly, from what I've seen.

Which would be hugely expensive, especially since it would probably have
to be certified for use in each specific airplane.

Off the shelf autopilots interface with the existing controls, but it is as
you say, expensive.

--
Jim Pennino

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