Airline experts look into technology for pilot-less commercial planes

NEW YORK -- The crash of Germanwings Flight 9525 has a lot of people thinking about ways to prevent similar tragedies.

But would you fly in a plane that did not have a pilot on board?

That's the question preventing commercial airlines from using technology for pilot-less flights.

Right now there are some flights that have pilots onboard, but can also be controlled from the ground.

A British aerospace company, BAE, is working on a $94 million project to develop planes that can be flown remotely.

"And what you're hearing right now is discussion with air traffic control that is exactly the same as what the pilots would be having if they were in charge of the steering of the aircraft," said BAE Systems test engineer Duncan Casey.

Military success with drones has driven much of the interest, and some efforts are focused on airplanes in hazardous conditions, such as hurricane research and fighting wildfires.

Authorities say pilotless planes could be a $400 billion a year global business, so why not passenger flights?

First, the airline industry has a remarkable safety record despite high profile disasters. Many believe onboard pilots remain the most reliable way to handle problems, and retrofitting planes would cost billions of dollars.

Second, passengers may not be ready.

"I start by asking myself that question - how would I feel getting into an airliner that didn't have airline pilots up front. And I wouldn't do it," said Flying Magazine Editor in Chief Robert Goyer.

There are unanswered questions about reliability. For example, if a plane is controlled from the ground, what if the control station loses contact, or terrorists take over?

There could be a redundant system that required two or more stations to control any plane at any time, that might address those concerns.