Free Republic

The recent crash of the Cypriot airliner brings some points to mind. What if the pilots were dead and there was no one to fly the plane? The answer is using automated flying/landing using instrumentation. Everyone is familiar with the concept of the autopilot or may at least be familiar with it. Pilots might explain the difference between VFR and IFR flying -- in one case, the pilot relies on being able to see for flying, the other the pilot relies on instrumentation. Many airliners have incorporated features for landing using instruments only. It would be possible with technology to...