Automation Expansion: Trump Suggests New Technologies Eliminate Need for Airplane Pilots
Revised Article:
Trump's controversial comment about pilots being obsolete in the new proposed air traffic control system certainly sparked a buzz. The President, apparently in a slip-up, seemed to question the necessity of human pilots in the future of aviation.
The cavalier remark was made during a press briefing on Thursday, where Trump acknowledged the antiquated state of the current air traffic control (ATC) system, stating that it's time for a total overhaul. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy quickly shared the now viral video clip on social media, praising the President's support for the ATC system reform.
"The FAA had all these different technologies, some of them 50 years old, and they're trying to mesh them in," Trump said in the video. "They end up spending twice the money they should have spent. You could have bought a whole new system."
Trump went on to applaud the new equipment, saying, "This system is so incredible what it does. You don't even-well, I was going to say something, but in my opinion, you always need pilots, and I want pilots. But you wouldn't even have to have pilots. This system is so incredible what they can do."
The video ends with Trump reminiscing about using "the system of another country" while his pilots were flying him inside the U.S. "They were just saying, 'Our system doesn't work, sir,' and I said, 'Boy, that's pretty sad,'" Trump stated.
It's unclear what air traffic control system Trump was referring to when he mentioned using another country's system while domestic flights were in progress.
The President also touched upon past administration's approach to upgrading ATC systems, having awarded "hundreds" of different contractors to focus on individual components, from satellite technology to excavation work.
Recent discussions about the US ATC system have centered on ambitious plans and proposals to modernize and overhaul the current, aging infrastructure. While President Trump did not personally announce a new system in 2025, his administration and recent nominees have pushed for major reforms or referred to ongoing modernization efforts championed by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The latest proposals aim to replace outdated air traffic control technology, identify long-term revenue bonds based on ATC user fees, and leverage digital surveillance and automation to manage air traffic more efficiently. A potential shift in controller roles toward monitoring automated systems from centralized locations is anticipated. However, concerns over transparency and public accountability remain, as seen in the stalled debates surrounding the proposed 2017 privatization push.
In light of the President's comments, the future of aviation might not entirely exclude human pilots, as he acknowledged their importance, stating, "You always need pilots, and I want pilots." Despite this, Trump applauded the potential of new technology, suggesting, "You wouldn't even have to have pilots. This system is so incredible what they can do."
