Pilots protest study on whether cargo planes should have one pilot and remote help

Studies into operating single-pilot cargo aircraft have come under fire from unions representing more than 100,000 pilots and nearly 50 commercial carriers , according to this report in the South China Morning Post. The federally legislated studies in the US have received more than $128m in government funding, with the idea being that the onboard pilot would be assisted by remote-control pilots on the ground. The unions fundamentally oppose the plans noting the tasks of flying, communicating with air traffic control, monitoring weather requires two pilots. Furthermore, they point to potential threats posed by hackers, as well as system glitches.