Back in 2001, some anonymous aviation nerd on Airliners.net wondered if pilots would soon be obsolete, replaced by fancy autopilot tech. Fast-forward to 2025, and planes still need humans up front, but startups like Reliable Robotics and Wisk Aero are betting big on pilotless planes. From cargo Caravans to electric air taxis, these companies are tackling crashes and costs, all while navigating the FAA’s safety gauntlet. Buckle up for a wild ride into the future!
