Question: Hello Capt. Cox, with today's computers and electronics, is it possible for a large commercial aircraft to land itself at a major airport?
Answer: Yes, many of today's airplanes are capable of autolanding. Using very stable signals from the instrument landing system, properly programmed, modern airplanes utilizing multiple autopilots simultaneously and carefully monitored by the pilots can land safely in near zero visibility automatically. The crews are specially trained, the ground transmitters are specially monitored, and the airplanes are specially certified. This capability is most often used in very low visibility conditions. It is wonderful to see this level of technology being utilized to keep our air system operating during inclement weather safely.
From column Capt. John Cox, pilot
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