A pilot for 21 years on the original Jumbo Jet (Boeing 747) and with equal time involved in computer programming, Peter Collins has the unusual combination of experience and insight to write a book on the benefits and pitfalls of automation in aviation.

Peter attended the College of Air Training at Hamble in 1979 and flew for British Midland Airways, then British Caledonian Airways, before moving on to another major airline flying international routes. Having retired as a captain on the 747-400, he continued in a simulator training capacity assisting new pilots with their flying careers.

Relying entirely on Artificial Intelligence in place of the warm-body pilots would offer airlines major cost savings. But especially in light of the 737 Max 8 accidents, the author asks: "Are you ready to board a fully-automated pilotless...

Relying entirely on Artificial Intelligence in place of the warm-body pilots would offer airlines major cost savings. But especially in light of the 737 Max 8 accidents, the author asks: "Are you ready to board a fully-automated pilotless aircraft?"

And even more important: "Do you think you'll have a choice?" Total reliance on 21st century computer systems doesn't appear to be the answer.

In an analysis of the last 10 years of accidents, the author highlights where the human/computer weaknesses lie. He explores the vulnerability of the human pilot in the aviation world, and then he takes the debate to the next stage by asking how we need to redesign the interface between pilot and machine.

A possible solution borrowed from the film '2001' is introduced. By looking at our own human evolution, can we reverse engineer fatal outcomes from recent accidents, combined with simulator trials, to build fully secure safety systems? The seemingly impossible solution to keeping the flight deck secure from terrorist activity and at the same time preventing pilot suicide is likewise addressed.

The book also illustrates in a simplified way how computer logic works, showing why it would be impossible to program in a solution for every one of the infinite number of things that can go wrong.